Indian River Volunteer Fire Company Asks Community to Practice Fire Prevention Strategies The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company continues to emphasize that October is Fire Prevention Month with educational and recreational programs at our local elementary school (Long Neck Elementary) and Boys & Girls Club in order to highlight the importance of fire safety. Fire prevention and preparation are tasks that families should address all year long. Traditionally, we go to schools to educate students about the importance of fire prevention and other related safety awareness initiatives. "Our firefighters go to school for some of the days and their other days the students come to the fire station. It's the greatest opportunity to make a difference in the life of children and recognize fire prevention strategies. We instruct and teach our students about fire prevention awareness measures and they go home and teach their parents these topics which include: • Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home; Have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year. • Replace batteries in smoke detectors at least once a year; Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year. • Develop an exit plan; Practice Escaping From Every Room In The Home. Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. • Identify a family meeting place outside of the residence. Designate A Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance. Designate a meeting location away from the home.