BRUNSWICK

This week is National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week, and several Midcoast fire departments are hosting open houses to let residents know how to stay safe.

This year’s theme is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways out!”

According to a NFPA survey, only one–third of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. One-third of survey respondents also thought they would have a least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening — but the time available is often less.

“It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan,” the fire prevention week website states.

NAFP’s fire prevention week campaign is encouraging the public to:

• Draw a map of their home with all members of the household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.

• Practice a home fire drill twice a year — one at night and one during the day with everyone in the home — and practice using different ways out.

• Teach children how to escape on their own.

• Make sure the home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.

• Close doors behind you as you leave — this may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

• Once you get outside, never go back into the burning building.

The following fire departments are holding open houses:

Phippsburg Fire and Rescue will host its open house tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the fire station located at 1060 Main Road. Tour the firehouse, pick up information on fire prevention, enter raffles and view fire equipment, ambulance and police units, and see a demonstration by the Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Department K9 unit.

Brunswick Fire Department will hold an open house — rain or shine — on Oct. 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Emerson Station, located at 284 Bath Road. In addition to firefighter equipment on display and mascots Sparky and McGruff in the fire house, there will be a bounce house, helmets, popcorn and prizes including a ride to school on a fire engine and gift baskets. Children can slide down the fire pole, tour the fire trucks and crawl through the smoke house. There will also be free popcorn.

Freeport Fire Department’s open house is Oct. 11 from 5-7 p.m. at the public safety building. There will be activities for children and adults at this year’s event at 16 Main St., including displays and demonstrations from both the fire and police departments. The police department’s K-9, Cassie, will be there, and crime prevention information will be available as well. Emergency vehicles will be on display and the Maine Pipes and Drum Corps will perform. More than 15 partner agencies will help deliver health and wellness information, and the fire auxiliary booth will sell grilled burgers and hot dogs.

Bath Fire and Rescue Department will host an open house Oct. 12, 6-8 p.m., at 864 High St. People of all ages are welcome to the event, where they can learn about fire safety and awareness. The open house will also feature fire trucks, a smoke safety trailer, kids fire pole, antique fire truck, health and safety services and a chance to meet the firefighters.

Richmond Fire Department is hosting an open house Oct. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Woolwich Fire and Rescue will hold an open house Oct. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the station at 13 Nequasset Road.

In Bowdoinham, there will be an open house on Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. at the Bowdoinham fire station, located at 57 Post Road.

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