Thank you to our volunteer firefighters

This week is National Fire Prevention Week. On pages 8 and 9 of this paper you will find a salute to our local Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department members, including their names and photos.

These individuals put in hundreds of hours each year serving our community. They respond to calls 24/7, while they are sleeping, celebrating with their families and working their jobs.

They sacrifice their own time and risk their lives to protect and serve their fellow community members. They attend trainings and host community events such as their recent open house safety carnival.

We can all do our part by having a home evacuation plan and practicing a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different. Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them.

Key home fire escape planning tips:

•Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

•Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound. Replace the batteries once a year.

•Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.

•Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.

•Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

Not just this week, but any week, thank one of our local volunteers for their dedication to our community and its citizens.