Sidney Department of Fire & Emergency Services would like to encourage all Shelby County residents to become better prepared in the event of an emergency. Disasters do happen. Being prepared can help you safely and effectively manage the situation.

We are committed to helping residents become better prepared. Our fire prevention open house was held on Oct. 13th. The latest statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that if you have a reported fire in your home, you are more likely to die today than you were a few decades ago. This startling statistic is behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware — fire can happen anywhere.™” Fire Prevention Week took place October 7-13, 2018.

Through three simple calls-to-action, this year’s theme identifies basic but essential ways people can reduce their risk to fire and be prepared in the event of one:

• Look for places fire can start;

• Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm;

• Learn two ways out of each room.

Preventing fires from starting is the best preparedness. However, accidental fires occur on a regular basis. Being prepared involves having a fire notification and escape plan. The notification will be in the form of working smoke detectors and “closed doors while sleeping” along with knowing two ways out of every location in your home.

To learn more about how you can be better prepared in the event of an emergency visit: www.ready.gov/

We are a member of the Shelby County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). The main emphasis of the LEPC is related to chemical emergency preparedness and response, however, the committee is also involved in other relevant issues of emergency preparation. For more information on the Shelby County LEPC visit http://co.shelby.oh.us/emergency-management-agency/4480-2/.