News Summary
The Shreveport Fire Department has introduced ‘Fire Prevention Friday,’ an initiative aimed at enhancing fire safety awareness as students return to school. The monthly program will focus on various aspects of fire safety, with the first theme emphasizing back-to-school safety for educators, students, and families. The initiative aims to educate the community on effective fire prevention strategies amid alarming statistics on school fires, prompting preventive measures to safeguard learning environments.
Shreveport – The Shreveport Fire Department has launched “Fire Prevention Friday,” a new initiative aimed at enhancing fire safety awareness as students head back to school. The program will feature monthly themes focusing on different aspects of fire safety, with the current emphasis on back-to-school safety to create a secure learning environment for students, teachers, and parents.
Each month, Fire Prevention Friday will provide essential tips and resources designed to educate the community on fire safety practices. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments in the United States respond to approximately 3,230 structure fires in schools annually, resulting in around $37 million in direct property damage each year. Many of these incidents are attributed to arson, prompting the Shreveport Fire Department to promote strategies that will help decrease the number of preventable fires.
Key Tips for Schools
The Shreveport Fire Department recommends several measures that educators and school administrators can implement to reduce fire risks. Classrooms should ensure that all doors and at least one window remain accessible for emergency access. The use of UL or FM certified flame-retardant products is encouraged for window curtains and any combustible decorations in the classroom.
Teachers are also advised to limit the use of extension cords, avoiding placement under rugs, along walls, or through ceilings. Furthermore, artwork and educational materials should constitute no more than 20% of wall space to minimize potential hazards. It is crucial for school administrators to familiarize themselves with emergency response procedures, including the locations of fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations.
Importance of Fire Drills
The Fire Department emphasizes the need to maintain clear pathways in hallways, stairways, and exits by keeping these areas free of combustible items and unnecessary storage. Schools should conduct fire drills at least once a month, treating such practices as genuine emergencies, to ensure that students and staff are well-prepared to respond effectively in case of an actual fire event.
Guidelines for Families
In addition to the information provided for schools, the Shreveport Fire Department has outlined important fire safety practices for families. Households should install smoke alarms near all sleeping areas and on every level of the structure, performing monthly tests to ensure functionality. Parents are encouraged to develop comprehensive fire escape plans that include multiple exit routes and a designated safe meeting place outside the home.
Regular practice of these escape plans is vital in ensuring all family members can respond swiftly and effectively during a fire. Educating children about safe cooking practices, especially when at home alone, is also stressed. Families should limit snacks to those that do not require heating and guide children on the proper use of microwaves. Children must be informed never to place metal items inside microwaves and know what immediate actions to take in the event of a fire.
Conclusion
The Shreveport Fire Department is committed to fostering a safe school year through proactive fire prevention measures. As the school year approaches, the department encourages all community members to participate in the Fire Prevention Friday initiative and stay informed about best practices for fire safety, whether at school or home. For additional information, the community can contact the Shreveport Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 318-673-6740.
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Additional Resources
- WGNO: Classroom Fire Hazards and Prevention
- KSLA: Shreveport Chef Provides Healthy Food Tips
- Evangeline Today: Back to School Safety Tips
- KTBS: Back to School Links & Resources
- The Advocate: Lafayette Back to School Uniform Shopping
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
