Fire Prevention Week kicks off with several events

The Laguna Beach Fire Department, along with the Orange County Fire Chiefs’ Assn., are encouraging residents to have a plan in place if a fire breaks out in their home.

The efforts of local fire officials are part of the national theme for Fire Prevention Week, “Have Two Ways Out,” according to a news release.

During October, firefighters will visit local schools and participate in emergency drills to educate people about fire safety and emergency preparedness.

On Oct. 13, the public can visit any of Laguna’s four fire stations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and take tours, meet local firefighters, check out the fire engines and ask questions about safety.

The four stations are: Fire station No. 1 in Downtown at Forest Avenue; fire station No. 2 in Midtown at Agate Street; fire station No. 3 in Top of the World at Alta Laguna Boulevard and fire station No.4 in South Laguna at 2nd Avenue.

In addition, on Oct. 18 firefighters will participate in the Great ShakeOut, a mock earthquake drill at local schools.

Fire officials provided a list of questions when thinking about fire safety:

•Do you have a plan if there is a fire in your home?

•Do you have a secondary means of escape if the primary route becomes blocked?

•Do you have a plan if there is a wildfire approaching your home?

•Do you have smoke detectors in your home, and are they functioning properly?

•Do you keep all of your important documents and medications in an easy-to-reach location?

•If there is a fire in the home, where will you stay if you cannot go back inside?

•Have you eliminated most if not all potential fire hazards inside and outside your home?

For more information, call (949) 497-0700.

— Alisha Gomez