ORFD launches home escape plan announcement tonight, public invited

The Oak Ridge Fire Department will host a community viewing of a new public service announcement on home escape plans at 6:30 p.m. today (Thursday).

The announcement is titled “Be Prepared: Home escape plans save lives!” The public viewing at Fire Station No. 3 is open to everyone, and it’s supported by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“This program is going to give the fire service the opportunity to show how important having a home escape plan is and how the plan can be implemented by people of all ages,” ORFD Chief Darryl Kerley said.

The PSA showcases the determination of a young boy who begged his family to create and practice a home escape plan. Not more than a few days later, that same fire escape plan is credited with saving the lives of his mother, father, and two brothers.

“Children are some of the best message carriers of the fire department safety programs and this video will show how the persistence of one young man helped keep his family safe,” Kerley said. “We hope that the events experienced by this family show others the importance of having a home escape plan and encourage them to develop a home escape of their own if they don’t already have one.”

Fire Station No. 3 is located at 333 Tuskegee Drive in Oak Ridge.