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LAPLACE — This week marked the 100^th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, and this year’s theme, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.

Today’s homes burn faster than ever. The St. John Parish Fire Department warns that occupants may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. A person’s ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

The St. John Parish Fire Department kicked off Fire Prevention Month with a visit to St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. Crews visited with students to talk about fire safety and of course let them see the fire trucks.

One morning, the A-Shift participated in a fire prevention at Fifth Ward Elementary School in Reserve. Students learned stop, drop, and roll, the importance of calling 911, and what to do in the event of a fire. The kids also enjoyed a visit from Sparky and seeing the fire trucks. Meanwhile, children at Kids of Distinction Daycare enjoyed dressing up like a firefighter, seeing the equipment, and practicing stop, drop and roll.

During another visit this week, kindergarten through second graders at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School discussed the importance of an escape plan and knowing how to call 911 in case of emergencies. Children additionally learned how to crawl low through smoke.

Anyone who would like the St. John Parish Fire Department to come talk about fire safety with your organization should call 985-359-0440.