This week is Fire Prevention Week and this year the St. John’s Regional Fire Department is stressing the importance of planning and practicing your escape.

This year’s theme is “Not Every Hero Wears A Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” – focusing on what a home escape plan entails, and the importance of practicing it.

St. John’s Regional, Captain Mike Maher says these messages are very important because today’s homes burn faster than ever.

Some safety tips include making a home escape plan, drawing a map with all doors and windows; know at least two ways out of every room; have an outside meeting place a safe distance from the home; practice your home fire drill at night and during the day, twice a year; practice using different ways out; teach children how to escape on their own; and close doors behind you as you leave.

The fire department says to plan ahead as if a fire breaks out, you may only have minutes to get out safely.

Meanwhile, St. John’s Regional is hosting a number of events throughout the region.

There will be a fire prevention display booth at the Avalon Mall all week from 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Firefighters are also visiting schools throughout the week talking with students about fire safety as well as conducting and evaluating school fire drills.

Fire Prevention Week continues until October 12th.