The Hoffman Estates Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) from Oct. 7 through Oct. 13 to let our community know: "It's Fire Prevention Week. Have 2 Ways Out!" This year's theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

According to the NFPA, one home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010. That added up to 369,500 home structure fires, which caused 13,350 injuries and 2,640 deaths.

Now imagine it's 3 a.m. You and your family are sound asleep and awake to a beeping smoke alarm. You are tired and confused from the effects of the smoke. You know you need to get to safety, but when you head for the front door, you find the escape route is blocked by fire that is spreading by the second. What do you do?

While this scenario is one the Fire Department hopes you never have to encounter, statistics tell us that many people do every day. The numbers are scary, but there is something you can do to help ensure your family's safety: Have 2 Ways Out! Hoffman Estates residents need to know what to do if a fire breaks out in their home. Preparation is an important part of being able to deal with an emergency. Have an escape plan and practice it!

If you have any questions about Fire Prevention Week, e-mail Lt. Don Richter at donald.richter@hoffmanestates.org. To learn about Fire Prevention Week, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.