“Every second counts!” says Macon-Bibb Fire Department Chief as Fire Prevention Week kicks off

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – There’s a new motto for the Macon-Bibb Fire Department: Every second counts!

Wednesday afternoon saw the kick-off of Fire Prevention Week with a news conference at the department’s headquarters on Oglethorpe Street.

“We want to make sure that you get out of the home safe,” said Macon-Bibb Fire Department Chief Marvin Riggins. “And you have all the tools that’s necessary and the education that you can be safe, you and your family.”

According to Riggins, there were 10 fire related deaths in 2016 and he wants to see that number cut down to zero.

“We want to do all we can to educate and promote the thought process that every second counts,” continued Chief Riggins. “You have to have a working smoke detector in your home, and you have to have an escape plan for your family and friends at all times.”

Riggins also says that practicing your home escape plan is just as crucial as having one in the first place.

The fire department will also make a personal visit to where you live and inspect your fire alarm system. All you need to do is call them at 478-751-9180 or 478-751-2700.