It might sound like the whole town of Tea, South Dakota is on fire!  But actually, the Tea Fire Department will be sounding the fire siren on purpose...with a goal. The Tea Fire Department is presenting 'Operation  E.D.I.T.H' Tuesday, October 14th, 2014.

'Operation E.D.I.T.H.' is an acronym for Exit Drill In The Home.  Starting at 6 PM, the Tea Fire Department will sound the city fire siren, and then fire trucks from the Tea Fire Department will drive through the city of Tea with full lights and sirens.  When the residents of Tea hear this taking place, they are encouraged to use this opportunity to practice their fire exit drill from their home and meet at their designated meeting place.

The Tea Fire Department recommends families discussing what their fire exit plan is and where a designated meeting place should be.  Some suggested meeting places are in the front of the house, possibly near a mail box, street light or sidewalk, so that family members can be seen and accounted for. Sadly, many lives are lost due to not being organized as a family and people unnecessarily running into a burning building when they don't have to.

It's also a good idea for families to use 'Operation E.D.I.T.H' as a reminder to check smoke detectors and replace the batteries if needed.  Smoke detectors save lives!

Fire departments in not only Tea, South Dakota, but other communities as well, realize that every resident is irreplaceable and would like to encourage families to have a safe plan of action at all times.

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