Fire Prevention Week 2012 "Have 2 Ways Out"

It is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That's why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan. This year’s theme,“Have 2 Ways Out!”, focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. 

Students in school have fire drills through out the school year, but when asked who has done a fire drill at home few hands go up. A home fire escape plan should include the following:

1. Have working smoke detectors on each level of the house and within 10 feet of bedrooms.  Test detectors monthly and replace batteries when you change the clocks.

2. Keep bedroom doors closed when sleeping.  A closed door will keep heat and smoke out for a very long time and could make the difference of surviving or not.

3. If you hear the smoke alarm check the door for heat before opening it.  Use the back of your hand since it is more sensitive.  If hot DO NOT open it.  Go to the window and open it and yell for help.  Call 911 if you have a phone in the room.

4. If the door is not hot, open it, if there is smoke crawl low under the smoke where it is easier to see and breath.

5. Once outside go to your meeting place.  Never go back inside for anything!

Have all members of the family work together on an escape plan and practice it.