Plan ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire. “We’d really like to stress emergency escape planning at home and making sure you’ve always go two ways to escape,”. said firefighter Bob Magsam. “If anyone ever needs help escape planning and coming up with two ways out for their family, feel free to call us at the fire department, we’re always ready to help.”
Practice of an escape plan is also important, 71 percent of American have an escape plan, but only 47 percent say they have practiced it.
Safety Tips
· Make a home escape plan. Draw a map your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
· Know at least two possible ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
· Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
· Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
· Practice using different ways out.
· Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
· Close doors behind you as you leave. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
If the Alarm Sounds
· If the smoke alarm sounds, GET OUT AND STAY OUT. Never go back inside for people or pets.
· If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOW AND GO under the smoke on your way out.
· Call the fire department from outside your home.
