Practice Your Escape Plan

 “PRACTICE YOUR ESCAPE PLAN” — that’s the message of this year’s Fire Prevention Week. According to a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) poll, the majority of Americans have a fire escape plan. but most haven’t practiced it. Fire safety advocates will be spreading the word that when it comes to escape plans, practice is key.

According to the latest NFPA research, 3,030 people died in 2005 in home fires — that’s roughly eight people every day. Being alerted to a fire and knowing what to do to escape from one are extremely important, yet only 23% of households have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan.

ARE YOU PRFPARED FOR A FIRE?

Although it’s difficult to prepare for the unexpected, reviewing the information below and taking action based on it to plan for a fire is strongly recommended... and don’t forget to practice your escape plan during Fire Prevention Week!

• Install working smoke alarms on every level; inside each bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.
• Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.
• Make sure your plan allows for any specific needs in your household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.
• Practice your plan, at least twice a year.
• Some studies have shown that some children and adults may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.
• If the smoke alarm sounds: Go to your closest exit and if there is smoke on your way out, turn and use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Don’t take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.

No one ever expects they will have a fire in their home, but fires happen all too often. If you prepare your family and other household members with a simple escape plan and practice it, you will have taken an important step toward protecting your loved ones.

Contact your local fire department for more information on Fire Prevention Week activities.
Reproduced from NFPAs Fire Prevention Week website, www.flreoreventionweek.org. ©2007 NFPA.” Visit their website for more information.
October Is National Fire Safety Month