This week is “National Fire Prevention Week,” and the emphasis this year is, Every second counts, Plan 2 ways out. The NFPA is encouraging folks to draw a map of their home and plan two ways out of each room along with a path to the outside to a pre-planned meeting place, preferably one that is well lit and out of the way of emergency vehicles. You can find a grid on www.nfpa.org that will aide in drawing the plan.
Every household member that can walk should know and understand the fire escape plan. You should practice a home fire drill at least twice a year. Plan one at night, one during the day.
Make sure children know what to do in a fire situation. This doesn’t have to be a scary thing. Make it a game, and they will know what to do should the time come. Doors and windows should be easy for kids to open.
Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
Close doors behind you as you leave; this may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
On average, you will have one to two minutes to get out after a fire alarm sounds. Yes, seconds count.
This information and more can be found at www.nfpa.org/publiceducation. © NFPA.
Make it a point to say “thank you” to a firefighter, policeman or EMT this month. And remember, help is just around the corner at your local hardware store.
