Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out During a Fire

I hope that as the daylight hours are getting slightly shorter and hopefully cooler weather, you and I are taking the time spending with our family and friends, in sports, arts and crafts as well as other activities. I also hope that you had taken the time to check and possibly change out the batteries of your fire alarms, they do need to be changed at least once per year. (NSC: National Fire Prevention Week)

National Fire Prevention Week is October 8th to 14th this year, with the theme "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways to Get Out!"

Most of our homes should have at least one working smoke alarms, are a family's first indication of a fire when it sounds. Once that alarm sounds a fire can spread quickly, leaving only a minute or two to escape, according to the National Fire Protection Association. It is extremely important for all households to have an escape plan and practice using at least 2 different ways out of the house. As our September post reminds us, National Preparedness Month teaches us how important it is for every single one of us to plan ahead, because disaster doesn't.

We should all take action to prepare, because we are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes. It takes time and effort to help as many individuals, families, and communities around us engage in preparedness actions.

What You Can Do to Plan Ahead!

There are many ways for you and I to plan ahead before the fire starts, here are some of the tips to keep your home safe from fire:

1. Install both types of smoke alarms and change batteries at least once a year in these devices
2. Plan and practice escape routes and agree on a meeting place outside of your home; be prepared to assist young children, family members with special needs and pets
3. Know two ways out of every room in the home 
4. Learn how to use your fire extinguisher
5. If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll. (National Preparedness Month: Ready.gov)

More Fire Prevention Education Resources

There are additional education resources available on fire prevention, check it out here:
Fire Prevention Week Education Resources

What are the Two Ways Out that You and Your Family Would Use?