October is Fire Prevention Month. This year’s theme — “Every second counts: Plan two ways out!” — reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan in place.
In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.
- Draw a map of your home, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
- Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- 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.
For more tips, visit nfpa.org. http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/Fire-Prevention-Week