“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.” – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Each October the NFPA hosts Fire Prevention Week. Though the topic is extremely important all year long, this week is a chance to reflect on your family’s fire prevention plans and make sure you’re doing what you can to stay safe.
The 2017 theme is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” to stress the importance of having an escape plan. According to a survey by NFPA, 75% of Americans do have a home escape plan. But unfortunately only one-third of Americans have developed AND practiced their plan.
Do you have a fire escape plan for your home? Have you practiced it? Consider these tips from the NFPA to keep your family safe:
- Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, 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.
Take a look at this Fire Prevention Week infographic for a different way to view these tips. And be sure to check out their website for even more resources to protect your family and home from the dangers of fire.
