Every Second Counts

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place.  The American Red Cross suggests that families have a developed and practice a home fire escape plan. Here are a few suggestions to help you and your family to develop an emergency escape plan:

1. Draw a map of each level — Show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure that all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
2. Consider escape ladders — This is something to consider for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.
3. Choose an outdoor meeting place — Make sure the meeting place is a safe distance in front of your home, where everyone can meet after they have escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
4. Teach children — Teach them how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.
5. Practice makes perfect — Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime, at least twice a year.

Click this link to download your personal PDF copy of their Home Fire Escape Plan:

https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/get-help/fire-safety/Home-Fire-Escape-Plan-English-Spanish.pdf