Every Second Counts

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

A fire can happen at any time. Every second counts, so be READY and make a plan today.

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.

A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families and businesses have developed and practiced a fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home or office understands the plan.

The best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing it.

The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.

• Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room.
• Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Consider escape ladders 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.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped.
• Make sure to mark the location of the meeting area on your escape plan. Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
• Plan for everyone in your home or office, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.
• Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime.

 *Tips and statistics provided by the American Red Cross