Fire Prevention Week – “Have Two Ways Out!”

If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety?  According to the non-profit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of American estimated they would have at least six minutes to get out safely before a house fire would become life threatening. However, the reality is that you have less than six minutes to get your family out safely.

That’s why the Southlake Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 house fires. These fires caused 13,350 injuries, 2,640 deaths, and $6.9 billion in damage.

“Also in 2010 a house fire was reported every 85 seconds,” says Southlake Fire Chief Michael Starr. “Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize.  It is important to have at least two tried and true escape plans to get you and your family out of your home safely when seconds count.”

The Southlake Fire Department recommends the following tips for planning your family’s escape:

• Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet and be accounted for once they’ve escaped.
• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.
• Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone in your home.

To learn more about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org.