As fire prevention week approaches, we need to be aware of the dangers that a fire poses. Not only is the fire a concern, but the toxic smoke is an issue too. Therefore, your knowledge makes you the first line of defense for your home. This year’s theme is “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape”. With that in mind every home owner should develop an escape plan for their home. Once you create an escape plan, practice it. It is important that everyone knows the plan and follows it. One way to do this is to have your own fire drills. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Here are some key things to look for when creating an escape plan;
o Make sure your home escape plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
o Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
o Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
o For upper levels, store escape ladders in an easy to get to place.
o Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
o Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.
According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) data, your home, ergo the place you feel safest from fire, is actually at greatest risk, with nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of all U.S. fire deaths occurring in homes. When a home fire does occur, it’s more likely to be serious; people are more likely to die in a home fire today than they were in 1980.
“Today’s homes burn faster and hotter than they used to, minimizing the amount of time they have to escape safely.” “In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to get out from the time the smoke alarm sounds.” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of the NFPA Outreach and Advocacy division.
If you do have a fire stay calm, “calmness is contagious” says Edgmont Township Fire Company Asst. Chief Ron Gravina. Remain calm and enact your fire plan. First get children and elderly out of the home. If you have a fire extinguisher use it (remember the acronym P A S S, Pull pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep). If the first extinguisher doesn’t do the job, don’t leave to get another fire extinguisher from another part of the house. Edgmont Township Fire Company Deputy Chief David Wilkie, Jr. says, “When using a fire extinguisher at your home or place of business, if the first extinguisher doesn’t do the job…GET OUT! Don’t attempt to collect valuables, just get out!”
For more tips on fire safety click on the link a below or see Prevention and Education tab on this website. To set up a visit or fire prevention class contact Edgmont Township Fire Company’s Fire Prevention and Education coordinator, Michael Barney at mbarney@edgmontfire.org or call (610) 325-5868
Your escape plan may save your life, or someone you love. So remember, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape”