Fire Prevention Week - Escape Planning

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Plan an escape route from every area of the house and ensure that everyone in the family knows several ways out, what to do, and where to meet.

October 3-9, 2021 is Fire Prevention Week

One of the most important things you can do is plan ahead. Plan an escape route from every area of the house and ensure that everyone in the family knows several ways out, what to do, and where to meet. 

If a fire breaks out, you only have a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. The owners of SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties know first hand the importance of having a plan in place and knowing what to do in the event of a house fire. On a warm October afternoon their house caught fire and was completely destroyed. Thankfully, working smoke alarms and an escape plan meant that everyone got out of the house safely.

The National Fire Protection Association offers these escape planning tips:

• MAKE a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home and all door and window exits. Discuss the plan with everyone in the home. (According to an NFPA survey, only one of every three households have actually developed and practiced a home escape plan.) 
• KNOW at least 2 ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• HAVE an outside meeting place a safe distance from the house where everyone knows to meet.
• PRACTICE your home drill and practicing using different ways out of the house so that everyone feels comfortable knowing what to do in case of an emergency.
• TEACH children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them.
• CLOSE the doors behind you as you leave. (A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, or fire.)

If the alarm sounds, GET OUT and STAY OUT. Never go back inside for people, pets, or belongings. Professionals can help others safely evacuate. If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOW and GO - find your way under the rising smoke to get out. Call the fire department once you are OUTSIDE your home. Make sure children know how to call 9-1-1 and provide the necessary information in case of an emergency.