Can You Do It In Under TWO MINUTES?

10/14/2016 (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 fi re, 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 have developed and practiced a home fi re escape plan.

Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home 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 the escape plan.

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

• Draw a map of each level of your home and show all 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 place on your escape plan.
• Teach children 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.
• Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime.

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