Fire Escape Plans and Fire Prevention Month

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Escape Plans and Fire Prevention Month. 

It's October which means, it's officially Fire Prevention Month. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets aside a designated week each October to focus on fire prevention. During this month, evaluate your fire escape plans. The 2019 theme of Fire Prevention Month is "Not every hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!" According to the NFPA, once the fire alarm goes off, "you could have less than one to two minutes to escape safely!"

During a fire, every second counts. Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home or business. Creating, developing, and practicing a fire escape plan in your home and office can make the difference between safety and tragedy. Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways out to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily. Choose an outside meeting place that is a safe distance in front of your home or business, 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 consideration for elderly or disabled individuals. Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year in your home or business.