Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. -- According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2015, an estimated 365,500 home structure fires caused 2,560 deaths, 11,075 civilian injuries, and $7 billion in direct damage.
In hopes of raising awareness of fire safety and prevention, this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” was created. Recognized from Oct. 8 - 14, it reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan.
“A home escape plan should include two ways out of each room in your home,” said Sparky the Fire Dog. “That usually means a door and a window. Remember to keep all exits free of clutter and make sure all windows can open and close easily.”
The NFPA has a list of recommendations for each family:
-Draw a map of the home by using a grid with all members of the household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
-Practice a home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in the house, and practice using different ways out.
-Teach children how to escape on their own in case an adult can’t help them.
-Make sure the number of the home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
-Family members should close doors behind them as they leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
-Once someone gets outside, they should stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
“We should be planning every day for "what if" scenarios,” said Eric Harper, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire chief. “There is no schedule for things to happen, they just do. It's not just homes we’re talking about; it's your favorite restaurant; the movies; an un-familiar place. Taking the time to come up with a plan for those “what if's” is important, because every second does count.”
Visit the following website for more information:
www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/Fire-Prevention-Week