Fire - Ask a Firefighter Columns
Glendale Republic
10-29-08
Fire claims the lives of thousands of people each year in our country. It is a leading cause of preventable deaths in a home. The Glendale Fire Department continues to encourage everyone to develop and practice a “Home Escape Plan” with your family as you never know when you’ll have to rely on it. The following information will answer the questions; (1) why is a home escape plan important? and (2) how can I develop my home escape plan?
When an emergency is reported by calling 911, Firefighters typically arrive within about 4 minutes. According to NFPA, one-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would be life-threatening. The reality is when smoke alarms sound; fire can spread through your home in just two minutes. Imagine for a moment that smoke alarms in your home sounded off at 3:00 am. Will your family know how to react? Do you have a meeting place for everyone? Do you have a plan? Your family’s ability to escape a home fire depends on working smoke alarms and proper planning. Everyone in your household should practice your home escape plan.
Here are some tips on preparing a home escape plan.
- Talk about the importance with your family. Everyone should walk through your home looking at all of the possible exits and escape routes. Draw a floor plan of your home and mark two ways out of each room. Everyone must understand the escape plan. Escape routes should be clear and doors and windows should be able to be easily opened.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should also be installed in or near every bedroom. Be sure to check your smoke alarms monthly.
- Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor’s house, mailbox or stop sign). This place should be at a safe distance in front of your home. This location can be marked on your escape plan.
- If there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drills and in the event of an emergency.
- Make arrangements in your plan for anyone in your home who has a disability.
- Once you’re out, stay out! Call 911 as soon as possible. Firefighters will arrive within a few minutes to perform rescues and put the fire out.
- Practice your plan twice a year and try to make the drill as realistic as possible. Pick different times in the day to have a drill.
More fire safety tips can be found on the Glendale Fire Department Web site, www.glendaleaz.com/fire.
Do you have a fire department questions? Send it to askafirefighter@glendaleaz.com.
