Oct. 8 – 14 is Fire Prevention Week, and this year’s theme is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”
When a building is on fire, you may have just seconds to get out safety. That’s why it’s important to create an escape plan in case you and your family have a fire in the home.
An important part of your escape plan should be having at least two ways to exit every room and a way to the outside from each of those exits.
Using a grid from the website of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you can draw a map of your house and mark the exits from each room and the paths from the exits to the outside.
Here are some other tips offered by the NFPA:
- Practice your escape plan with your family at least twice a year.
- Teach your children how to escape even if you are not with them.
- Make sure your house number is clearly marked and visible so the fire department can find you.
- Close the doors behind you. That may help slow the spread of the smoke, heat, and fire.
- Never go back into a burning building.
Also, remember to close your bedroom doors before you go to sleep. Closing your bedroom doors can help slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire if a fire breaks out in your home.
Campbell County Public Safety Department – Fire Safety
Close Your Door Campaign
Video on Planning 2 Ways Out
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s Proclamation of Fire Prevention Week