JBSA-FORT SAM HOUSTON –
If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, one-third of Americans households thought they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening.
Unfortunately, the time available is often less.
The Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week - which runs from Oct. 7 to 13 - to urge residents to "Have Two Ways Out!"
This year's theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.
In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.
"One home structure was reported every 85 seconds in 2010," said Sherry Salone, an inspector with the JBSA-FSH Fire Department. "Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize.
"Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways is essential to ensuring your family's safety should fire break out in your home."
Salone recommends families follow these tips for planning their escape in case of a fire:
· Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
· Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they've escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
· Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
· Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.
· Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.
The JBSA-FSH Fire Department will be hosting fire extinguisher training, static displays and an open house during Fire Prevention Week to promote "Have Two Ways Out!"
Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, contact the JBSA-FSH Fire Department at 221-2727. Visit the NFPA website at http://www.firepreventionweek.org to learn more about "Have Two Ways Out!"
How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan
· Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows. · Visit each room. Find two ways out.
· All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
· Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working.
· Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home.
· Everyone will meet at the meeting place.
· Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
· Talk about your plan with everyone in your home.
· Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department.
· Practice your home fire escape drill!