JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
You’ve heard the term of stop, drop and roll. Knowing how to call 9-1-1 comes automatically in the event of an emergency.
And you religiously change your batteries in your smoke alarm at least twice a year.
But do you have a fire escape plan? Only about 26 percent of families have developed a fire escape plan according to the American Red Cross. Most people think they have more time to escape a fire, but in fact they may have only two minutes to successfully escape.
CLOSED doors may slow smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms inside every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected, so if one sounds they all sound.
A National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, survey indicated one of every three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. While 71 percent of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47 percent of those have practiced it.
ONE-THIRD of American households who made an estimate, thought they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threating. The time available is often less. Only eight percent said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!
Here’s a few safety tips to follow:
- MAKE a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
- KNOW at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
- HAVE an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
- PRACTICE your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
- PRACTICE using different ways out.
- TEACH children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- CLOSE doors behind you as you leave.
If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Never go back for people or pets.
If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out. Call the fire department from outside your home.
For more information about fire escape planning, visit the National Fire Prevention Association website at www.nfpa.org/education or contact our fire prevention offices at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston at 210-221-2727, at JBSA-Lackland at 210-671-2921, or at JBSA-Randolph at 210-652-6915.