FIRE PREVENTION WEEK “Have 2 Ways Out!” October 7-13

It is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out of danger quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? Having two ways out is essential.

This year’s theme—Have 2 Ways Out!—for the National Fire Protection Association’s FIRE PREVENTION WEEK focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.

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.

ENSURE your house number can be clearly seen from the street.

If the smoke alarm sounds, GET OUT AND STAY OUT. Never go back inside for people or pets.

If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOW AND GO under the smoke.

CALL 911 from outside your home.

If you have questions about escape planning, please call the fire department at 208-354-2760.

For more information, please visit the National Fire Protection Agency Website