Plan your escape during National Fire Prevention Week
Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) is encouraging all Dallas residents to have a plan in the event of a fire. National Fire Prevention Week (NFPW) is October 6 through 12 and this year’s theme is, “Not every hero wears a cape, plan and practice your escape.”
In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone enough time to get out.
“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Jason Evans, DFR Public Information Officer. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”
Home escape planning and practice ensure that everyone knows what to do in a fire and is prepared to escape quickly and safely.
How to create a plan:
- Map it out – draw or map out the layout of your home, marking two exits in every room (typically a door and a window) and a path from each exit to the outside
- Smoke alarms – Mark the location of all smoke alarms in your home. There should be at least one on every level, in each bedroom and near all sleeping areas.
- Meeting place – Pick a meeting place outside in front of your home where everyone will meet upon exiting.
- 911 – Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 or the local emergency number once they’re safely outside.
Written by, Roxana Rubio
