Exit Drills in the Home

If a fire broke out in the middle of the night, would you and your family be able to escape safely? Although most Americans believe they could get out alive, according to a Home Fire Escape Survey conducted by the Nation al Fire Protection Association, only a small number (16%) have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure they could escape quickly and safely.

Some 4,000 fire deaths occur nationwide in homes each year and, too often, it is because people did not, or could not, get out of a burning home in time. Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan is the key to survival.

The elements of an effective home fire escape plan include the following:

• Have working smoke alarms on EVERY level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.

• Know 2 ways out of each room.

• Keep exits unobstructed and easy-to-use.

• Designate a meeting place OUTSIDE and make sure the entire family knows where it is.

• Keep the emergency number 9-1-1 posted by each telephone.

• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year with every member of the household.

Everyone, including preschoolers, can be taught the basics of fire escape.

If there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, someone in the household should plan to assist them. Make sure that doors needed for escape can be opened easily, and that windows are not nailed or painted shut.

The most important thing to remember is to react to the sound of a smoke alarm IMMEDIATELY and make getting out your top priority.

For more information on this or any other fire prevention issue, contact the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Prevention Bureau at 630-353-3030.