The 2019 Fire Prevention Week (FPW) campaign is, “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and practice your escape!”
According to the nfpa.org website, once you hear the smoke alarm, you may have as little as two minutes to escape.
Plan and map an escape route, and practice the route at least twice a year. Have a meeting place picked out that is a safe distance from the residence, and where all family members can safely meet.
Make sure everyone of all ages can dial 911 and explain what is happening.
Put a smoke alarm on every floor, including a basement, and near all sleeping areas.
Make sure your smoke alarms work, or that you have smoke alarms. Teach children to be aware of the sound, what it means when they hear it, and what to do as soon as they hear an alarm.
Smoke alarms should be less than ten years old, and tested monthly. Replace the batteries once a year; FPW is a great time for battery changes.
Smoke alarms can also have a bed shaker or strobe light for people who cannot properly hear the sound.
Visit sparky.org or nfpa.org for more information and educational material.
