Every Second Counts, Plan 2 Ways Out!

In a fire, seconds count.

Seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape or tragedy.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” puts an important emphasis on why everyone needs to have an escape plan.

Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:

• Draw a map of the home with all household members, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice a home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in the home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case adults can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of the home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.