Always “Have Two Ways Out!”

Next week, October 7th through the 13th is Fire Prevention Week.  Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says he can’t stress enough how important it is for families to make sure that they have a fire prevention plan along with having a plan on how to exit their homes in the event of a blaze.

The facts are frightening.  According to State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning, if your house is on fire, you actually have less than two minutes to get out, so he says it is a priority that you have a plan.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is joining the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) along with local fire departments to remind people to “Have Two Ways Out!”

Browning says you must have a plan, and you need to practice the plan.

For the year 2010, 2,640 people died in fires.

“One home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010,” says Marshal Browning. “Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize.  Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways is essential to ensuring your family’s safety should fire break out in your home.”

Browning says there are a variety of things that you can do now that will help your family in the event of fire:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms
• Make a map of  your home. Mark a door or window to be used to get out.  Do this in every room
• Choose a meeting place outside were everyone will know to meet
• Write down the number for your fire department on your escape plan
• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home
• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday

You can get more information by visiting these websites: www.firepreventionweek.org or at lasfm.org.