State Fire Marshal Urges Everyone To “Have Two Ways Out!”

The Division of State Fire Marshal and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are teaming up during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge Ohioans to “Have Two Ways Out!” This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice, and knowing what to do when the smoke alarm sounds in your home.

“When people die in a fire, there’s usually no working smoke alarm.” said State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers. “In addition to having working smoke alarms, it is extremely important for you to know how to escape quickly from any room in your home.”

Marshal Flowers said fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize. He added that having a tried and true escape plan with two ways out is essential to ensure your family’s safety should fire break out.

The Division of State Fire Marshal offers these tips for planning your family’s escape:

  • Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
  • Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
  • Get out and stay out.
  • Teach 911, and make certain kids know to call form outside the home in a fire emergency.
  • Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone who lives in your home.
  • Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan at least twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.
  • Working smoke alarms are also a must. More than 90% of fatal fires in Ohio occur in homes without working smoke alarms. The Division of State Fire Marshal recommends smoke alarms on every level of the home and inside each sleeping area.

    For more Fire Prevention information, please visit the Division of State Fire Marshal website at www.com.ohio.gov/fire.

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