By FireRescue1 Staff
BOSTON — This year’s Fire Prevention Week’s motto is “Every second counts – plan two ways out!”
Massachusetts State Fire Marshall Peter Ostroskey said planning escape routes are essential to fire safety and is urging families to plan two ways out of every room.
“Time and again, I’ve seen the lifesaving impact of having a home escape plan, when firefighters arrive at a fire and see the family outside at their meeting place,” Ostroskey said. “Most fatal fires occur in the home, and I’ve seen the tragedy that can result when people don’t get out. That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to educate Massachusetts residents about the importance of planning and practicing a home escape plan that everyone knows.”
Ostroskey said meeting spots should be outside and away from the house, such as a neighbor’s porch or tree.
“When creating your family home escape plan, it would be a great time to check that all smoke alarms are less than ten years old, and are working,” Ostroskey said. “Most smoke alarms last about ten years, so it’s important to replace them when they expire.”
Other tips for developing a home escape plan include:
•Have a family planning session: Draw a map of your home, identifying two ways out of every room.
•Include the routes out of each room.
•Teach the route and meeting place to everyone.
•Practice! Hold a fire drill during the day and one at night.
•Make sure your house number is visible from the road so the fire department can locate your home.
Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 9-15.