Fire department urges people to have fire escape plans
By From staff reports
Published in News on October 7, 2012 1:50 AM
According to the National Fire Protection Association, one-third of Americans households would have at only six minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. For many, the time would be less.
That is one reason the Goldsboro Fire Department is teaming up with the NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13 to urge residents to "Have Two Ways Out!" This year's theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.
In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires that caused 13,350 injuries, 2,640 deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.
The Goldsboro Fire Department recommends 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.
* Write the emergency telephone number for the 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.
To help educate the public during Fire Prevention Week, the Goldsboro Fire Department will hold fire education activities at local schools, child care centers and participating in the 15th annual Kid's Fest Event scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Berkeley Mall.
The event will give residents a chance to check out a real fire truck, learn more about fire and crime prevention and also obtain information from various health care professionals.