Crime & Safety
Farmington Hills Fire Asks, Do You Have Two Ways Out?
During Fire Prevention Week, the department is urging residents to have and practice a fire escape plan.
If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time would you have to get out? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of Americans estimate they would have at least six minutes before a fire became life threatening -- unfortunately, that time is often less.
The Farmington Hills Fire Department is teaming up with the NFPA during Fire Prevention Week on 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. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.
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“One home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010,” said Lieutenant Jason Olszewski. “Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize. Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways out is essential to ensuring your family’s safety should fire break out in your home.”
The Farmington Hills Fire Department recommends the following tips for planning your family’s escape:
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Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
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Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home where everyone can gather once they’ve escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
Write the emergency telephone number (911) 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 find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, contact the Farmington Hills Fire Department at 248-871-2800. To learn more about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit the NFPA’s website at www.firepreventionweek.org.
Source: City of Farmington Hills press release
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