[californiadisasters] Firefighters Say: You Need Two Ways Out

If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time would have to get to safety? 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of Americans who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home became life threatening. Unfortunately, the time you have to safely escape a fire can often be measured in seconds rather than minutes.

That's why the Los Angeles Fire Department and NFPA are urging fire escape planning and practice during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, urging residents of all ages to:

Have Two Ways Out! (video)

Practice your fire escape plan with "two ways out" twice-each-year with everyone in your household, including children and those with special needs.

Neighborhood Firefighters suggest you:

• Draw a map of each level of your home that shows all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Have a plan for everyone in your home. Discuss and practice your plan with overnight guests.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
• Repeat the mantra 'Get Low and Go!' and 'Get Out and Stay Out!' year-round so that it becomes instinctive for those of all ages to crawl below smoke and gather at your pre-determined outside meeting place in the event of a fire.
• Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Use the ladder only in a real emergency.
• Practice your fire escape plan at night and during daytime hours.

To help you prevent and survive a fire, we've attached a Home Safety Checklist. Fulfill your pledge to protect your loved ones by completing the checklist today! 

You can learn more ways to keep your family safe at: firepreventionweek.org

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Attachment: home_safety_checklist.pdf

Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service, 

Brian Humphrey

Firefighter/Specialist - Public Service Officer

Emergency Public Information (EPI) Center

Los Angeles Fire Department

"Serving with Courage, Integrity and Pride"

Brian Humphrey Status & Location: http://bit.ly/BrianLAFD

LAFD Home Page: LAFD.ORG

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