Black Rock Fire Co. Says, In Case of Fire, Have Two Ways Out

The following was provided by the Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company.

If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety?  According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of American households thought they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening.  Unfortunately, the time available is often less.

That’s why the Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

“In 2010, a home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds across the U.S.,” says Jim Callahan, Assistant Chief and Training Officer of the Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company.  “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 a fire break out in your home.” 

The Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company recommends the following 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.

The Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company will be delivering educational programs at local elementary schools and pre-schools during Fire Prevention Week to promote “Have Two Ways Out!”  There will also be an Open House for local residents held on October 10, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M at the Oaks Fire Station on Green Tree Road.  Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention.

To find out more about these Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, please contact the Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company at (610) 666-7965.  To learn more about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org