Press Release: Home Fires … Two Ways Out

Fire! In your home? No, you think. But what if it were? Would you and your family know what to do? Would they react safely? In 2005, the year for which the most current statistics are available, 3,675 fire deaths occurred in the United States.

One of the primary problems surrounding the high fire deaths rate is belief by individuals that they won’t have an accidental fire. So, they are not prepared when a fire occurs and they react improperly. The Wilton Fire Department asks that family members plan ahead their actions in the event their homes are stricken by a fire.

• Install and maintain smoke detectors: at least one on each level and one outside each bedroom area.
• Every occupant should know two ways out of each bedroom: a primary exit (usually the door) and a secondary exit (the window), should the doorway be blocked.
• For primary exit escapes, make sure everyone knows to crawl out on their hands and knees below the smoke.
• Some family members may need assistance escaping, such as infants, small children and the elderly. Assign “helpers” in advance so that, in the event of a fire, everyone will know what is expected of them.
• For second and third story window escapes, install folding escape ladders. They may be stored in a box by the window for quick access.
• Determine an outside meeting place. Make sure everyone is familiar with its designation.
• Most important: Practice the plan! Not only during the day, but also at night. Time the evacuation and evaluate it. Don’t wait until a fire occurs to find out that window is stuck shut.
• Once all family members are outside at the designated meeting place, an adult should go to the neighbor’s house to telephone the fire department. Memorize 911.

For more safety tips and other useful information, visit us on the web at http://www.wiltonfire.org.