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Every Second Counts
In the event that a fire breaks out in your home, it’s vital that you have a few things in place: working smoke detectors, functioning fire extinguishers, and just as important, a plan for escape. However, while many families have their fresh batteries in place in their detectors, and hopefully most have their extinguishers easily accessible, many do not have a two-ways-out plan.
In the event that a fire breaks out, we cannot predict where the fire will be, or how intense or hot burning it might be. Having an evacuation plan is necessary for any family to be prepared for a possible fire in the home. However, depending on where the fire is and how intense the fire is, you may need a second route out of the home. The Park City Fire District urges all local families and community members to have a plan for escaping the home and finding your family members, and this includes having two ways to evacuate every room in your home in the event of an active fire.
To prepare your plan, first outline the layout of your home. You may want to draw this out with your family to visualize your home and the possible exits. This plan should include all doors and windows. For every room in your home:
- Outline two ways to get out of the home in every room
- Ensure all doors and windows are clear and not blocked by furniture or other items
- Choose an outside meeting place for you and your family
- Test your smoke detectors often and change batteries every 6 months or as necessary
- Practice your evacuation drill with your family to make sure everyone knows how to get out of every room and where to meet
- When in doubt, use the fastest and safest escape route and meet your family outside, rather than finding everyone in the home
The most important thing to remember is to know how to get out of a live fire situation in the home and know the safest meeting place outside of the home. Get yourself out right away.
Stay safe Park City!