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Fire escape plan protects children
AURORA, Ill. - While a significantnumber of Americans believe they have more than six minutes to safely get out of a home once a smoke alarm sounds, statistics indicate there can be as little as two minutes before a firecan become life-threatening.
Although properly installed and maintained smoke alarms provide an early signal to your household of a fireemergency, it's just as essential to make sure your kids know what to do once the alarm sounds.
According to safety experts, it is crucial to develop and practice a home escape plan in case a real fireshould occur, especially if children are in the home.
Here are the key considerations when preparing your escape plan: Consider the particular characteristics of each member of the family including age, physical conditions, sleeping habits and hearing ability.
• If children or others do not readily hear the alarm, assign someone to assist them during a firedrill or emergency.
• Identify two exits for each room and each level of the residence and teach children not to hide in a closet or under beds.
• Feel if a door is hot before opening. If it is hot, do not open it. If you can use the door, close it behind you. A closed door may help stall a fire.
• Stay low to the ground when exiting.
• Once outside the home, go to a designated meeting place so all family members can be accounted for. Make sure the location is a safe distance and away from other structures or trees that could also catch on fire.
• Dial 911 from a neighbor's home or a cell phone.
• Never, under any circumstance, approach or re-enter the home until firecrews arrive and assess the situation.
• Practice the escape plan at least twice a year, making sure everyone is involved, from kids to grandparents. It is also recommended to hold a firedrill at night in order to determine the response of family members.
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