The Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department (QCFMD) is observing National Fire Prevention Week by urging families to understand the importance of having a home escape plan. Using the slogan “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape.” QCFMD hopes to educate the community about important actions one can take to keep themselves and their families safe from house fires.
“You may have two minutes or even less to escape from a home fire from the time that smoke alarm goes off. Your success in getting out of your home during a fire depends on a working smoke detector and advance planning on how you are going to get out,” said QCFMD Fire Chief Vance Gray.
Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, and inside or just outside the door of every bedroom.
Everyone in the family should be involved in making the home escape plan. Walk through your home and inspect possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Establish an easy-to-find and familiar family reunification spot outside the home, where you can meet up with your family.
To create a home escape plan, follow the following steps:
· Show all doors and windows.
· Mark two ways out of each room.
· Plan for each member of the family, including babies and toddlers who might be unable to escape on their own.
For more information about Fire Prevention week, visit nfpa.org/fpw.
For information on home escape plans and step-by-step instructions on creating one for your family, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/SafetyTips and click on "Home Escape Plan."
