The Chief's Corner
September 2007
Fire Prevention Week
is from October 8th through October 12th. This year nationwide all fire departments
are emphasizing the importance of planning a safe fire escape.
"WHEN YOUR OUT
STAY OUT!"
It is important to
plan and practice home fire drills. Listed below are, some facts that you and
your family need to know when planning your fire escape.
- Bring all the
family members together and draw out your plan. Drawing a floor plan of your
home and marking two exits from each room can prove to be a helpful aid, especially
when dealing with children.
- Make sure that
all the family members understand the escape plan.
- Choose an outside
meeting place away from the home where all family members can meet after they
have successfully escaped. This will be known as your "Safe Place"
- Walk through
your home and make sure all escape routes are easily accessible and that doors
and windows open easily. Never block an exit with furniture!
- Make sure your
street number is visible from the street. It is recommended that numbers be
in direct color contrasting to the structure, which they are attached, or
on the mailbox with reflective for night visibility. If your structure is
not visible from the road and located further then 100 feet from the centerline
of their road it is addressed from, a street number shall be displayed with
three inch numbers on a marker that stands as least three feet in height at
a location that is visible from the road.
- Practice! Practice!
This will help your family remember the escape route. Put your plan to the
test by holding drills at least twice a year. When planning your drill, it's
a good idea to start at night. Use your smoke detector, and make certain that
everyone is awakened by it, especially children. During the drill make sure
all family members practice crawling on their hands and knees. Remember in
a real fire situation, smoke and toxic fumes rise so the cleaner air is near
the floor. By crawling low, you'll be able to breathe.
- NOTE: If your
home has more than one floor, it is important that all family members have
a way to escape from the higher levels.
Sincerely,
Donald Braun
Fire Chief Donald
"Donnie" Braun
