“Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.”
That is this year’s campaign theme for the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week, which started yesterday (October 9th).
The Manitowoc Fire Rescue Department encourages all residents to embrace that theme.
Today’s homes burn faster than ever.
You may have as little as two minutes or less to safely escape a house fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds.
Your ability to get out of a residence during a fire depends on the early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.
Manitowoc Fire Chief Todd Blaser said “It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given every home is different, every fire escape plan will also be different.”
He added, “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them.”
The chief advises knowing at least two ways out of every room, if possible, and making sure all doors and windows open easily.
And, practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests.
