During Fire Prevention Week Fire Department Urges Residents to “Have Two Ways Out”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 8, 2012

For more information, please contact:
Scott Smith, Fire Prevention Officer, City of Bloomington Fire Department, 349.3888, [mailto:smiths@bloomington.in.gov]

During Fire Prevention Week Fire Department Urges Residents to "Have Two Ways Out"

Bloomington, Ind. - According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of Americans estimate they would need at least six minutes to escape before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less.

That's why the City of Bloomington Fire Department (BFD) is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7 to 13, to urge residents to "Have Two Ways Out!" This year's theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

"Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize," Scott Smith, BFD fire prevention officer, said. "Having a tried and true escape plan with two ways out is essential to ensuring your family's safety should fire break out in your home."

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths and $6.9 billion in direct damage. In 2010, one home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds.

The BFD recommends the following tips for planning your family's escape:

• Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they've escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
• Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
• Sound the smoke alarm and practice the escape plan with everyone living in your home.
• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and have your family practice the plan twice a year. An easy way to remember this is simply to time your practice to coincide with birthdays or other special events.

The BFD will host tours and and conduct on-site visits during Fire Prevention Week and throughout October to promote "Have Two Ways Out!" Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention. If you are interested in scheduling an event or tour please contact the department at 332.9763.

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