Question:
With so many neighborhood fires occurring and unfortunate deaths are there any advice you can give to get out safely?
Answer:
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) believes that having a sound escape plan will greatly reduce fire deaths and protect you and your family’s safety if a fire occurs.
Here are a few of their tips to escape in case of a fire.
~Prepare and practice an escape route with all residents in the home, including children.
The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
Purchase only collapsible ladders evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened. Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
~Know two ways to exit from every room in your home. Make sure safety bars on windows can be opened from inside your home.
~Crawl low, under smoke.
~Feel closed doors. If hot, use another exit.
~Identify a place to meet household members outside.
~Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you escape.
~Never go back inside a burning home.
SOURCE: U.S. Fire Administration visit www.usfa.dhs.gov
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always seek a trusted attorney and/or U.S. HUD approved counselor for all major housing transactions call (800) 569-4287 or visiting ww.hud.gov to locate one.
