This week is National Fire Prevention Week, “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape”

By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER/UNION COUNTIES – Do you have an escape plan in the event of a fire at your home? Today’s homes burn faster than ever. You may have as little as two minutes, or less, to safely escape a home fire from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on an early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.

This week. October 9-15, is National Fire Prevention Week, where this year’s message is “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape.”

With an increase in residential fires recently, now is the time to get a plan in place.

· Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

· Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.

· Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.

· Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.

· Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

This message is brought to you by the Baker County Interagency Fire Prevention Team, City of La Grande Fire Department, La Grande Rural Fire Protection District and Elkhorn Media Group.