Fire department emphasizes vigilance during prevention week

By U.S. ArmySeptember 29, 2017

Fire Prevention Week
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Vigilance against fire is a 24/7/365 responsibility for everyone in the family, and neighbors too.

This year the Fire Department reminds community members to always have a Plan B, as every second counts when there is a fire. If your primary exit is blocked, you need an alternate way out.

Staying inside a burning house, apartment, hotel, bus, train, office or campground is NOT an option you want to try!

If one option is to wait on a balcony for firefighters to recue you, make sure the firefighters can reach you. Make sure you are safe on the balcony as fire from below can come up and kill with smoke. If the balcony edge is 90 feet or less above the ground and a ladder truck can get within 70 feet of the balcony on a hard surface, you should be reachable. Also be sure to take into account car parking and other obstacles.

Make sure to close doors behind you as you make your escape. This will help keep the fire at bay, at least for a little while, and not allow fire the easy freedom to extend into other rooms.

NEVER, ever, go back into a burning building. Tell firefighters where a loved one is (pets, too!) and let them go get them for you. Firefighters train to do this and have a much better success rate.

Every second counts -- know two ways out. Be vigilant and prevent fires.

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