BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - It's National Fire Prevention Week, and Cal Fire is asking everyone to practice fire safety skills. These include planning and practicing a safe escape to get out of a house fire or wildfire in time.
“Being aware of your surroundings is an ability people need to use wherever they go,” said CAL FIRE Director, Thom Porter. “No matter where you are, look for two ways out. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit immediately. If you are in a wildfire situation, leave early.”
“Your ability to get out safely depends on advance planning and warning,” said California State Fire Marshal Mike Richwine. “Per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), only one of every three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47% of those have practiced it. We can do better.”
Cal Fire recommends the following tips:
- Make an escape plan, and practice your plan monthly during the day and at night to make sure that children and adults react to the smoke alarm and know what to do.
- Draw a map of each level of the home. Show two ways out of every room.
- Have an outside meeting place like a mailbox, tree, or light. Know to call 911 from your meeting place.
- Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone helps them.
- Install smoke alarms inside every sleeping area, in hallways outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
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