BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Baton Rouge Fire Department shares home fire escape planning tips with residents ahead of the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week.
The year’s campaign theme is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape,” according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fire Prevention Week takes place from Oct. 9 to Oct. 15.
“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different,” said Michael Kimble, fire chief of Baton Rouge. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!”
Home fire escape planning tips from BRFD:
- 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.
