Fire Won't Wait, Plan Your Escape

Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 9-15

Why are homes burning faster? Houses today contain far more synthetic materials (from structural materials to furniture) than ever before, leading fires to burn hotter and spread faster.

Forty years ago, the average person had 17 minutes* to escape a burning home. Today, fire experts agree that people have about two minutes— that’s 120 seconds— to exit a home that has caught fire.

Westerville Division of Fire (WFD) Chief Brian Miller is emphasizing the importance of planning and practicing a home fire escape route in support of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) theme: “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.™ ”

If there’s one thing Chief Miller knows, it’s the importance of establishing and practicing a plan for emergencies. Under his leadership, Westerville firefighters pursue training opportunities year-round. He says this practice ensures his team is up on the most innovative response tactics and, most importantly, helps make certain best practices become muscle memory during an emergency. The same principle applies to anyone and everyone.

“We think of fire drills as activities for the schools or workplace. But it’s important to have a fire escape plan that includes everyone in the household. Set a designated meeting spot and then practice escaping,” said Chief Miller. “It might feel a little silly at first, but that dry run could be the difference between a family member freezing or fleeing from a dangerous situation.”

NFPA recommends families practice their plans at least twice a year, once in the daytime and once at night.

For links to planning materials, free smoke alarm installation and more, visit www.westerville.org/fpw.

*According to Underwriters Laboratories Fire Research Institute

Chief Brian Miller, Westerville Division of Fire