As National Fire Prevention Week begins on October 8th, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)/Commission on Fire Prevention and Control is urging the public to create and practice a home escape plan.
“A home escape plan should be an essential part of your family emergency plan,” said DESPP Commissioner Dora B. Schriro. “Having a viable plan in place is essential to keeping you and your family safe and sound."
“On behalf of firefighters across Connecticut, I am urging all residents to recognize Fire Prevention Week by creating and practicing a home escape plan,” said State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette. “Always plan to have two ways out.”
National Fire Protection Association offers the following Fire Safety Tips:
- Draw a map of your home byusing our grid NFPA with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
- Practice your home escape plan twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
- Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Once you get outside, go immediately to the designated meeting location identified in your home escape plan, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
The Connecticut Fire Academy is the teaching arm of the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, a Division of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Their mission is to serve as the primary source of education and training for Connecticut firefighters.