Fire Safety

Fire safety week is a week observed every October in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire that occurred between October 8th-10th in 1871. This year, Fire Safety week falls on October 6th and ends October 12th. During this week, it is very important that families go over the evacuation plans, and if you don’t have one yet, now is the time to make one! Below you will find a few safety facts to keep in mind this fire safety week.

– In a typical house fire, you may have as little as one or two minutes to escape after the fire alarm sounds. Now is the time to make your escape plan, not when the alarm goes off.

– Working smoke alarms cut the risk of perishing in a home fire in half.

– It is important to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor.

– Children often won’t wake up to the sound of a smoke alarm, so it is important to know what you would do in that situation.

– Test alarms at least once a month using the test button.

– Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

– Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible, and a meeting place outside.

– Practice your escape plan twice a year, and involve children in the planning of the route.

– When the alarm sounds, get out, stay out and call for help. DO NOT GO BACK INSIDE.