By Marla Jones, Reporter • marla@southerntorch.com (Photo by Marla Jones)
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely, takes planning and practice.
The Fort Payne Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of the Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years to promote the years Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” which works to educate the public about basic but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire.
NFPA statistics show that the number of U.S. home fires has been steadily declining over the past few decades. However, the death rate per 1000 home fires that are reported to fire departments was ten percent higher in 2016 than 1980.
People feel safest in their home, but it is also the place people are at greatest risk of fire, with four out of five U.S. fire deaths occurring at home.
Chief Ron Safertite of the Fort Payne Fire Department says this year’s “Look. Listen. Learn.” campaign highlights three steps people can take to help quickly and safely escape a fire:
- LOOK for places fire could start.
- LISTEN for the sound of the smoke alarm.
- LEARN 2 ways out of every room.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.firepreventionweek.org
