The Two Minute Rule

From FEMA.gov

Imagine being sound asleep in the middle of the night when suddenly your smoke alarms start blaring. Your house is filling with smoke. Do you know what to do? According to the American Red Cross (ARC), fire experts agree that people have about two minutes to escape a burning home.

With this in mind, ARC created the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign to reduce the number of fire related deaths and injuries by up to 25 percent over the next five years. You can be a part of this movement by having a fire escape plan that includes the following:

·        Make sure all members of the household know how to get out of every room in the house;

·        Pick a place outside where everyone can meet and be sure everyone knows where it is;

·        Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside;

·        Practice your home fire drill until everyone in the house can do it in less than two minutes; and

·        Make sure everyone knows how to call '911'.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) says people are at greater risk for home fires during the winter months. Now that the season is here, use ARC’s printable worksheet and begin planning; then check out this video from the USFA to learn how to conduct a fire drill with your family today!