Did you know fire spreads so quickly you may have as little as two minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds? NMSU's Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 9-15). This year’s focus is on planning ahead before fire strikes.
It is important for you to plan and practice a home fire escape so you know what to do if there’s a fire in your home. Given that every home is different, every fire escape plan also will be different. NMSU’s Fire Department wants to remind you that your ability to get out of a home during a fire depends on early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning.
- Smoke alarms: Test smoke alarms once a month to make sure they work. Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like a hallway) and on each level (including the basement) of your home. (Make sure to choose an alarm that is listed with a testing laboratory, meaning it has met certain standards for protection.) If a smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, replace it.
- Have a plan for everyone in the home: Children, older adults and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone is assigned to help them.
- Fill out this form to help you design your family escape plan.
- Practice your family home safety action plan at least twice a year. Practice daytime and nighttime home fire drills.
- Share your home escape plans with overnight guests.
- If you hear the “Beep,” get on your feet!
It’s important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire. For more fire prevention tips, visit the NMSU Fire Department site and the NFPA website.