Warning! Dangers With Fireworks!

National Fire Protection Association Press Release:

Use of consumer fireworks dramatically increases risk of fire and injury. National health and safety advocates team up to warn of dangers

Click to Tweet: Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often kids & teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks http://ow.ly/bIyi9 #FireworkSafety

(via NFPA) Just in time for Fourth of July, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its Fireworks report which explores fire and injury dangers related to consumer fireworks. The report shows that in 2010 alone, an estimated 15,500 reported fires were started by fireworks and 8,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.  It also shows that there are more fires on a typical Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

“Thousands of people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year because of incidents involving consumer fireworks and many times these injuries are extremely painful and require long-term recovery – using consumer fireworks is simply not worth the risk,” said James Shannon, president of NFPA. “We encourage families to enjoy public displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.”

The Fireworks report outlines specific statistics regarding how the use of consumer fireworks relates to fire danger including:

• In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires.
• These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.

The report demonstrates using consumer fireworks heightens the risk of injury and even death. The study showed:

• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14 with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• Sparklers and novelties alone accounted for 38 percent of the 8,600 emergency room fireworks injuries in 2010.

With the Fireworks report’s findings in mind, NFPA along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, founded the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks to warn individuals about the dangers of consumer fireworks.The Alliance is a group of health and safety organizations that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.











View the full Fireworks report and more information about NFPA and firework safety.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

 

Focusing on Having Two Ways Out

National Fire Protection Association focuses on Having Two Ways Out during Fire Prevention Week in October 

2012 theme highlights the importance of fire escape planning and practice 

Click to tweet: Have Two Ways Out! Join @NFPA in spreading importance of fire escape planning and practice http://tinyurl.com/25rdvy9  

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the 2012 Fire Prevention Week theme as “Have Two Ways Out!” to encourage families across the country to prioritize fire escape planning and practice. From October 7-13, 2012, NFPA blazes the trail for home fire safety and leads the campaign tohave a home fire escape plan that prepares families to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. If one exit is blocked by smoke, it’s imperative to plan for another escape outlet.

“We are excited for this year’s theme because it is simple and to the point—always plan for two ways out of your home,” says Jim Shannon, president of NFPA. “You never know which direction a fire will come from, and being prepared can save the lives of you and your loved ones.”

  

To coincide with this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, NFPA gives practical fire safety tips to families:

• Make a map of your home; mark a door and window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home.
• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan.
• Practice your escape plan twice a year.

To further spread the word about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, Sparky the Fire Dog kicks off Sparky’s Wish List. The Wish List encourages neighborhoods to partner together to build fire-safe communities and provides a tangible way for media, local businesses and the general public to get involved with Fire Prevention Week. In the online registry, fire departments create wish lists of fire safety materials needed for school visits, bringing fire departments and community members together to support life-saving programs.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

 

 

NFPA's annual firefighter fatality report shows lowest number of on-duty deaths for second consecutive year

(NFPA NEWS RELEASE)  

NFPA reports 61 on-duty firefighter deaths in 2011, the lowest annual total in 35 years 

Click to Tweet: Firefighter Fatality Report by @NFPA shows lowest annual firefighter deaths in 35 years http://ow.ly/1NCv94

June 12, 2012 – Today the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its annual Firefighter Fatality Report showing a total of 61 on-duty firefighter deaths in the United States in 2011, the lowest annual total of firefighter deaths for the second consecutive year, as well as the lowest annual total in 35 years. The number of firefighter deaths has also sharply decreased over the past three years, a dramatic decline from 105 deaths in 2008. NFPA released the results during a special session at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

“It is certainly good news that the number of firefighter deaths has continued to decrease, reaching an all-time low since our first report in 1977,” says Rita Fahy, NFPA’s manager of fire databases & systems. “We are grateful for the sacrifices of these brave individuals and are hopeful that with expanded use of codes and standards and other safety initiatives the downward trend in the number of firefighters dying on duty will continue.”

VIDEO: Rita Fahy, manager of NFPA's fire databases and systems, presents the results of the 2011 fire fighter fatality study.

Of the 61 firefighters who died while on duty in 2011, 35 were volunteer firefighters, 21 were career firefighters, three were employees of state land management agencies and two were employees of federal land management agencies. The largest share of deaths occurred while firefighters were operating on the fire ground, representing 49 percent of the on-duty deaths in the year.

The decline of firefighter deaths occurred in the following areas:

• Lowest number of sudden cardiac deaths
• Lowest number of road vehicle crashes
• No aircraft or watercraft crashes
• The number of deaths while involved in training activities is the lowest since 1999
• Lowest number of volunteer firefighter deaths ever
• Lowest number of career firefighter deaths (tied with 1993)
• Lowest number of deaths while responding to or returning from alarms

 

VIDEO: Ken Willette, division manager of NFPA's Public Fire Protection Division, provides a fire service perspective to the 2011 fire fighter fatality study, what's working, and what still needs to be done to reduce the number of work-related deaths. 

The firefighter fatality study is made possible by the cooperation and assistance of the United States fire service, the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program of the Department of Justice, CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the United States Fire Administration, the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Land Management of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

 

NFPA’s Sparky the Fire Dog® launches new “Put Out the Fire” online game on fire truck section of Sparky.org

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) most popular section on the Sparky the Fire Dog® website just got better! The fire truck section is now home to the new “Put Out the Fire” game. "Put Out the Fire" is a game of skill in which critical thinking is a must.

Fire truck image is available; please contact NFPA Public Affairs.

The new “All about fire trucks” section lets users get an inside look at different kinds of fire trucks and also explore parts of a quint truck with sound and animation.

The Fire Truck Arcade provides games for children of all ages. “Follow the Sounds,” a sound pattern game for preschoolers and school-aged children, reinforces listening and sequencing skills.

Crayons are optional for the “Color a Truck” section. Kids can use their imaginations and color scenes online with Sparky, firefighters and of course, fire trucks. Their finished works of art can even be printed. For those who prefer crayons, coloring sheets can also be found here.

“The Sparky the Fire Dog website allows kids to explore and learn about fire safety in a safe and interactive environment,” said Amy LeBeau, NFPA’s communications manager for public education. “The popular site already features sections for children of all ages, even providing voice-overs for younger children who cannot read yet. The diverse activities range from a cartoon section, family activities, seasonal Sparky e-cards for kids to send to friends and family, and parent and educator information.”

Visit the official website for Sparky the Fire Dog® for a safe learning environment for children and enormous family fun. The new fire truck section provides important information on fire trucks and fun activities for kids of all ages.

About Sparky the Fire Dog®
Sparky the Fire Dog was created for the National Fire Protection Association in 1951 and has been the organization’s official mascot andspokesdog ever since. He is a widely recognized fire safety icon that is beloved by children and adults alike. Millions have learned about fire safety through educational lessons and materials featuring his image and he is more active than ever today. Sparky frequently visits schools and participates in community events to spread fire safety messages, often accompanied by his firefighter friends. In addition to connecting with the public through public service announcements and his featured role in Fire Prevention Week campaigns each October, he has a very active website, and a Facebook page that was launched in 2011 as part of his 60th anniversary celebration. Sparky the Fire Dog® is a registered trademark of NFPA.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

NFPA partners with LEGOLAND® Florida for fire safety education

Partnership will spread important safety messages for kids and families

(NFPA NEWS RELEASE) – Streamers flew and smoke alarms beeped as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) kicked off its long-term partnership with LEGOLAND® Florida to provide lifesaving information to families and kids during a press event and special fire safety day at central Florida’s newest theme park today.

“The majority of fire deaths happen in homes where there are no working smoke alarms,” said NFPA President Jim Shannon. “We are excited to join with LEGOLAND Florida to impart two extremely important messages - test your smoke alarms and have an escape plan.”

NFPA will sponsor the park’s fire safety - themed “The Big Test” live show at the LEGO® City Stage where these messages will be incorporated. “The Big Test” is an acrobatic, comedy show in which a cast of characters goes through a series of hysterical antics as they try to become firefighters. There will also be special activities throughout the year that stress the importance of fire safety and acknowledge the critical work of the fire service.

Video: See a preview of "The Big Test".

During the kick-off event, hundreds of kids and families tested smoke alarms, learned ways to stay safe and posed for pictures with area firefighters in full gear before sitting down to watch the highly acclaimed “The Big Test”.

“This partnership allows us to combine kids’ love of the fire service and LEGOLAND to build life-saving knowledge,” said Adrian Jones, LEGOLAND Florida general manager. “We are proud to play this important role for our community.”

About LEGOLAND Florida
LEGOLAND Florida opened on October 15, 2011 and is a 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. Located midway between Orlando and Tampa, just 45 minutes from either city center, the park features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. There are currently four other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. For more information on this partnership, please visit www.nfpa.org/legoland.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

NFPA and USFA join forces again to Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

As we move closer to winter and home fire deaths begin to increase, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) remind everyone that fire safety and prevention are especially important in the coming months. Because home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season, NFPA and USFA are once again jointly sponsoring a special initiative – Put a Freeze on Winter Fires – to help raise public awareness about winter fires.

“These fires are a painful reminder of what we see every year – the temperatures drop and fires increase,” said NFPA President Jim Shannon. According to NFPA statistics, space heaters account for about one third of home heating fires and approximately 80 percent of the home heating fire deaths.

The USFA’s Winter Residential Building Fires (PDF, 1 MB) report shows that each winter an estimated 108,400 residential building fires occur in the United States, resulting in 945 deaths, 3,825 injuries, and $1.7 billion in property loss. Cooking is the leading cause of winter residential building fires at 36 percent followed by heating at 23 percent. Winter residential building fires occur mainly in the early evening hours, peaking from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“The winter season brings the highest number of home fires, more than at any other time of year,” said USFA’s Deputy Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines. “Home fires increase in part due to cooking and heating. Winter storms can also interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources that contribute to the increased risk of fire during the winter months.”

The NFPA and USFA recommend following these safety tips to prevent winter home fires:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.
• Space heaters need space; keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from each heater.
• Check electrical cords often and replace cracked or damaged electrical or extension cords. Do not try to repair them.
• Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. They are not designed for this purpose and can be a fire hazard. In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) gas might kill people and pets.
• Do not put your live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Avoid using lighted candles. If you must use candles, place them in sturdy candleholders that won’t burn.
• If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes and smoke outside.

“Winter fires are preventable,” Gaines emphasized. “Everyone should find out what they need to know to prevent a tragedy and have a safe winter season.”

For more information about the causes of winter fires, winter storm fire safety, holiday fire safety, and tips that will help prevent the incidence of fire in the home, visit the USFA website at www.usfa.fema.gov/winter and the NFPA website at www.nfpa.org/winter.

About the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the USFA is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

The key to getting out alive? Have an Escape Plan!

In the event of a home fire or major disaster, will you know what to do? It’s important for your family to have an escape plan and to practice it on a regular basis. Having an escape plan that is known by all members of your family can be the key to getting out alive.

An escape plan consists of knowing two ways out of each room. In addition to knowing two ways out of each room, your family should have a meeting place outside your home where everyone knows where to congregate once they’ve escaped. Examples of good meeting places would include a mailbox, tree or landmark a safe distance in front of your house.

Once you’re out, stay out! When rescuers arrive at your home, they will ask members at the meeting place if anyone is missing. This will allow rescuers to determine whether or not they need to enter your home to search for a missing person.

Developing an escape plan is a great start. It is also important to practice your escape plan regularly so that there is no question as to where everyone should meet in case of an emergency.

Escape plan grids are available online at www.sparky.org for families who are interested in mapping out their escape plans. Be proactive in your life fire safety efforts. Have an Escape Plan!

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Gear Up for Fire Prevention Week with Useful Tools from the NFPA

"Protect Your Family From Fire"

News releases By: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) annual public awareness campaign, Fire Prevention Week (FPW), begins October 9. This year’s theme is focused on educating families about what causes home fires, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency situation.

The Fire Prevention Week website offers helpful tools and resources for anyone wanting to run a community campaign or people simply trying to educate themselves or family members. Some features on the site include the Fire Prevention Week quiz, public service announcement videos, fire safety resources for families, and safety tip sheets covering a broad range of topics.

Fire Prevention Week website visitors can test their fire safety IQ with the Fire Week Prevention Quiz, which asks questions about pertinent fire safety information such as, “Where do most home fires start?” and “What time in the day do home fires peak?” At the end of the quiz, visitors can see how they did, review correct answers, and even showcase their results on Facebook or Twitter.

Kids of all ages are sure to enjoy audio and video public service announcements that touch upon the topics of escape planning and smoke alarms. The videos feature NFPA’s mascot Sparky, who is voiced by firefighter Barry Brickey, winner of the popular “Voice of Sparky” contest.

Parents and children can learn about home fire safety together with a printer-friendly version of the Family Fire Safety Checklist. The checklist is contoured for grown-ups and kids to familiarize the whole family with smoke alarms and fire escape planning. Hanging the checklist on the fridge is a great way to keep the family aware of fire safety.

Safety Tip Sheets are also available on the FPW website and cover cooking, escape planning, heating, smoke alarms, home fire sprinklers, candles, electric wiring, and smoking materials. The detailed sheets offer life-saving safety tips as well as relevant information and statistics related to home fire safety.

Visit the Fire Prevention Week website for safety tips, statistical information, and more. The materials are available for use by fire departments, teachers, families and anyone interested in learning or teaching about fire safety.

About Fire Prevention Week NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

NFPA Releases 2010 "Fire Loss in the U.S." Report

Fire departments across the U.S. responded to fewer fires in 2010 than in the previous year, according to a new report, but the number of fire deaths increased slightly.

Public fire departments responded to 1,331,500 fires during 2010, the lowest number since 1977, according to a report issued Friday by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

These fires caused an estimated 3,120 civilian fire deaths, a 4 percent increase from a year ago; an estimated 17,720 civilian fire injuries, also a 4 percent increase from the previous year; and more than $11.5 billion in property damage, a significant decrease from the year before.

Fire Loss in the U.S. analyzes 2010 figures for fires, civilian fire deaths, injuries, property damage, and intentionally set fires. Estimates are based on data collected from fire departments that responded to NFPA’s Annual National Fire Experience Survey.

There were an estimated 482,000 structure fires reported to fire departments in 2010, a very slight increase from a year ago. The number of structure fires was at their peak in 1977, the first year that NFPA implemented its current survey methodology, when 1,098,000 structure fires occurred.

“We have made tremendous progress in reducing the fire problem in the United States since we began looking at these numbers in the late 70’s,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Communications for NFPA. “But this report shows us that more must be done to bring the numbers down even further. We continue to see the vast majority of deaths occurring in homes, a place where people often feel safest. These survey results will be combined with data from the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA’s) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) to determine how often specific fire circumstances occur and where we can most effectively focus our efforts.”

Other key findings from the report include:
• A fire department responded to a fire every 24 seconds.
• 384,000 fires or 80 percent of all structure fires occurred in residential properties.
• About 85 percent of all fire deaths occurred in the home.
• 215,500 vehicle fires occurred in the U.S. during 2010, causing 310 civilian fire deaths, 1,590 civilian fire injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage.
• 634,000 outside and other fires occurred in the U.S. during 2010 causing $501 million in property damage.

“USFA is pleased to share in the release of NFPA’s annual fire loss report,” said Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines. “NFPA’s survey is greatly valued by USFA and aids in producing national estimates of more detailed fires and losses as reported to NFIRS. These combined efforts enable us to analyze the fire problem at a more detailed level and develop prevention strategies to reduce the risk of fire and loss of life and property to the American public.”

To download the full report “Fire Loss in the United States during 2010,” please visit www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/os.fireloss.pdf.

About NFIRS and NFPA’s National Fire Experience Survey
The NFPA Annual National Fire Experience Survey is used to make estimates of the overall fire problem in the United States with breakdowns by general occupancy, size of community, and region of the country. This survey when used in conjunction with the USFA’s NFIRS allows national estimates of more detailed aspects of the fire problem.

NFIRS represents the world’s largest, national, annual database of fire incident information. NFIRS is a voluntary reporting system administered by the USFA and organized at the national level. NFIRS reports, filled out by local fire officers after each incident, provide the most detailed incident information of any national database. NFIRS is the only database capable of addressing national patterns for fires of all sizes by specific occupancy and fire cause. NFIRS also captures information on when the fire occurred, how much it spread, and the effectiveness of automatic detection and suppression equipment.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Fire Escape Plan & Know Your Exits Out...

Leaving our home, the work place, a grocery store, theater, or even an airplane once it arrives at the airport terminal is a very simple task to do, you go through the exit. But, what if it’s blocked? What if you can’t go through the normal entrance to exit? In an emergency situation you might have to go through a second exit that’s not blocked. Sounds simple but in an emergency situation, and it has happen, the situation might balloon out of control where everyone gets caught up in the excitement of the emergency situation.

When you’re away from home always look and keep in mind of a second path of travel. Remember a proper plan of escape becomes essential. Preplanning maximizes a safe escape and is part of everyone’s daily fire prevention duties.

A proper plan of escape becomes very important in the home. It only takes 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a big blaze and your house can fill up with smoke in just minutes. That's why firefighters want every family to have an escape plan and practice it so everyone gets out alive.

You must have a plan to get out if your house ever catches on fire. You don’t have time to plan a fire escape plan when you need one. On a piece of paper draw a floor plan of your home. Draw two ways out of each room especially sleeping areas. You can use doorways and windows. Meet with everyone that lives in your home and discuss this floor plan and make sure everyone understands it. Plan a place to meet outside so everyone can wait on the fire department. Practice your plan. Make it realistic.

Pretend that some exits are blocked or use blindfolds to pretend the lights are out. Be sure everyone in the house can unlock all doors and windows that may be used to get out. Sleep with your doors closed to keep the heat and smoke out of your room longer to allow additional time to escape. Practice your drills at least twice a year. Remember that this is not a race, but ensure that everyone can escape quickly and safely.

If there is a fire:

Test the doors before you try to open them they may be hot. Use the back of your hand to test the door. If you appear to be trapped in a room stuff clothes or any thing you can find to try to stop the smoke from entering the room you are in until the fire department can get you out. If there is a fire do not stop for anything just get out and meet at your meeting place outside. Always crawl when leaving a smoke filled house.

Once you leave your home NEVER return to the home.

Here’s a one of my very first online videos I made entitled “Proper Escape Plan Becomes Essential” that I recorded for Fire Prevention Week 2009...

All the aspects I go over on a proper escape plan are all simple and easy to follow. Knowing two exits out is always important. Make it part of your daily routine to where it’ll be second nature if & when you will need to egress/exit a home of facility.

Creating an proper escape plan and having a meeting place speeds up the process for firefighters to move in and save your home. Again, everyone should know at least two ways to get out of every room. Knowing that second exit out will get you & family members out safely and keep everyone alive in an emergency situation.

For more information about having a proper fire escape plan visit: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) BASIC FIRE ESCAPE PLANNING or the United States Fire Administration (USFA) Escape Planning web pages.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)