In case of a fire, do you have two ways out?

Fire Prevention Week highlights importance of fire safety 

Having two ways out can help save your life if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames.

This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week (October 7 to 13) is Have 2 ways out. Fire Prevention Week is an important public safety campaign designed to raise awareness of fire safety. This year the focus is on ensuring you and your family have two ways out of every room.
“Fire Prevention Week reminds us that we can all make small changes to help keep our families and communities safe and secure,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs Doug Griffiths. “I have two ways out and I practice our family’s fire escape plan with my children regularly. I encourage all Albertans to do the same.”

Ensure everyone in your home knows what to do if the alarm sounds or if there is smoke or fire.&nbsp Follow these simple tips to help keep you and your family safe:

Get out quickly if there is a fire. Fire moves extremely fast. You may have only three minutes or less before the toxic smoke overtakes you.
Teach children to never hide in closets or under beds.
Choose two ways out of every room. If heat or smoke blocks the usual fire exit (door), then use the second way out (another door or a window).
If you live in an apartment building and the smoke alarm goes off, never use an elevator.
Choose a family meeting spot, a safe distance away from the home.&nbsp
Practice, practice, practice.&nbsp
“By taking the time to develop a plan and practice it, everyone in your home will have the knowledge and confidence they need in the event of a fire,” said Trent West, Alberta Fire Commissioner.&nbsp “I encourage all Albertans to talk about fire safety and have two ways out.”&nbsp

To learn more about how to prevent, detect and escape from fires visit www.3minutedrill.alberta.ca, an interactive website and a one-stop source for fire safety information.