Ga. Regulator Reminds Homeowners: Oct. 7-13 Is Fire Prevention Week

October 8, 2012

Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) remind homeowners that Fire Prevention Week is October 7-13. The theme this year is, “Have Two Ways Out!”

This year, Commissioner Hudgens and fire personnel around the state will be spreading the word about the dangers of home fires and teaching Georgia residents how to plan and practice an escape from a home in case a fire occurs.

“Many times when we speak to residents who have experienced a fire in their home, they recall becoming confused and disoriented by the conditions and severity of the situation – but they realized they needed to get out fast,” said Hudgens.

The commissioner advises families to develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a meeting place outside.

“Sometimes there are only seconds to escape, but there’s no question that having a plan in place that has been practiced saves precious time and makes survival more likely. We hope that Fire Prevention Week will prompt Georgians to plan and practice their escape.”

Commissioner Hudgens offers the following tips to stay fire safe:

• Install working smoke alarms on every level; and inside and outside of each sleeping area.

• Develop a fire escape plan that identifies two ways out of each room and a family meeting place outside.

• Make sure the fire escape plan allows for any specific needs in the household. If everyone knows what to do, everyone can get out quickly.

• Practice using the plan, at least twice a year.

• Some studies have shown that some children and adults may not awaken to the sound of a smoke alarm; they may need help waking up.

• If the smoke alarm sounds: Go to the closest exit, and if there is smoke in the path to the exit, turn and use another way out. If one must exit through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the exit. Don’t take time to pick up belongings; just get out and help others get out. Move fast but stay calm.

Topics Georgia Homeowners

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