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Have Two Ways out

By Eric Garlow, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector / Published October 10, 2012

(Left to right) Staff Sgt. Thomas Barina, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter crew chief, Airman 1st Class Jeremy McLaurin, 22nd CES firefighter, Staff Sgt. Alfred Mines, 22nd CES crew chief and “Sparky,” the fire safety dog, speak to preschool-aged children at the Child Development Center about fire safety, Oct. 10, 2012, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The Airmen visited the CDC to ensure the children have a fire safety plan in case of an emergency. They also demonstrated how firefighters quickly don their safety uniform. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jose L. Leon)
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(Left to right) Staff Sgt. Thomas Barina, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter crew chief, Airman 1st Class Jeremy McLaurin, 22nd CES firefighter, Staff Sgt. Alfred Mines, 22nd CES crew chief and “Sparky,” the fire safety dog, speak to preschool-aged children at the Child Development Center about fire safety, Oct. 10, 2012, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The Airmen visited the CDC to ensure the children have a fire safety plan in case of an emergency. They also demonstrated how firefighters quickly don their safety uniform. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jose L. Leon)

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MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety?

According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association, one-third of Americans households who made and estimate they thought they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less.

That's why McConnell's Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, Oct.7 through Oct. 13, 2012, to urge residents to "Have Two Ways Out!" This year's theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.

McConnell Air Force Base Fire Department recommends the following tips for planning your family's escape:
  • Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room
  • Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they've escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan
  • Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
  • Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in