PASCO, Wash.- According to the Pasco Fire Department, in the event of a fire you could only have 3 minutes to escape safely.
PFD says Easter weekend is a great time to practice fire safety by creating an escape plan.
When creating your plan the most important thing is identifying a meeting place. This should be a permanent and easy-to-find landmark like a mailbox or tree.
You should then make a map of your home locating two different exits out of each room.
This worksheet will help you easily create an escape plan and map.
Once your plan is created make sure any kids in the house know where the meeting location is.
According to PFD, you should practice your escape plan at least twice a year. Children should react to all fire alarms equally. even if it’s just a burnt piece of toast, if a smoke alarm goes off children should know to immediately go to the meeting location and wait for an adult to give the next steps.
“When they hear the sound of that smoke alarm going off, their job is to get to the meeting place. Not anywhere else. Not to the neighbors, not to go play outside but only to get to the meeting place and wait for everyone to show up” Said Ben Shearer, Community Risk Reduction Manager, Pasco FD
Smoke alarms should be tested regularly as well. if you are having issues with your smoke alarm and need help contact your local fire department through the non-emergency phone number. Most local stations will come and help.
