In Oregon, the entire month of October is recognized as Fire Prevention Month. This is most often acknowledged through increased prevention education efforts from the fire service and community outreach events throughout the state. The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office is a terrific resource for fire prevention and education for all ages and we encourage you to visit their website here.  

Plan, Practice, Be Prepared with a Home Fire Escape Plan

Home fires are burning hotter and faster, leaving as little as two minutes for people to escape. Having a plan and practicing it often can make a lifesaving difference.  

Prepare

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of the home, including the basement, outside of sleeping areas, and inside each bedroom. 
• Make sure everyone in the home knows the sounds of the alarm and what it means if they hear three beeps. 
• Walk through the home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Make sure all doors and windows that lead to the outside open easily. 
• Make sure street numbers outside your home can easily be seen, both day and night.
• Create a routine of ensuring escape routes are clear of tripping hazards or potential obstacles before going to sleep each night. 
• Sleeping with the door closed slows the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.  

Plan

• Involve all members of the home. 
• Draw a map of each level of the home, showing all doors and windows. 
• When possible, identify two ways out of every room and two ways out of your home.
• Teach children to escape on their own in case an adult cannot get to them. Make sure they can open windows, remove screens, and unlock doors. 
• Plan for everyone in the home, including those who are unable to exit on their own, including babies, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. 
• Identify an outside meeting place in the front of the home at a safe distance, something permanent such as a tree or mailbox. Make sure everyone knows where the meeting place is and to go there if they hear the smoke alarm.
• Ensure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1 from a mobile phone or trusted neighbor's phone and that they know the address of the home.  

Practice

• Push the smoke alarm to start the drill.
• Encourage everyone to get low under smoke and get out as quickly as possible. 
• Try to get everyone out of the home in two minutes or less. Consider having a timer available to see how long it takes to escape.
• Practice using different ways out.
• Remind everyone to close doors behind them as they leave.
• Go to the outside meeting place.
• In the event of an actual fire, remember to get out quickly and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets, or things.