Riverside County residents who have not determined how they would handle a fire at home should make a point of doing so for their families’ safety, county fire Chief John Hawkins said today.
National Fire Prevention week is Oct. 7-13. This year's theme is 'Have Two Ways Out.' (Photo by Alan Turkus/Creative Commons)
“Families should prepare to escape a burning structure by planning and practicing two ways out,” Hawkins said. “Hold regular fire drills to ensure you and your loved-ones know what to do in the event that your home catches fire. It is equally important to make provisions for children and our loved-ones with disabilities.”
National Fire Prevention Week began Sunday and runs through Saturday, and county and state public safety officials were hoping the occasion — this year themed “Have Two Ways Out” — would serve to highlight the need for preparedness.
Officials said drawing up a fire escape plan with the following elements can be a life-saver: — marking a door or window that residents can use to immediately get out of the house during an emergency; and — establishing a meeting place where all family members can huddle safely after an escape.
According to the fire department, residents should ensure on a regular basis that all smoke alarms are in working order.
State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover said 70 percent of structure fires in California last year were residential and accounted for 90 percent of fire- related deaths.
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