Have an escape plan ready in case of fire

October is Fire Prevention Month, and fire officials are reminding residents that one of the most important aspects of fire prevention is to be prepared.

“Make sure that you have a home fire escape plan, and that everybody knows it, so everybody knows the best way out of their room,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “Tell the kids to remember to get low, and go and practice it. The NFPA recommends, at least twice a year, try to practice and get everybody familiar with what they’re going to do if there is a fire.”

Make sure everybody knows where to meet after evacuating the home, and make sure kids are ready to talk to emergency responders if necessary.

“Make sure that your little ones know your address for your home,” Crane said. “They may be the ones that have to call 911, so make sure they understand your address and what to tell the dispatchers, and also remind them that 911 is only for emergencies.”

The theme for Fire Prevention Month this year is “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You.” Make sure the members of your household know what the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm sound like.

Crane also says sleep with the door closed in case of fire.

“The saying is ‘close when you dose,’ so what that is is that helps keep that smoke and that fire away from you,” Crane said. “If you do hear the smoke alarm go off, maybe you don’t know where the fire is. You want to make sure that you’re checking the door before you open the door, but keep the door closed because if it works in a way where if you’re not able to get out your door, you may have to stay in your room and may have to shelter there until the fire department can get to you.”

Visit the National Fire Protection Association for more fire safety tips.