Have Two Ways Out

Did you know that October 7 -13 {in the U.S.} is National Fire Prevention week?

This year's theme is "Have Two Ways Out".

{A banner outside a Henrico, Va. fire station promoting Fire Prevention Week 2012.  The theme this year is "Have 2 Ways Out" ... do you have two escape routes planned for your home in case of an emergency? }

Every family fire safety plan should include not just one, but two escape routes, that everyone in the family knows, understands, and can follow under duress.

That's. saying. a. lot.

Two years ago we had never discussed what we'd do in case of a fire.  We assumed that between the two of us, being adults, responsible, and educated folk, we'd just know the correct thing to do in the never-gonna-happen scenario of us having a house fire.

We. were. wrong.

Awakened from a deep sleep at 2 a.m. by the smoke detector, confused and truly not understanding what was going on, we pulled ourselves together and began our "escape" as if it was an ordinary day and event ... down the stairs.  Mid-way down those stairs I wished for another way out.  Let's just say in the matter of a second we found ourselves in the "thick of it".  Somehow we still found the door.

We were very lucky.   Not everyone is.  I hope you don't decide to chance it and you take this opportunity now to make or update a plan, have a family discussion, and hold your own practice fire drill.  And if your plan relies on fire safety accessories for your home, be it a second story window escape ladder, a fire safety blanket, emergency back-up powered lights, or other ... get them.  I know this is gonna sound so dramatic, but what better gift for your family today than doing what you can to ensure you'll all be able to enjoy tomorrow.

Do you already have a fire safety escape plan that includes a second way out?  Please share in the comments so others can consider if your ideas might work for them!

Today I know our second way out from the upstairs involves going out either of two different bathroom windows onto first story roof lines {our front and back porches respectively} ... something we never even considered that night cause we hadn't talked about it ... and something that may not be appropriate for everyone.

And remember, needs and abilities change over time and plans should reflect your current status; right now we're two able-bodied adults and a puppy dog I can carry but should any of that change, we will need an updated escape plan from our second story.

In honor of Fire Prevention week here's how I'll sign all my October posts ...

Take good care & don't forget to plan:

Robin
{thanks so much for reading this post}

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