Fire Safety - Know Two Ways Out
- admin774715
- Jun 15
- 2 min read
Every Second Counts in a Home Fire
When a fire breaks out in your home, every second matters. In the U.S., more than 365,000 home fires occur each year, resulting in over 2,500 deaths and 13,000 injuries. Today’s homes burn faster than ever before, giving families less time to escape safely. One of the most basic fire survival skills is knowing how to get out of wherever you may be. If your primary exit is blocked, a second escape route allows you to get out quickly and safely.
Why Fires Spread Faster Today
Modern homes are often constructed with lightweight, unprotected wood, which fails more quickly when exposed to high heat. Unlike older homes built with dimensional lumber, these materials can collapse rapidly in a fire.
Design trends also contribute to fire risk. Open floor plans and high ceilings allow fires to spread more easily and grow faster. On top of that, most modern furnishings are made from synthetic materials that ignite quickly, burn at higher temperatures, and release toxic smoke and gases, making it difficult to see or breathe in seconds.
Have a Plan—It Can Save Lives
An effective escape plan is essential for every household. Practice it regularly so everyone knows what to do in a fire emergency.
Ask yourself –
Do you know two ways out of every room?
Can children, older adults, or individuals with disabilities in your home use both exits?
Have you picked a safe meeting spot outside your home where everyone can gather and be seen by emergency responders?
Do you practice fire drills twice a year, once during the day and once at night?
Steps to Create Your Own Fire Escape Plan
Draw a map of your home with all household members, marking two exits from each room, if possible, and a path to the outside.
Practice fire drills twice a year using different escape routes.
Teach children how to escape on their own if you can't help them.
Ensure your home number is clearly visible from the street for firefighters to find you quickly.
Close doors as you leave to slow the spread of smoke, heat, and flames.
Once outside, stay outside. Never go back into a burning building.
Fire safety starts with preparation. Make a plan. Practice it. Stay aware.
Sources: usfa.fema.gov, nfpa.org, safekids.org
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