Division of Fire Safety News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 02, 2012

Fire Prevention Week 2012 focuses on creating and practicing multiple home escape routes

'Have 2 Ways Out' campaign, Oct. 7-13, stresses importance of having more than one way out of a burning home
With Fire Prevention Week 2012 scheduled for Oct. 7-13, State Fire Marshal Randy Cole urges Missourians to remember the importance of having at least two escape routes for your family to safely exit your home in case of an emergency.
"It is important that families plan and prepare for the unpredictability and dangers associated with fires," State Fire Marshal Cole said. "Fires can spread rapidly, blocking planned escape routes. This makes it essential to have at least two quick escapes routes planned in advance from different rooms throughout your home. Having an alternate route in case another route becomes blocked can save lives."
Fire Prevention Week is recognized annually by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and fire departments and safety agencies across the country. This year's campaign, "Have 2 Ways Out," encourages everyone to plan multiple fire escape routes for their families.
According to NFPA, in 2010 there were an estimated 369,500 reported home structure fires across the U.S., resulting in 2,640 civilian deaths. An NFPA survey also revealed that only 23 percent of American households have actually developed and practiced a fire evacuation plan.

Fire Marshal Cole suggests developing a home escape plan as soon as a family moves into a new residence; regularly practicing the plan and explaining it to children; and revising the plan as the children grow up.

Cole adds that having a working smoke detector is essential to ensuring your family is alerted in case of a fire. "Working smoke detectors increase your chance of survival by 50 percent, and are something every household should have.”  

For more than 85 years, fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record. For more information on "Have 2 Ways Out," visit www.firepreventionweek.org.

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov