That’s why Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” This year’s theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage.

“A residential fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010,” said Fire Chief William W. Bryson. “Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize.  Having a tried and true escape plan in your home with two ways out is essential to ensure your family’s safety.” 

MDFR recommends the following tips for planning your family’s escape:

• Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
• Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan with everyone living in your home.
• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have your family practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.

To learn more about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.