by Jason Pallotta, Asst. Chief, Inlet Vol. Fire Dept.

The last couple of months I have been writing about how to prevent fires in and around your home. This month I would like to share some tips to help you escape safely if you have a fire in your home.

In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Having an escape plan in place will help you get out of your home quickly.

In less than 30 seconds, a small fire can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire.

It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.

Prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your home, including children and people with disabilities.

It’s also a good idea to practice your plan with overnight quests.

Some tips to consider when preparing your escape plan include:

• Draw a map of each level in your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

• Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Use the ladder only in a real emergency.

• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

• Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability.

• Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daylight hours.

Security bars require special precautions. Security bars are not common in our area, however you should take notice of them when traveling out of the area, especially in urban areas.

Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency.

Make sure if you stay in a building with security bars that everyone knows how to operate and open doors or windows that are locked or barred.

Immediately leave the home. When a fire occurs get out fast, you may only have a few seconds to escape safely.

Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases, which can disorient or overcome you.

Never open doors that are hot to the touch. When you come to a closed door, feel the doorknob and door with the back of your hand to make sure fire is not on the other side.

If either are hot, leave the door closed and use your secondary exit.

If the door is cool, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if smoke or fire is present.

If you cant get out, close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors to keep smoke out.

Call 911 to let firefighters know where you are and signal for help at the window with a light-colored cloth or flashlight.

Designate a meeting place outside and take attendance. Designate a meeting location a safe distance in front of your home.

For example, under a specific tree or at the end of your driveway to make sure everyone has gotten out safely.

When firefighters arrive let them know if everyone is accounted for or if anyone is missing.

Once out, stay out. Remember to escape first and then notify the fire department. Never go back into a burning building for any reason.

Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, or pets are trapped inside your home, tell the firefighters right away. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.

Keep in mind that fires can happen at any time.

That is why it is extremely important to have properly installed and operating smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to alert you. And in case of a fire, you have an escape plan to get you out safely.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact your local building codes office or local fire department.

I can be reached at the Inlet Fire Department at (315) 357-6601 and leave a message.

Remember smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives!