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Fire Escape Planning Starts With Having A Plan
Homes With Two Or More Stories Should Be Equipped With A Fire Escape Ladder
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Courtesy of Werner Ladder Co. |
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(HIT) - Fires and burns are the third leading cause of home injury-related death and account for 43,000 deaths on average each year and yet, a recent survey by the Home Safety Council (HSC) reveals that less than half (37 percent) of respondents have taken any actions to prevent home fires. In response, HSC and Werner Ladder are partnering to encourage families to prepare for a home fire by developing an emergency escape plan and to make sure second- and third- story exits are equipped with fire escape ladders.
“As part of regular fire drills, families should take time to teach all members how to use fire escape ladders, even young children,” said Chris Filardi, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Werner Ladder. “Making sure everyone knows the exit options and how to use the ladders could, ultimately, save a life in an emergency.”
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| Courtesy of Werner Ladder Co. |
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There are more than 70 million two-to-three-story homes in the United States, according to a 2007 U.S. Census Bureau American Housing Survey and yet, research by HSC reveals that only six percent of U.S. homes have a fire escape ladder.
“Many families don’t realize that a fire can go from first spark to deadly levels in as few as three minutes, leaving families little time to escape,” said Home Safety Council President Meri-K Appy. “In situations when getting out of the home quickly is critical to survival, a fire escape ladder may be one of the most important home improvement steps a caregiver can take.’
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Courtesy of Werner Ladder Co. |
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The HSC and Werner Ladder are urging families to work together to develop a fire escape plan. They can start by drawing a floor plan of their home, including all rooms, windows, doors, stairways, fire escapes and smoke alarms, and indentifying two ways out of every room. In some cases a window may be the only way to escape a fire. In this situation, families should install a fire escape ladder that is easy to access, fits the window and is simple enough for all family members to use. A 16-foot ladder should be long enough to reach the ground from a second story window.
Once the plan is in place, it is just as important that families practice family fire drills at least twice a year. As part of their fire drill exercises, families should remember to practice deploying the fire escape ladder to the ground floor but, never use the ladder unless it is an actual emergency.
To learn more about developing a fire escape plan and choosing the best fire escape ladder for a home, visit the Home Safety Council and Werner Ladder websites. By starting to practice fire safety this month, families can ensure they will be prepared throughout the year to exit their home safely in the event of a fire.
About the Home Safety Council
The Home Safety Council (HSC) is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to preventing home related injuries that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year. Through national programs, partnerships and the support of volunteers, HSC educates people of all ages to be safer in and around their homes. The Home Safety Council is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization located in Washington, DC.
About Werner Ladder Company
As the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of ladders, climbing equipment, and ladder accessories, Werner leads the industry with its commitment to the design and manufacture of products that meet or exceed applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) codes and standards for strength and structural integrity.
Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center
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