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The Laramie Fire Department Urges Residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” During Fire Prevention Week was October 7-13, 2012 October 2012 October 7, 2012 – If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety? According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of Americans households who made and estimate they thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less. That’s why Laramie’s Fire Department teamed up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge residents to “Have Two Ways Out!” This year’s theme focused 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. The Laramie Fire Department 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. The Laramie Fire Department conducted performances of the Fire Clowns program at all of the local elementary schools during Fire Prevention Week, to promote “Have Two Ways Out!” as well as several other fire and life safety themes. Through these educational and fun programs, children can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention. To find out more about Fire Prevention, please contact the Laramie Fire Department Life Safety and Fire Prevention office at [PHONE REDACTED]. To learn more about “Have Two Ways Out!” visit NFPA’s Web site at www.firepreventionweek.org . For more information, contact: Bill Bershinsky, Company Officer of Life Safety and Fire Prevention [PHONE REDACTED] [EMAIL REDACTED]