Have a plan, get out safely Published March 7, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Brian Brown 325th Civil Engineer Squadron TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Each year more than 4,000 Americans die in fires and approximately 20,000 are injured. Deaths resulting from failed emergency escapes are particularly avoidable. According to Tyndall firefighter having a sound escape plan will greatly reduce fire deaths and protect you and your family's safety in the event of a fire. Have a sound fire escape plan In the event of a fire, remember - time is your biggest enemy and every second counts. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with toxic smoke and become engulfed in flames. Special considerations · Practice escaping from every room in the home. Practice escape plans at least twice a year. The best plan is to have two ways out. If the primary way of escape is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window. Make sure windows are not stuck or painted closed and screens can be taken out quickly. · Leave the home immediately. When a fire occurs, do not try to save property. Take the quickest and safest exit route. If you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. Smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you. · Never open doors that are hot to the touch. Before opening a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the door to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Open the door slowly and peek into the adjacent room. If heat and smoke come in, or you see fire, immediately close the door and then use your secondary escape route. · Designate a meeting place outside and take attendance. Designate a meeting location away from the home at least 75 feet from the house and out of the way of responding firefighters. For example, meet under a specific tree across the street, or at a neighbor's house to make sure everyone has gotten out safely. This way, no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Designate one person to dial 911. · 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, tell the firefighters where that person may be. They are equipped to perform rescues safely. Having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarms need to be tested every month and batteries changed at least every six months. For more information on fire safety, call the Fire and Emergency Services Fire Prevention Element at 283-2909.