WASHINGTON — One of the two most important precautions a person can take is to identify two ways out of every room in their home .
“That means your bedroom, laundry room, the living room, the kitchen,” says Mark Brady, spokesman for Prince George’s County fire. “In the event that your primary means of exit is blocked by fire or smoke.”
Brady spoke to WTOP on Tuesday, one day after a woman and her two young children were killed when a small plane crashed into their Gaithersburg, Maryland, home. The home was engulfed in flames, and the woman was found lying on top of her children in a bathroom.
“One of the most difficult things to do and possibly survive is run through a fire because you don’t know what’s on the other end of it,” Brady says. “You don’t know how long that fire is, and if you can devise the means to exit through that fire, it’s very dangerous and quite honestly probably almost impossible.”
Brady says the key to fire safety is having a plan, and practicing that plan. Most importantly, there should at least one working smoke alarm on each floor. After that, an escape plan should be discussed and practiced from each room.
Also, if there is a fire, get out immediately. Do not call 911 from inside.
“Don’t waste those valuable seconds,” he says. “Wait until you’re outside.”
Families should have a meeting place pre-established, Brady says. Everyone should get out quickly and meet at that spot — whether it be a neighbor’s house, a spot outside, etc.
If you’re stuck inside a room, it’s important to let firefighters know what room you’re in. Brady suggests people open the window a crack and “wave something light colored, like a T-shirt, and try to gain someone’s attention.”
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