Fire department: 'Have two ways out' of house

The Kalispell Fire Department is asking people to make sure they “have two ways out” of their home in case of a fire.

That’s this year’s theme for Fire Protection Week, which runs from Oct. 7-13.

Fire departments in the United States responded to 369,500 home structure fires in 2010. 

Those fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,640 civilian deaths and $6.9 billion in direct damage, according the National Fire Protection Association.

“One home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010,” Kalispell Fire Chief Dave Dedman said.

“Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize. Having a tried-and-true escape plan with two ways out is essential to ensuring your family’s safety should fire break out in your home,” Dedman said.

Kalispell Fire Department recommends people:

• Make a map of their home and mark a door and window that can be used to get out of every room.

• Choose a meeting place outside in front of their home where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped.

• Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on their escape plan.

• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice their escape plan with everyone living in the home.

• Keep their escape plan on the refrigerator and remind grown-ups to have family members practice the plan twice a year or whenever anyone in the home celebrates a birthday.