EMFD Urges Residents to Create an Escape Plan in Case of Fire

People spend more time indoors due to winter weather and the ongoing pandemic. There is an increased risk for home fires during the winter because of fireplaces and space heaters. According to Commissioner Carey A. Welt of the East Meadow Fire District, most fatal house fires occur between midnight and 8 a.m. when people are sleeping. “Creating a home escape plan helps you and your family get out of the home quickly and safely,” says Commissioner Welt. “Every household member needs to be prepared so they can swing into action when the smoke alarm goes off.” EMFD fire safety experts urge residents to develop a fire escape plan and practice Exit Drills in the Home (E.D.I.T.H.) at least twice a year and to have working smoke detectors on every level throughout the home. “Smoke detectors mean you care,” added Commissioner Welt.

“When a fire in the home occurs, it’s too late to develop a home fire escape plan,” said Commissioner Welt. “In a fire, seconds count, and in less than a minute, a small fire can grow out of control and become a major fire.” Smoke detectors, which are required by law, are not enough. Protecting your family by planning and practicing a home fire escape plan can help escape severe injury or death.

Fire safety experts recommend making a fire escape plan and holding family fire drills twice a year and offer these additional safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. For the best detection and notification protection, install both ionization- and photoelectric-type smoke alarms. Put them inside or near every bedroom and test them monthly to make sure they work. Replace the batteries once a year.
• Ensure that each family member knows how to “Stop, Drop and Roll” if clothes catch fire.
• Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher.
• If you have a fire in your home, evacuate immediately.
• Do not go back inside for any reason.

To learn how to create an emergency exit plan in your home, visit www.nfpa.org. For additional safety tips, please visit www.eastmeadowfd.com.

The East Meadow Fire Department, which covers East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury), is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com, or call 516-542-4565.