Have an escape plan and practice it

SIOUX FALLS, S.D, (KELO) — You’re going to hear a lot about fires this week, because it’s National Fire Prevention Week.

One of the first things you’re going to want to know is how to safely escape your house should the unthinkable happen.

“Home escape plan is one of the most important things your family can prepare for,” fire inspector Tyler Tjeerdsma said.

Inspectors say a house fire can turn dangerous in a matter of moments.

In a typical house fire, they say you may have as little as two minutes to safely escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds.

That’s why it’s important to have an escape plan.

“You want to sit down with your family you want to know two ways out of your home and you want to practice that at least twice a year,” Tjeerdsma said.

Sioux Falls Fire Inspector Tyler Tjeerdsma says that’s one of the biggest mistakes a family can make is not knowing those two alternative escape routes.

Tjeerdsma says you should have a designated meeting place outside your home; that can be a neighbor’s house, a light pole, or even a tree—just make sure it is a safe distance from your home.

Once you’re out, stay out.

Something new the fire department is trying this year is they’ve partnered with the 211 Helpline Center so anyone can call and get a free smoke detector.

“We’re going to come out to your house, we are going to check your smoke alarms, if they are over 10 years old we’re going to put new smoke alarms in for you free of charge; install them and make sure you have a working smoke alarm in every location,” Tjeerdsma said.

Those locations are every bedroom, outside the bedroom and one on every level of your home and test them once a month.

Sioux Falls Firefighters are going to be going out into neighborhoods on Tuesday to install free smoke detectors for anyone who needs them.

To get on the list just call the 211 Helpline Center.

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