Fire escape planning can make the difference between life and death in a fire. From the time the smoke alarm sounds, people have as little as two minutes to escape. Everyone in the household needs to take action immediately, which takes planning and practice.
Fire can grow and spread through homes very quickly.
When the smoke alarm sounds, occupants need to react immediately and know exactly what to do. The Maryville D.P.S. Fire division offers these fire safety tips so a household will be fully prepared in case of a fire. Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on each level of the home and in or near each sleeping area. Test the alarms every month by pushing the test button, and replace the batteries once a year or when the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low. Draw a floor plan of the home, marking all doors and windows, and the location of each smoke alarm.