Frequently Asked Questions

On Fire Safety-escape plans

Every second counts during a fire, by the time you know that a fire exists minutes have passed, you must exit immediately and know how to do it!

Where can I get information on developing my home escape plan?  You can use the links on our web site to NFPA.  Call fire department headquarters at 637-5151, remember to plan two ways out, have a designated assembly site and means to call for help.

When I stay at a hotel should I stay in or leave my room when an alarm sounds?  Be sure to read the emergency exit procedure on the back of your room door for specific details.  I highly recommend that you count the number of doors between your room and the exit stairs and which way to turn when you leave your room.  In doing so if you do have to leave your room and the hallway is dark and smoky you’ll be low on your hands and knees and know exactly where to go.   If the door is hot or the hallway full of smoke you should stay in your room, use a towel or blanket to seal the door bottom.  Call the front desk to let them know your trapped in your room, open a window to get clean air, use a towel or piece of clothing through the window to flag for help, wait for firefighters to get to you.

Is it true that I should plan an escape when I’m at a night club or restaurant?  Absolutely, when you enter any building specially assembly groups (restaurants, clubs, movie theaters, etc) look for other exits.  Most people will want to exit the way they came in, if you know of one closer use it.

I have an older home and want to remodel part of the basement, should I and can I put in an escape door or window?  Yes, there are commercially made escape widow wells designed just for this purpose, matter in fact they are required in new construction.

You can put in a door if the room lay out works, by all means have more than one way out.  If you need assistance you can call the Executive Director/Fire Chief at 637-5151 or the building code official for jurisdiction.