SFD: Fire escape plan vital to survive a house fire

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — One of the most threatening situations for a family that is all too common are house fires. That is why the Shreveport Fire Department is explaining how to avoid a tragedy.

“Most people believe if they just have a working smoke alarm that it protects them from everything. The second component is having a home fire escape plan,” said Jeffrey Witte, Fire Prevention Officer, Shreveport Fire Department.

Witte explains that a fire escape plan is vital for survival and must be practiced beforehand.

“Knowing exactly how to react when the smoke alarm activates. Knowing where to go, having two means of escape throughout the house, and having a safe area outside to gather and call 911. The smoke alarm will not pick you up and take you outside. The smoke alarm will not put water on the fire. It’s simply there to give you enough warning so you can put your home fire escape plan into action. Which on average, you have about two minutes to do,” Witte said.

He said smoke detectors are the foundation of the safety plan and are key for early notification, which gives you time to react.

“Smoke alarms, when properly installed and maintained, can cut the risk of you dying in a house fire by about half. Every home at least needs a smoke alarm. If you have gas utilities, you need the carbon monoxide protection as well. You can get those in combination with smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed up high on the ceiling for the smoke aspect of it. The carbon monoxide alarms can be installed anywhere within the house because that displaces evenly throughout the air,” Witte said.

The Shreveport Fire Department offers a smoke alarm installation for free.

“We prioritize senior citizens and those with lower incomes who may not have the means to go out and purchase them. However, the program is open to all citizens of Shreveport,” Witte said.

If you need a smoke alarm, just contact the Shreveport Fire Department. Crews will come to your home to install it for free.