TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. - In the event of a fire, remember every
second counts. It only takes a few minutes for a house to fill
with thick black smoke. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame
can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire.
Creating an escape plan will help everyone in the house get out
quickly. Develop a home escape plan for your family. Identify at
least two escape routes from each room of your home. 1. Draw a
map of your home that shows all the doors and windows. 2. Go
around to every room in your house to make sure it has two or
more ways to escape. Exits can be either a window or a door.
This is very important because if the fire is behind one door,
you can then escape through another door or window. Check
windows to make sure the glass isn't stuck and screens can be
swiftly removed. 3. If your house has more than one level room
make sure everyone knows where the emergency ladder is kept for
each room on the upper levels. Parents and children should
practice going down the emer