how long do you have to escape a house fire?

The Importance of Time In A Fire
Time is an occupant’s worst enemy in a fire. Fire spreads extremely fast. A simple trash can flame can spread to the entire house in the matter of minutes or even seconds. A hesitation to get out the minute you hear the smoke detector could cost you your life, especially since by the time the smoke detector goes off, the fire is often well underway. Children need to understand how important the concept of time is in a fire. Teach them:

·	How quickly fire can spread, and how important it is to get out, and get out as quick as they can.

·	Tell them not to bother to get dressed when they hear the smoke alarm. Just get out quick, exactly as they are.

·	Teach all children three and up that if the smoke alarm sounds and there is no adult around, it is ok to leave the house alone. They should either go to their meeting spot or to a next door neighbor for help. This is the only time it’s ok to leave the house on their own.

·	Teach them: Do not bring anything with you or try to look for things. The only thing worth saving is themselves. It is the only thing we can’t get replace.

·	Don’t try to look for where the fire is, just get out.

·	Don’t go to your parents’ room or look for your mom or dad, or brother or sister. They will get out on their own. They just need to get out quickly.

Once you are out of the house, do not go back in for anything!!!! The firefighters will soon be there, and they can go back for anything you forgot with their special suits. Stay out, and stay away. Go to your meeting place with your parents. Tell the firefighters of any other people that may still be in the house.

·	Give kids an illustration of how quickly fire can spread. Time them, during playtime or other activities, at intervals between 1 and 2 minutes. Let them know that’s how quickly fire can spread, and that is how quick they need to get out when they hear the smoke alarm or see a fire.