In recognition of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 8 - 14), the UHD Department of Emergency Management and Fire Safety (EMFS) is hosting an exhibit in the Food Court on Oct. 12-13, from 10 am. to 2 p.m. This year's theme, "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!" invites the UHD community to learn about fire prevention and educate the critical importance of developing a home escape plan and practicing it. EMFS is working in coordination with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of the Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to reinforce potentially life-saving messages.

In support of Fire Prevention Week, Brian Lovelady, EMFS specialist and former fire fighter, encourages all UHD households to develop a plan together and practice it. A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. It also includes two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place, such as a tree, light pole, or mailbox that's a safe distance from the home.

"Developing and practicing a home escape plan is like building muscle memory," said Lovelady. "Pre-planning is what everyone will draw upon to snap into action and escape as quickly as possible in the event of a fire."

According to Lovelady, during a typical home fire you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. That's why, home escape planning is so critical in a fire situation. It ensures that everyone in the household knows how to use that small window of time wisely.

"Home escape planning is one of the most basic, but fundamental elements of home fire safety, and can truly make the difference between life and death in a fire situation," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of Outreach and Advocacy.

Here are some additional tips and recommendations for developing and practicing a home escape plan:

• Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can't help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave—this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

To learn more about this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign and home escape planning, visit firepreventionweek.org. For more information about Fire Prevention Week activities in Houston, visit www.houstontx.gov/fire/