ON-AIR SEGMENT: Lowville Fire Chief Joe Austin talks family fire escape planning, safe meeting places

With the heating season upon us and Old Man Winter knocking on the door, Lowville Fire Chief Joe Austin is urging homeowners to consider going over a fire escape plan, including an established meeting place.

"Safe meeting places are extremely important and again it's making sure everyone knows where that is," the Fire Chief told us.   

Listen to our latest on-air coverage from Friday, November 22, 2024:

According to the Department of State, there were an estimated 1.5 million fires in 2022 across the United States causing more than 13,250 injuries and more than 3,800 deaths.

In New York State alone, 164 people died as a result of fires between 2015-2019, ranking third in the U.S.

Here are some things that emergency officials recommend considering a family fire escape plan:

1.  Plan your home escape; including two ways out of each room. Share the escape plan with everyone in the family and guests.
2. The plan should include two ways out of every room and an outside family meeting place.
3. Share the escape plan with everyone in the family and guests.
4. Practice your fire drill.
5. Make sure children, older adults, and people with disabilities have assistance.
6. Make sure your home has bright lighting in stairways to prevent falls.
7. Remove clutter to prevent trips and falls to allow for a quick escape.
8. Install handrails along the full length of both sides of the stairs.
9. If you live in an apartment, know the location of all available exit stairs on your floor in case the nearest one is blocked by fire or smoke and use the stairs to get out, never use the elevator unless directed by the fire department.

Image via Lowville Fire Department.