ALBANY, N.Y.-- There are horrifying stories on the news daily about deadly fires. There are only a couple of minutes, maybe even seconds to get out before the blaze takes over. If tragedy strikes your family, how do you or your loved ones get out safely? News 10 teamed up with the East Greenbush Fire Department to explain how to get out alive.
In 2009 alone, someone died in a fire every three hours across the United States, and 85% of them happened in homes. Edward Dimartino, the Fire Chief of the East Greenbush Fire Department, cautions anyone with some simple rules.
"It's very important to keep your door closed when you're sleeping because if you have that door open, remember the smoke always gets to you before the fire does," said Dimartino.
Fear paralyzes most and when it hits you, what do you do? Rehearse what you and others should do because in a matter of moments before you're engulfed, a fire doubles in size every second.
"You stay low, you crawl out, and once you're out, you stay out," said Dimartino.
You should create an "EDITH" plan, which stands for "Exit Drills In The Home," which you should practice twice a month. Include every member of the family and invite friends who visit often.
The National Fire Safety Council says to change the batteries in your smoke alarm every time you change your clock, daylight savings time and eastern standard time.
You should also pick a place for everyone to meet up and to get where you need to be, check the door for heat, and crawl to safety. In addition, if you have to go downstairs, go backwards so smoke doesn't daze you. However, if you can't get out that way, stuff a rag, blanket or sheet under the door to give you some time, and find another way out. You shouldn't panic and always know your surroundings.
You also want to make sure you have a "Child Finder" hanging in each bedroom window, so the fire department knows a youngster could be inside, unable to get out.
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