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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

The Oxford Fire Department and the City of Oxford stress the importance of understanding what to do and where to go if there is a fire in your home.

According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) surveys, only one of every three American households have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Out of 71% of American households with a fire escape plan, only 47% have practiced it; and, one-third of American households believed they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become threatening, whereas, in reality, the time is less.

So, what can you do to prepare yourself and your family? 

• MAKE a home escape plan; draw a map of your home including all doors and windows and make sure to discuss the plan with everyone living in your home.
• KNOW at least two ways out of every room, if possible.
• HAVE an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home.
• PRACTICE your home fire drill at least twice a year and PRACTICE using different ways out.
• TEACH children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help.
• CLOSE doors behind you as you leave;  a closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.
• INSTALL smoke alarms inside every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• TEST smoke alarms monthly.
• If your smoke alarms sound, GET OUT AND STAY OUT.
• If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOW AND GO UNDER.
• CALL the fire department from outside your home. 

Planning ahead for a fire can make a difference in your life and your family’s lives. All of the information provided and more education tips can be found on the NFPA website at nfpa.org. 

If you have any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Oxford Fire Department at (919) 603-1140, by email at ofd@oxfordnc.org or call Oxford City Hall at (919) 603-1100.