National Fire Prevention Week, October 9 through October 15 urges home fire escape planning.

While most Americans feel safest at home, research shows that three-quarters of fire deaths and injuries occur in our homes. That’s why the National Fire Prevention Week theme is “Fire Won’t Wait, Plan your Escape.”

“Research has shown that modern built homes can burn up to two or three times faster than older home, which means that you may have under two minutes to get out once the smoke alarm sound,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. Bean stated that modern homes burn faster and hotter than older homes because new, lighter weight building materials are often more flammable.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends families follow the following steps in case of a fire:

-Make sure your home escape plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

-Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.

-Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.

-Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.

-Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

Bean also pointed out the importance of closing doors to slow the spread of a fire. Closing doors cuts off the oxygen that fuels the fire and reduces the amount of smoke that spreads to other rooms.