TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Last year, the Tallahassee Fire Department responded to about 22,000 calls.
For families, some of the most frightening moments are when you see flames inside your home. In a typical house fire, you have a few as one to two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. That's why planning ahead and knowing what behaviors to avoid can be the difference between life and death.
"Lack of education. That's the number one factor," said Annette Brown, TFD's Assistant Division Chief of Fire Prevention.
Brown says some of the most common causes of house fires in our area are unattended candles or cooking.
"As adults and parents, there are times that we are cooking and we will leave the kitchen because our attention is pulled elsewhere," said Brown. "Make sure you try to get back as quick as possible or if you can, delay a moment of cooking. Just move it off of that eye and turn it off."
Although businesses are required by law to have a fire extinguisher, homes are not. Still, fire officials say having working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher at hand can help keep your family safe.
On top of having all the equipment you need, families should know what to do once a fire starts. That's why this year's Fire Prevention Week theme is "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!"
"Wherever you are, whether you're in your home or whether you're on vacation, consider your safety," said Brown. "Do you have a plan or an idea to protect you and your family?"
On top of having a fire plan, experts say you should practice a home fire drill twice a year.
For more fire safety info and tips, click here.
For more about Fire Prevention Week and the Tallahassee Fire Department, click here.
