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The Cost of Blocked Fire Exits

During the holidays, everyone is particularly busy. With so many things on our lists, it is no wonder that the idea of blocked fire exits are not something we often think about in the midst of merriment.

However, with many threats to our family's safety during this time; including Christmas trees, candles, lighting, overloaded circuits, cooking, open space heaters for colder weather, and flammable decorations; perhaps it is a time we should be concerned about the topic of safe fire exits even more than usual.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires injure over 2600 people and cause more than $930 million in damage, during the holiday season. In 2002, alone, there were 240 Christmas tree fires, which resulted in 23 deaths.

The U.S. Fire Administration also notes that 80 percent of all fire deaths happen in the home.

If a fire alarm sounded in your home, during this season of celebration, would your family know what to do if there were an obstructed exit?

Here are some pointers just to be sure that your holiday memories are ones to be cherished:

*Design an escape route for your family, which everyone knows. Include in the plan at least two exits for every room, in case one exit is blocked by fire or smoke.

*Practice the plan during the day and at night. Things look differently in the dark. Pretend one exit is blocked, so family members will rely on the other exit as well. Make sure they know where keys are if doors or windows require them.

*With many gifts around and new toys on stairways and in doorways, a potential hazard lurks. Make sure children and adults realize the necessity to keep fire exits free of obstruction.

*Packaging often gets stacked up anywhere there is room. Not only is this material a fire hazard in itself, but it potentially blocks areas that are used for exits. Put it away properly.

*In order to make room for Christmas trees, extra furniture for guests, more tables for holiday eating, items are often pushed toward areas where emergency exits might be available. Put the items out of the way of such places.

*Extra electrical cords are often needed during the holidays for lights, decorations, cooking, and other uses. Do not leave them in the way of exits where people can stumble and fall, if they must exit in a hurry.

*If special needs children or adults are in the home, be sure they have large enough access and the assistance needed to get walkers or wheelchairs through exits.

*Fire exit signs are a good idea in any

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