The North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue is providing this information to help instruct residents on safety procedures in the event of a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued the theme for Fire Prevention Week in October, 2003. When fires strikes: GET OUT! STAY OUT!

Fire strikes quickly, often at night when your family is asleep. So whether you live in a house, apartment or mobile home, you should establish a plan for evacuating each member of your family. If fire does strike, everyone will know where to go and what to do.

Draw a floor plan of your home indicating all doors, windows, stairways and porches.

Identify two ways to reach the ground from each room. Your primary route should be the quickest, most direct way out. The secondary route should be the next safest, most direct path out.

Use the back of your hand to touch the door and doorknob of your exit door. If you feel heat, use your second exit.

Assign someone to assist family members who are elderly, infirm or too young to get themselves out.

Practice your plan. Make sure everyone understands what must be done.

Agree on a meeting place outside that is away from the home. Everyone should proceed to that spot immediately so you can be sure all are safe. Call the Fire Department from a neighbor's home.

Have a fire escape plan that everyone understands and conduct periodic drills at least twice a year.

Smoke detectors - located properly and tested regularly - can be life-savers.

Locate smoke detectors between your sleeping areas and the most probable source of fire. Make sure a detector is near enough to your bedroom so you can hear it even with the door closed.

Although you shouldn't try to fight a fire yourself - unless it is quite small - it's advisable to keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach in the kitchen, basement and garage.

Look for an all-purpose extinguisher, known as an ABC extinguisher.

In case of fire, remain calm. Get down and out. Stoop or crawl to stay below deadly smoke and get out of the house.

Although no one wants to think about fire, thinking about it - and planning for it - are crucial to minimizing the damage and devastation it can cause.

By taking the time to conduct a fire safety check of your home and to educate your family about what to do in case of fire, your decreasing the risk of fire and increasing your family's safety.

If you have questions regarding fire safety, contact:

Division of Community Relations

North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue

Telephone (201) 601-3542

FOR EMERGENCIES, ALWAYS DIAL 9-1-1.