Greensboro, N.C. - The National Fire Protection Association says 71 percent of Americans say they have a fire escape plan, but less than half have practiced it.
In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to almost 370,000 home fires...more than 2600 people died. House fires caused 6.9 billion dollars in damage, in just that one year.
Overnight, a house in Rockingham County caught on fire and someone didn't get out. 77-year-old Aaron Galloway, Junior died in a house on Flat Rock Road in Reidsville Tuesday morning. The Rockingham County Fire Marshal is waiting for the State Medical Examiner to officially identify the man.
This time of year is when fires happen most. As it gets colder and people light fireplaces, turn on heaters, light candles, the risk of house fires increases.
That's why it's important to have a Fire Safety Escape Plan. However, you need to do more than simply have a conversation about the plan.
"Literally, walk through your home together and say, 'if we're in this room, this is what we need to do. If we're in this particular room, this is what we need to do. That way, everybody is on the same page," Greensboro Firefighter Todd Lynch said.
In addition, head to your local hardware store and purchase a fire escape ladder for each of your second floor bedrooms. They cost about $30. If smoke or fire blocks a door, the window is the only other likely way to escape. Firefighters also say it's important to make sure your children are comfortable opening windows as well.
Also, firefighters say this is also a good time to remind you to make sure your smoke detectors are working and that your carbon monoxide detectors are installed. Make sure smoke alarms are in every bedroom. It's all too easy for children to sleep through an alarm beeping in the hallway.