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How to create a fire escape plan

You’ve heard of stop, drop and roll. You know how to call 9-1-1. You change the batteries in your smoke alarm at least twice a year. But do you have a fire escape plan?

According to the American Red Cross, only 26% of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.

The issue lies in the fact that many people believe that they have more time to get out if there’s a fire. But in fact, it may only be about two minutes.1

With 501,500 structure fires occurring in the U.S. during 2015,2 it’s critical that you and all of the members of your household take the time to find and practice your escape routes.

Take a look at these tips and create your own home fire escape plan.

1. Do a walk through.

Gather the family and take a walk through your home. Be sure to examine all windows and doors, and note at least two ways out of each room.

2. Write it down.

Especially if you have children in your home, it’s important that you take the time to physically map out your escape routes. One great tool is NFPA’s Home Escape Plan. The coloring book-like chart can help get your kids involved and educated on the fire escape plan.

3. Think about escape ladders.

Consider purchasing escape ladders for rooms on upper-level floors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and have everyone in your home practice using the ladders from first-story windows. Keep these escape ladders near the windows where they will be used.

 

 

Source: Grange Insurance

Ohioans likely to pay higher home-insurance rates

By Mark Williams, Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 16, 2012
Read Dispatch article here

Last year’s catastrophic tornadoes, floods and hurricanes probably mean that the cost of insuring your home will continue to climb.

The cost of homeowner policies had been rising even before a rash of deadly storms in 2011 led to insured losses that were about double the already-high level of 2010, according to industry figures.

Although insurers are prohibited from increasing rates to recoup losses from past storms, the losses they suffered in the past several years can be factored into projections of expected future losses that are used to set rates. Read more