October 4, 2022 3:00 a.m.

State fire officials are asking residents to have a home fire escape plan.

A release from the Oregon State Fire Marshal said families may have less than two minutes to safety escape their residence if a fire begins. OSFM said each year in Oregon, an average of 32 people die in home fires.

OSFM has kicked off a campaign called, “Plan, Practice, and Be Prepared with a Home Escape Plan” to educate and highlight the importance of having and practicing a plan.

To support the campaign, Governor Kate Brown has proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month.

To plan and prepare for a safe home fire escape:

*Ensure the home has working smoke alarms and check them monthly

*Make an escape map showing every window and door and share it with everyone in the home

*Have two ways out of every room

*Designate an outside meeting place a safe distance from the residence where everyone should meet

*Plan for everyone: Those with children, elderly or differently-abled people in their home, should plan for their escape

*Practice the home fire drill at least twice a year during the night and day

*Get out and stay out if the smoke alarm sounds. Never go back inside for others or for pets

*Call 911 when safely outside

For more resources about home fire escape plans, go to: https://www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/sfm/pages/default.aspx