The Oak Ridge Fire Department will visit all the elementary and middle schools as well as many day cares during the next few weeks to talk to children about home fire escape plans.

It’s part of the department’s activities during national Fire Prevention Month, Oak Ridge Assistant Fire Chief Josh Waldo said in a press release.

The national fire prevention theme this year is “Have 2 Ways Out.” The release said children will be bringing home information to review with their parents to make sure that they have working smoke alarms, emergency exit plans, two ways out of their homes during a fire, and a safe meeting place.

“It is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm in your home sounds,” the release said. “What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That’s why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan.”

The press release said Tennessee routinely ranks in the Top 5 nationally in deaths from residential fires, and the lack of smoke detectors and home exit plans are contributing factors.

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