Families are encouraged to prioritize escape planning and practice for National Fire Protection Association's Fire Prevention Week October 7th through 13th.

Paul Thompson, Fire Marshal for the City of Broken Arrow, says Fire Prevention Week is an annual campaign with a different theme each year. The theme for 2012 National Fire Prevention Week is "Have 2 Ways Out". Thompson says, "We encourage people to have a home fire escape plan that will prepare families to think fast, to get out quickly when their smoke alarm sounds. And if one exit is blocked by smoke they need to know the other way to get out." Thompson says in a fire feel the door with the back of the hand and if it is hot, it's best to go out a window. For two story houses, people can purchase rope ladders. Thompson says there are three parts to a home fire drill. First, get out of the house. Second, have a meeting place like a mailbox or tree. Third, make sure that everyone is out of the house.

Fire professionals suggest to have home fire drill twice a year. Also twice a year smoke detector batteries should be changed. Thompson says when you change clocks for daylight savings time, change the batteries in smoke detectors, and have a home fire drill.  

Other fire prevention tips from Fire Marshal Paul Thompson are to check for frayed wiring in electrical devices. Don't use combination plugs with extension cords, instead use a power strip. Children should never play with matches and know the dangers of fire. Thompson also said that people who smoke cigarettes outside should make sure their cigarettes are extinguished because it's common for Oklahoma winds to blow a cigarette that isn't completely extinguished and start a fire.