| When a smoke alarm sounds, you have less than three minutes to escape a house fire safely. In past decades, the safe escape time was about 15 to 17 minutes, but homes today burn much faster and produce highly toxic, disorienting smoke.
This rapid burn time is caused by several factors. Most modern furniture and construction materials are synthetic and petroleum-based, which ignite easily and burn hotter than natural materials. Modern open floor plans allow air to move freely, feeding the fire more quickly and offering fewer barriers to slow its spread.
Due to this shortened window, it is essential to evacuate immediately. Do not spend time collecting valuables, searching for pets, or using a fire extinguisher. Fire doubles in size every minute, rapidly filling escape routes with dangerous heat and toxic gases.
Prepare and practice a home fire escape plan so everyone in your household knows how to get out safely in under two minutes. |
