We have evacuation plans in case of fire at schools and businesses, but why don't we have one for our own homes? Firefighters say it's just as important. 

Recent fatal house fires in the area are a wake up call. It can happen to anyone. 

"You need to talk about those before they ever happen," said Shawnee Fire Dept. Chief Todd Truesdale. 

And that's why fire officials and the Red Cross emphasize the importance of having an evacuation plan in place at home.

"Getting an idea, if I have a fire in this location, how are we gonna get out of the house, and kind of test your plan?", he said. 

They say determine the best path of travel in case of a fire and practice with everyone in the home. You should have at least two exits. If fire is blocking a door or hallway, get out through a window. If you're on the second floor, hang down as close to the ground as possible and then drop. 

"It's a shorter distance, you might get hurt, but at least you're going to be alive," Truesdale said. 

Once outside everyone should head to a common location, set a meeting place, like a tree or your mailbox. Once you're here, don't go back inside for anything, or anyone."

"If you have your favorite pet, your favorite toy, you're looking for a family member, I don't care what the reason, never go back in. Call 911 and let the fire department try to find the loved one the pet," Truesdale said. 

But the first step to stay safe at home is to make sure you smoke detectors are working properly. That includes changing the batteries, but fire officials say you should also check the expiration date of the actual smoke alarm. They need to be changed too. Most are only good for ten years.

"If you go beyond that ten years is that the sensor can respond slower in case of a fire. We have learned that you have about two to three minutes to get out in case of a fire, so every second is absolutely critical," said Derek Stemen, executive director of the West Ohio Red Cross. 

     

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, and in the hallway near the bedrooms. That, paired with an evacuation plan at home could save lives. 

"The risks are huge, and having a plan in place will help drop those significantly," said Truesdale.