Red Ribbons for Fire Safety

Franklin Fire Truck

If your child is a first grade student in Franklin, chances are he or she recently brought home a red ribbon with the words “Outside Meeting Place” printed on it.

The ribbons are presented to students after they complete the Franklin Fire Department’s Family Safety House program – and they come with a homework assignment.

Outside Meeting Place ribbonFranklin Fire and Life Safety Educator Jamie Melton explains, “Students are encouraged to talk with their families about where they will meet outside their homes if their smoke alarms are sounding or if there is fire.  They are instructed to tie their ribbon around that spot.”

Melton says every family should make a home fire escape plan and choose an Outside Meeting Place, adding this weekend is a good opportunity to do so.

Every year when Daylight Saving Time ends, as it will this weekend, fire departments across the country remind citizens to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and to replace outdated alarms (replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms every 5 – 7 years).   Melton recommends after replacing your batteries to take a few extra minutes to talk with your family about what to do if there is a fire and where to go.  She says, “Having working smoke alarms and a plan can mean the difference between life and death.”

Melton recommends selecting a meeting place in the front of your home, so firefighters will see you when they arrive.  She says another important fire safety rule is to get outside and stay outside.  “Never go back inside a burning building.  Stay at your Outside Meeting Place and let firefighters know if anyone is missing.”

To pick up your own Outside Meeting Place ribbon stop by Franklin Fire Administration in Franklin City Hall, 109 3rd Avenue South. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,755 deaths, 12,200 civilian injuries, and $7.0 billion in direct damage.

Fire safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration 

1.      In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! You may have as little as 90 seconds to escape.

2.      Escape first, then call 911.

3.      Develop a home fire escape plan and designate an Outside Meeting Place.

4.      Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.

5.      Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed.

6.      Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.

7.      Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.

8.      Having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.

9.      Practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

10.   If you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, consider residential fire sprinklers.

Read Also: How to Protect Your Family From a House Fire