In observance of what they call “National Fire Prevention Month,” the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), is asking residents in St. Lawrence County and around the state to remember and re-learn basic fire safety rules that can help save lives.

This year’s theme, as highlighted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is an effort to teach people how to be prepared and equipped for emergencies in the home.

Most fatal fires happen between midnight and 8 a.m. and fires become deadly fast. Once your alarm sounds, you may have less than two minutes to get to safety. Exit Drills in the Home (EDITH) encourages creating and practicing a home escape plan in order to ensure that each resident is as prepared as possible.

“FASNY encourages fire prevention strategies all year round, but October is a time to check in and revamp your preparedness for emergencies. This year, our focus is on building a home escape plan, which is essential to keeping residents safe and happy. Draw a floor plan, find two or more escape options, inspect your home, and run a drill. Our volunteer firefighters are only a call away, but these measures can help each of us avoid emergencies in our homes,” said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski.

Every second counts during a fire; here are a few tips for making sure you and your family are safe and secure.

• Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.

• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.

• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.

• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.

• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.

• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.