Weekend Philly fire shows importance of multiple escape routes, officials say

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 The deadly fire in Southwest Philly over the weekend demonstrates the importance of having at least two escape routes from your home. (<a href=

The deadly fire in Southwest Philly over the weekend demonstrates the importance of having at least two escape routes from your home. (

A Southwest Philadelphia fire that killed four children over the weekend should serve as a warning for those who don’t a fire safety plan for their home, city fire prevention officials said.

 

Although the homes destroyed early Saturday apparently had smoke detectors, residents may have struggled to find a way out since the blaze is thought to have started on a porch, which could have blocked the primary escape route from the houses, officials said.

Everyone should have multiple ways to exit a home in the event of fire, said Peter Crespo, executive chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department.

“Make a plan,  practice a home escape plan,” he urged Monday as the investigation into the fatal fire continues.  “Agree on a common meeting place … just have accountability and make sure everyone gets out safely.

“A lot of people need to resist re-entering. Don’t go back inside your residence,” Crespo said. “Make sure that everyone who gets out stays out, and make sure there are two ways out as well.”

Crespo said the plan for a second exit might incorporate a back roof, a porch roof or even a folding escape ladder which can be purchased at hardware stores.

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