El Paso Fire: A simple solution could buy you lifesaving time in a fire

In the event a fire breaks out in your home the El Paso Fire Department said a simple solution can buy you lifesaving time.

“It’s extremely hazardous to have your doors open,” said James Schaerfl of the El Paso Fire Department. “By closing the doors you can actually keep the smoke and fire in the room of origin for at least 15 to 20 minutes.”

Even small fires can can produce a lot of harmful toxic smoke.

“It’s the number one killer in the home,” said Schaerfl. “It’s what we need to be most cautious about, is the smoke.”

To avoid any inhalation, the fire department recommends setting up an emergency exit plan.

“Typically it’s the front and back exit of the home,” said Schaerfl. “More importantly, each bedroom has to have two ways out.”

One of the ways, a window, if you have one in your bedroom. Fire officials said to make sure any metal bars covering your windows can be easily removed.

The second way, your doors, but use caution.

“You can feel the door, crack it open and make sure that there’s not an excessive amount of smoke,” said Schaerfl.

Call 311 or the El Paso Fire Department to have crews help you and your family come up with a safety plan.