Fire Prevention Month | Video

Jennifer Joas | 10/1/2012

The Bismarck fire department responded to 96 fires last year, with almost half being structure fires. That is why in honor of fire prevention month, firefighters are urging families to have a plan in case of a fire.

Firefighters say to make a map of your home with all doors and windows, make sure the windows can open, and practice the plan a few times a year. They say a plan is important because it could save a life.

"We would like to respond within five minutes. A lot of times a lot sooner. But one minute, 30 seconds is a lot. So if families have a plan together and they`re good at it and they know what they`re doing, they could be out of their house within seconds," said firefighter Trent Johnson.

Firefighters also say to have a meeting place once you escape from your home.

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