NOCFA launches “Ride with Edith”(Exit Drills In The Home) Program

Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan that everyone understands can mean the difference between life and death. Surveys conducted by the North Oakland County Fire Authority revealed that 77% of children have not practiced an exit drill in their home and the number is even more staggering for adults 65 year and older. In an effort to get families to conduct exit drills in the home, NOCFA has developed the “Ride with Edith” program. Students at local schools were given information about the importance of exit drills and how to complete a fire escape plan drawing. After practicing an exit drill, they return their paper to their teacher indicating how long it took to do an exit drill and where their meeting place is. Every student who participates gets a prize. Out of all the completed forms, 1 form will be randomly drawn and that child will be picked up in a fire truck and driven to school. “We are hoping this innovative idea will encourage residents to practice exit drills in order to develop safe escape routes in case of a fire emergency” says Fire Chief Jeremy Lintz. Fire can grow and spread through your home very quickly. It's important that you be prepared to react as soon as the smoke alarm sounds.