In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of your community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.

That's why this year's Fire Prevention Week theme: "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!" is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here are this year's key campaign messages:

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.