VPSD Monthly Report (February 2025)

Two recent house fires within The Villages have served as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and preparedness. While house fires can happen to anyone, being prepared can make the difference between life and tragedy. One of the most critical steps in fire safety is having an escape plan. This is essential not only for younger families with children but also for elderly residents who may face additional mobility challenges during emergencies.

Why You Need an Escape Plan
House fires can spread rapidly, leaving just minutes—or even seconds—to escape safely. Having an escape plan ensures that everyone in your household knows exactly what to do, minimizing confusion and saving valuable time. For families with small children, the escape plan should focus on guiding them to safety, quickly and calmly. For elderly individuals, the plan should account for any mobility issues or special needs to ensure everyone can evacuate efficiently.

Steps to Create a Fire Escape Plan

1. Identify All Exits
   Walk through your home and locate all possible exits, including doors and windows. Ensure all doors and windows open easily, and discuss which exit to use depending on the location of the fire.
2. Designate a Meeting Spot
   Choose a safe location outside your home, such as a neighbor’s driveway or a specific tree, where everyone can gather after escaping.
3. Test Smoke Alarms
   Install smoke alarms in bedrooms, near sleeping areas, and throughout your home. Test them monthly, replace batteries annually, and ensure they are functioning properly.
4. Practice Regularly
   Conduct fire drills at least twice a year. Practice escaping during both daytime and nighttime to prepare for different scenarios.
5. Account for Special Needs
   If anyone in your household has limited mobility, assign someone to assist them. Keep mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs near their bed at night for quick access.
6. Teach Fire Safety Basics
   Learn and teach essential fire safety skills, such as how to “stop, drop, and roll” if your clothes catch fire, and how to stay low to avoid smoke. Emphasize the importance of never re-entering a burning building.

Special Considerations for The Villages
The Villages’ unique community, with its elderly population and distinctive home designs, requires tailored safety measures:

• Mobility Aids: Keep pathways clear and ensure easy access for wheelchairs or walkers.
• Hearing and Vision Impairments: Install smoke alarms with strobe lights or vibration features for those with hearing loss.
• Community Support: Check on elderly neighbors and offer assistance in developing or practicing their escape plans.

A Commitment to Your Safety
In addition to these safety measures, we want to assure you that should tragedy strike, our highly trained firefighters are ready to respond. Our team is deeply committed to your safety and welfare, bringing expertise, dedication, and compassion to every emergency. The safety of our community is our top priority. By preparing for and practicing your escape plan, you can help protect your loved ones and ensure readiness for the unexpected. Together, we can prevent tragedy and safeguard what matters most—our lives. Below are two helpful links should you have a fire in your home.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf

Brian Twiss, Fire Chief