If you woke up to a fire in your home, how much time do you think you would have to get to safety? According to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of American households thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available is often less. That is why Seminole County Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA during Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2012, to urge residents to "Have Two Ways Out!" This year's theme focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to 369,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,350 civilian injuries, 2,650 deaths, and $6.9 billion in direct damage. "A residential structure fire was reported every 85 seconds in 2010," said Lt. Paula Thompson, Lieutenant/PIO of the Seminole County Fire Department. "Fire is unpredictable and moves faster than most people realize," added Thompson.

Seminole County Fire Department urges residents to have a tried and true escape plan with two ways out to ensure your family's safety should a fire break out in your home. Seminole County Fire Department recommends the following tips for planning your family's escape.

• Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.