Fire Officials Stress Evacuation Plan

So far, El Paso had nine fire-related deaths, seven of them happened inside homes this year. That's why fire officials want to stress to the public to be ready with a fire evacuation plan.

"At home, where we spend the most amount of time, where we sleep, we're less prepared," said Lt. Mario Hernandez with the El Paso Fire Department.

Hernandez said the community needs to change that. Residents need to start by having a fire evacuation plan.

"In every situation, you have to make believe that in case the primary exit is blocked, how else can we get out of the house?" asked Hernandez.

Hernandez said most house fires turn deadly when they happen at night when people are asleep.

"Let's say the hallway is already blocked, the first thing we tell people is close the door, that way we can prevent smoke from coming inside your room. Then, of course look for a second way out, in this case your window," said Hernandez. "We need to teach kids how to open the windows and be able to get out of the window and go out to the meeting place."

A meeting place somewhere safe outside the house is part of the plan. Fire officials said every member of your family should know it, that way everyone knows who got out safe.

Fire officials say having a smoke alarm is also essential, it's your first line of defense against a fire. But, they say, you have to make sure it's operating.

"If you know what do do in case of an emergency, we're able to survive fires," said Hernandez.

Last year, we had only one fire-related death and in 2008 there were two.