A certified fire and explosion investigator with the National Association of Fire Investigators, Jeff Tanski joined Veritas Fire Consulting as president in 2009. Jeff Tanski maintains membership in professional organizations such as the International Association of Arson Investigators and the National Fire Protection Association.
In addition to developing fire-related codes and standards, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides resources to educate the general public on fire safety in the home. One recommendation is that every family have a clear escape plan in the event of a house fire. Fires can spread quickly through a home, and sometimes families have as little as 2 minutes to escape once they hear a smoke alarm.
Everyone in the home should participate in making the plan. For children, it can be helpful to draw a picture of the floor plan, including two ways out of each room. Walk through your plan, making sure that all windows and doors can be opened easily, even by a child. Designate a meeting plan outside the home (a neighbor’s house, for example) where family members should meet, and be sure the house address is clearly visible from the street. Practice the escape plan several times a year, and update as needed.
Jeff Tanski 