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Two minutes is the amount of time that fire experts say you may have to safely escape a home fire before it’s too late.

Home fire responses are 30% higher during cold months than warmer times of year. On average, the Red Cross responds to around 1,300 home fire-related emergencies each year across the greater Washington area.

“Practice your two-minute home fire escape drill and test your smoke alarms monthly to help keep your family safe,” said Emily Aloto, Interim Disaster Officer for the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region.

Practice your plan with everyone in your household. Also teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and what to do in an emergency.

Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a printable escape plan. You’ll also find safety tips for cooking and home heating — the leading causes of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Include in your escape plan at least two ways to exit every room, if possible. [Ed. Note: If the second exit is a window, consider buying an escape ladder that fits the opening. In a basement bedroom, consider installing an “egress window” (though it can be very costly).]

Select a meeting spot a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or a landmark, like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet.

Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it.

Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they likely need to be replaced because components such as batteries can become less reliable. Follow your alarm manufacturer’s instructions.

Tailor your escape plan to everyone’s needs in your household. If you or a loved one is deaf or hard of hearing, install strobe light and bed-shaker alarms to help alert you to a fire.

Visit redcross.org/ASL-disaster-resources for more information, including resources in American Sign Language.

Courtesy of the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org.