Calvins' home destroyed (WHO-TV / January 31, 2009)
A fire destroyed a family's home in Baxter Thursday night, but quick thinking and good preparation saved their son's life.
Lisa and Philip Calvin lost all their possessions, but this family has remarkable timing. A week ago, Philip had a talk about fire safety with their son Quincy, and it stuck. When the seven-year-old smelled smoke, he got out of the house, ran to a neighbor's and called 9-1-1.
Assistant state fire marshal Jeff Quigle says having a plan in place and rehearsing it is one of the most basic measures families can take to save lives.
"They can be simply sketched out on a piece of paper. What I recommend is the floor they (children) sleep on is sketched out and that you find two ways out, out of each room," Quigle said.
Quigle recommends testing smoke detectors once a month and changing the batteries annually. He says working flash lights should be placed along the escape route.
Donations to help the Calvin family can be sent to: State Savings Bank 102 South Main Street Baxter, IA 50028 (641) 227-3161
Lisa and Philip Calvin lost all their possessions, but this family has remarkable timing. A week ago, Philip had a talk about fire safety with their son Quincy, and it stuck. When the seven-year-old smelled smoke, he got out of the house, ran to a neighbor's and called 9-1-1.
Assistant state fire marshal Jeff Quigle says having a plan in place and rehearsing it is one of the most basic measures families can take to save lives.
"They can be simply sketched out on a piece of paper. What I recommend is the floor they (children) sleep on is sketched out and that you find two ways out, out of each room," Quigle said.
Quigle recommends testing smoke detectors once a month and changing the batteries annually. He says working flash lights should be placed along the escape route.
Donations to help the Calvin family can be sent to: State Savings Bank 102 South Main Street Baxter, IA 50028 (641) 227-3161
