CONTRIBUTED

Would your child know what to do if your smoke detector sounded in the middle of the night?

Young children are at the greatest risk of dying in house fires because they often try to hide from smoke and flames under a bed or in a closet.

The chances of dying in a home fire are cut in half when there is a working smoke detector and are reduced even further if every member of the household knows what to do when it sounds. Smoke detectors can give parents up to three minutes to save themselves and their children from the effects of smoke and the devastation of a home fire.

The three-minute grace period does not allow for indecision or lack of preparedness. Without a planned escape route that has been practiced by the whole family, the successful escape of all family members is at risk. Precious escape time is often spent trying to find children who have panicked and hidden.

There a way to help protect our young children through a two-fold process of ensuring there is a working smoke detector in every home and by encouraging parents to conduct an exit drill in the home with their families.

That is the goal of Operation EDITH, a public service campaign of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC). Operation EDITH, which stands for Exit Drill in the Home, has been around for many years as a way to educate parents that practicing a home exit drill and having a working smoke detector can save lives.

During Fire Safety Week, Oct. 9-15, First Pioneer Insurance Agency and the IIANC are urging families with young children to join Operation EDITH. On Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m., families are asked to plan and practice an exit drill in the home.

First Pioneer Insurance Agency will distribute parent brochures, posters, coloring books and stickers to Moore County schools and day care centers.

Teachers are invited to spend time with these children talking about smoke detectors and exit drills.

Students in prekindergarten through third grade are encouraged to participate in the Operation EDITH coloring contest. Winners will be selected from each grade level and pictures will be displayed in the lobby at First Pioneer Insurance Agency and on the company Facebook page.

Operation EDITH will focus on three messages:

n Have a working smoke detector

n Practice a home exit drill

n Get Low and Go - Stay under the dangerous smoke and get out of the house!

Anyone needing more information about Operation EDITH can see a local independent insurance agent at First Pioneer Insurance Agency or visit www.pioneerinsurance.com.