Imagine that it's a typical school night. The kids are asleep and everything is quiet. But then without warning, the smoke alarms start blaring. How will the kids react?
"They know what to do in a fire at school," said Andy Bartels, a parent. "Stop, drop and roll they learned at school. But they don't know what to do at home."
So the Bartelses created a new plan. They've been working with their two little boys, 5-year old Thomas and 8-year-old John Mixon, on a fire safety plan.
"We taught our oldest, if there's smoke in the hallway, get down and help your brother," said Andrea Bartels. "He needs to say, 'Come on, Thomas, let's go!'"
"When it does happen (a fire), it happens quickly," said Fire Fighter Lieutenant Kevin Daniels. "A little preparation now can save your life down the road."
The Bartelses agreed to put their plan to the test.
They practiced their fire safety plan a few times before we came out, but the kids were awake and prepared. What would happen when we showed up after 10 PM on a school night with our cameras rolling?
The alarms started blaring and the house was still. But not for long. Twenty seconds later, John Mixon opened his door and started called for his brother. And Thomas did pretty well, following his brother down the hall.
Outside, we had one camera on Mom. All she could do was wait and hope they did what they practiced.
Thomas got turned around. John Mixon went to unlock the front door. Thomas was still sleepy and turned around and went back to the bathroom.
"I think Thomas was looking for Andy and me," Andrea said.
More than a minute passed and the kids were still inside.
"Come on Thomas," John Mixon yelled again.
Thomas got to the front door and he and his big brother were outside in one minute and 24 seconds after the alarm sounded.
But Dad did have one concern.
"Seeing how [Thomas] was a little disoriented, we will practice a few more times so we know what to do," said Andy. "This was a good learning experience."
For Thomas and John Mixon, it was time to head back to bed.
For the Bartelses, it wasn't perfect -- but they're way ahead of the game when it comes to having their family prepared for getting out alive.
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