On Monday, February 22, the North Royalton Fire Department was dispatched to a call at 2:26 a.m. to a fire at 12666 Drake Road. It was reported that the fire was fully engulfing the garage and a portion of the house, which was attached by a breezeway.

Mutual aid was also called from Broadview Heights, Brunswick and Strongsville. Since there was a large propane tank on the property, residents were evacuated. The power lines were also on fire. Both Columbia Gas and First Energy were also called to respond. Drake Road, from West 130th Street to Bennett Road was temporarily closed.
North Royalton Fire Chief Bob Chegan said that the fire went from the front of the garage to the back and then extended into the kitchen. “We pretty much knocked it down in a half hour.” He did indicate that they continued to put out hot spots throughout the day.
All four residents of the home had exited the house safely, through the back of the house. Unfortunately, three household cats did not make it out. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, according to Chegan. As far as pet evacuation, Chegan noted, “if they are immediately accessible, grab them and take them out, but never go back in to get them, or anything else. These fires double in size by the minute. There could be potential loss of life.”
As in many cases, preparation is key in preventing loss of life in a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
Also included in your plan, should be the following:
• Designate an outside meeting place, such as a mailbox, a neighbor’s home, or other area which is a safe distance your home.
• Check to make sure that your address is clearly visible from the road.
• If there are infants or someone with mobility issues, assign someone to assist them in case of an emergency, as well as a backup.
• If your windows or doors have emergency latches, make sure each person knows how to disengage them quickly.
Once you have a fire plan in place, practice it twice a year, making it as realistic as possible, sounding the smoke alarm during the night. If someone doesn’t wake up with the sound, make sure that someone is designated to wake them. Instruct children before they go to sleep that there will be a drill, so as not to frighten them. Ensure that everyone practices getting low to go under the smoke, to their exits and closing doors on the way off, to slow the spread of the fire. If the fire prevents your escape, make sure to cover door cracks and air vents with towels or blankets to keep the smoke out. Wave a flashlight or brightly colored cloth at the window to let the fire rescue know where you are located.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer