KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- Have a plan. In fact, have two. So say local fire officials as they encourage folks to prepare for something everyone hopes they will never have to do: escape from a fire.

Michael McCleieer, founder of the fire safety organization ESCAPE, tells WKZO.com it is no longer enough to have one escape plan in the event of fire. A second escape plan should be implemented in case the first one cannot be followed.

"This is even true in a public place, such as a school, gymnasium or movie theatre," McCleieer said.

Then, a family should practice the escape plans at least twice a year.

"That's where we find a lot of people may have a plan or talk about a plan, but they don't practice it," McCleieer said.

Michigan firefighters responded to 16,000 house fires last year.  This week is National Fire Prevention Safety Week.