Making a Fire Escape Plan
Preparing and practicing a plan of action will help you to act quickly if there is a fire. Everyone who lives in your home should know this plan, and it helps to go through it with your family or anyone else that lives with you including children, older or disabled people.
To get started preparing your home fire escape plan download and read the following materials from the the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Get Out Safely - Guide to Fire Escape Planning (PDF)
Fire Escape Planning for Parents from FEMA
Fire Escape Plan Grid (PDF) for drawing out your escape plan.
Once you Have Your Escape Plan Prepared
- Post your plan on the fridge door or notice board or other place were family members can see it.
- Make sure everyone knows where the keys to doors and windows are kept.
- Practice your plan with everyone who lives with you.
Fire Escape Planning Guidelines from FEMA
Practice Escaping From Every Room In The Home
Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. Purchase only collapsible ladders evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened. Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Security Bars Require Special Precautions
Security bars may help to keep your family safe from intruders, but they can also trap you in a deadly fire! Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.
Designate A Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance
Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.
Finally, having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a year. Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every ten years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.