Family Escape Plan

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 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.

Home Family Escape Plan Tips

 

In the event of fire, time is the biggest enemy, and every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. Have escape plans to get out of your home quickly. Practice E.D.I.T.H. — Exit Drills in the Home — with your family.   Click on the picture above to help make your plan.

 

Creating Your Home Fire Escape Plan

  • Draw your home floor plan using a home escape plan template.
  • Label all the rooms and identify the doors and windows.  
  • Plan 2 escape routes from every room.
  • Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.
  • Agree on a meeting place where everyone will gather after you have escaped.
  • Considering buying a collapsible ladder to escape from upper story windows.

Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan

  • Review your escape plan with everyone that stays in the house, including children.
  • Sound the smoke alarm.
  • Practice crawling low beneath the smoke.
  • Remember to check doors for heat with your hand; if a door is hot, do not open it.
  • Close the doors as you leave.
  • Practice with a collapsible ladder, if you have one.
  • Go directly to your meeting place; do not stop to find your pets or valuables.
  • Remember to GET OUT FIRST, then call 9-1-1 for help.
  • Practice your plan at least twice a year.

Additional Tips

  • If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll until the flames are extinguished.
  • Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years.
  • Change the batteries in the smoke alarms, every 6 months (when you change your clocks).
  • Test alarms monthly by pushing the “test” button for 3-5 seconds.

If You Live in an Apartment Building

  • Learn and practice your building’s evacuation plan.
  • Know primary and secondary exits.
  • If you hear the fire alarm, leave immediately.
  • Use the stairs.
  • NEVER use elevators during a fire.

 

 

For ALL Emergencies Please Dial 911