Make an Escape Plan

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

reminding everyone to practice a fire escape plan twice a year

Creating an effective escape plan is crucial in the event of a home fire, as a fire can spread rapidly, allowing only a short window of time to escape. Follow these guidelines from the NFPA and use the provided steps to develop and practice your home fire escape plan:

1. Draw a map of your home:

   • Identify all possible escape routes from each room.
   • Ensure that doors and windows leading outside can be easily opened.
   • Consider alternative routes, such as windows onto adjacent roofs or collapsible ladders for upper-story windows.
   • If you live in a multi-story building, plan to use the stairs instead of the elevator.

2. Designate a meeting place:

   • Choose a safe location outside the house where everyone should gather after escaping.
   • Make sure the meeting place is a sufficient distance away from the house to avoid potential hazards.

3. Practice your home fire escape plan:

   • It's crucial that everyone in the household, including children, is familiar with the escape plan.
   • The National Fire Protection Association recommends practicing the fire drill at least twice a year, both during the day and at night.

During the practice drills, remember to:

• Practice escaping with your eyes closed to simulate low visibility, crawling low to the floor, and covering your mouth.
• Emphasize the importance of closing doors behind you to slow down the spread of fire and smoke.
• Teach everyone the "stop, drop, and roll" technique in case their clothes catch fire.
• Practice testing door handles before opening them to determine if they are hot.
• Educate children to never hide during a fire and teach them how to escape on their own if necessary.

By developing and regularly practicing your home fire escape plan, you can ensure that everyone in your household knows what to do in case of a fire, increasing the chances of a safe and successful escape.