Does Your Family Have a Fire Escape Plan?

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Home fires can be devastating. There's something about your hometown that creates a feeling of safety and many people in Elizabethtown, Ky feel like it couldn't happen to them. That all changes when they find themselves in the middle of an emergency. To prepare, every home should have a fire escape plan. 

These tips can help you get started.

1. Know Two Ways to Get Out of Every Room

According to the Red Cross, every member of the household should know another way to escape a room if the door is blocked. This often involves climbing out a window. When smoke is pouring in, you don't have time to think. Developing an alternate way out in advance can save your life. Don't forget to include windows as a viable escape option as well as doors as keep an escape ladder in second story rooms. 

2. Practice

The faster you move, the better and it can be hard to navigate your route when you're panicked and visibility is low. It's a good idea to practice your escape route a few times a year to make sure every member of your household can escape quickly. This is especially beneficial for younger kids who might struggle climbing out of windows. Consider getting an escape ladder to store in higher level rooms or installing one under your windows.

3. Establish a Meeting Place

Every good emergency escape plan should include a meeting place outside the home, such as a tree or a nearby house. This is a good way to make sure every member made it out safely. From there, you can call the fire department, and a fire restoration company that can begin getting your property (and your life) back to normal. 

Developing a fire escape plan is the best way to make sure every member of your household understands how to respond during an emergency. With adequate preparation, hopefully, the only damage during this event will be to your possessions.