Tips for Creating a Fire Escape Plan

5/21/2018 (Permalink)

A fire usually happens without warning, so it is important that you are prepared and have a fire escape plan in place before you need it. Knowing how to create an emergency escape plan is the first step, because you want to ensure that the one that you design will be able to get you, your family and your pets out safely and quickly should a fire ever occur.

Fire Alarms

You should have fire alarms outside of all bedrooms and on all levels of the home. This ensures that everyone will be able to hear them sound if a fire happens. Every season, test them and change the batteries so that they are always fresh and working properly. 

Prepare and Practice Your Escape Plan

Everyone should play a role in the creation of an escape plan so that they know it. Write it down and put it in an area where people can see it daily, such as on your refrigerator. When you are creating and practicing your plan, give each family member two escape routes. You also want to have a meeting spot for everyone to go to that is safely away from your home.

Once you have a good fire escape plan, it is important that the whole family knows what to do. This means occasionally practicing it, just like the fire drills you used to do when you were in school. According to the American Red Cross, only 26 percent of American families have created a plan and practiced it. 

Now that you have this information, it is time to get your fire escape plan in place. Get the entire family together so that you can work on the plan together. It is also a good idea to practice your plan every now and then so that it remains fresh in everyone’s mind.