Recent studies show that, in the event of a home fire, residents often have less than six minutes to escape before it becomes life-threatening. If a fire breaks out, you may only have a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. It’s crucial to have a fire escape plan in place. Here’s how you can prepare.

1. Ensure Emergency Visibility

Check that your street number is visible from the road. This helps emergency responders locate your home quickly during a fire.

2. Inspect Exits and Escape Routes

• Review all possible exits in your home.
• Create a floor plan, marking at least two ways out of each room (windows and doors).
• Note the locations of all smoke alarms.

3. Ensure Doors and Windows Open Easily

Make sure that all doors and windows leading outside can be opened easily. This ensures a quick exit during an emergency.

4. Establish an Outdoor Meeting Spot

Choose a safe, visible meeting place outside (e.g., a tree, mailbox, or light pole). Mark this spot on your escape plan for everyone to find after exiting the home.

5. Close Doors Behind You

When leaving, always close doors behind you. This helps slow the fire’s spread, giving everyone more time to escape.

6. Practice Regular Fire Drills

Conduct fire drills twice a year, both day and night. Ensure everyone in your household participates, so everyone knows what to do.

7. Teach Children to Escape Independently

Teach children how to escape on their own, in case they can’t get help.

8. Exit Immediately When the Smoke Alarm Sounds

Exit the house immediately when the smoke alarm sounds. Never go back inside. In high-rise or apartment buildings, consider the “sealing yourself in for safety” method if you can’t safely exit.

9. Escape Under Toxic Smoke

During fire drills, practice getting low and moving under smoke. This increases your chances of escaping safely.

10. Learn “Sealing Yourself in for Safety”

If you’re unable to exit due to smoke or fire, “sealing yourself in” can be a lifesaver:

• Close all doors between you and the fire.
• Seal cracks around doors and air vents with duct tape or towels to prevent smoke from entering.
• Open windows at the top and bottom to let fresh air in.
• Use a flashlight or light-colored cloth to signal the fire department.

11. Include Those with Disabilities in Your Plan

Make arrangements for anyone in your home who has a disability. Ensure they have an escape route or a way to signal for help.

12. Communicate the Plan with Guests

Inform visitors or overnight guests about your family’s fire escape plan. This is especially important for children attending sleepovers at other homes.

A Plan Can Save Lives

A well-practiced fire escape plan can save lives. Proactively preventing fires, combined with a solid escape plan, helps prevent injuries and minimizes fire damage to your home.

We are fire damage specialists.