Home Fire Evacuation Plan

Emergency Preparedness Recall these basic steps should be followed for EVERY Emergency: Plan ahead Prepare a kit of supplies and equipment Prepare Yourself and your family The first step in successfully escaping a fire is to plan ahead.

Home Fire Evacuation Plan Plan Ahead Install Smoke Detectors and make sure batteries are working Keep Bedroom doors closed while sleeping. It takes fifteen minutes to burn through most wooden doors Visit Each Bedroom and figure out the normal exit and alternate exits through a window or other means. Plan an Escape Route Practice opening windows with younger children to gain familiarity with getting out. Identify and fix any windows that are jammed/blocked. Realize the Danger of Smoke Crawl low under smoke. Heat and smoke rise. Stuff cracks and cover vents to reduce the content of smoke

Home Fire Evacuation Plan Provide for those needing additional help Infants, young children, disabled and elderly will need extra care. Be sure to recognize this in your fire plan. Have children practice saying the fire departments number and your address Always lower children out of windows first. Children might become scared not to leave if an adult goes first. Establish a Safe Meeting Place This should be established a safe distance away from the house and be stationary (mailbox, neighbors driveway etc). This location is where everyone meets during the event of a fire. Do not re-enter the house looking for loved ones. A large percentage of fire related deaths occur when people re-enter a house fire when they are already outside Go to neighbors and call 9-1-1; if anyone is missing give the fire department the approximate location of the person.

Home Fire Evacuation Plan Practice your fire escape plan Make a simple diagram of your home. Mark escape routes. Turn off all lights, hit test button on alarm and perform escape plan in dark with children and family. Exit Safely from a structure Do not jump from second story windows. However, it is possible to hang from the roof and drop down from a 2 story house and fall to the ground without significant injury. A broken leg or ankle in a dire situation is better than dying. Fire ladders are also a good thing to have and use in the event of a fire.

There is always a time to do it right Summary The best time to prepare is before unexpected situations happen. Remember There is always a time to do it right