According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire can spread quickly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. As we recognize the importance of fire prevention this Saturday during National Fire Prevention Day, we wanted to share some tips for how you can create your own fire escape plan.
Locate Your Exits
Do a quick walk through of your home and locate all possible exits and escape routes. Try to find at least two ways out of each room and make sure all family members are able to escape from second floor rooms. Create an actual floor plan that marks the exits as well as the location of each smoke alarm. Visit the NFPA’s website to download their escape planning grid. Make sure everyone understands the escape routes and procedures—especially small children.
Examine Your Outdoor Area
Security bars on windows or doors? Make sure there is an emergency release device inside so they can be opened if needed. Also, check to make sure you can clearly see your home number from the street—if not, consider installing new house numbers.
Choose an Outside Meeting Place
While you are outside examining your space, find a place outside that is a safe distance from your home where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped. Choose a specific object such as a light post, mailbox or even a neighbor’s home to signify the location and mark it on your escape planning grid (see above).
Make Family Assignments
If there are young children, older adults or other family members with mobility limitations, assign someone to assist them in the event of an emergency. If you have a heavy sleeper, you may want to assign someone to wake them up to ensure they don’t sleep through the alarm. Assign a backup person too, just in case your designated person is not home during the emergency.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year. A good rule of thumb is to coincide the drill with fall and spring time changes—which is also a good time to check your smoke alarms and make sure they are in good working order. Make changes to the plan if necessary—especially if your household members or structure have changed. If you do make changes, make sure all family members know the new plan.
Live in an apartment? Checkout the FDNY checklist for additional areas of concern when creating your fire escape plan.
Talk to us: Do you have a fire escape plan? If so, how often do you have fire drills with your family?