News Flash Home
The original item was published from 2/14/2022 3:04:00 PM to 2/15/2022 9:57:10 AM.

News Flash

Trending News

Posted on: February 14, 2022

[ARCHIVED] Create a Fire Escape Plan

Fire escape plan graphic with make a fire escape plan text

Escape Plans

When a fire occurs, there is no time to waste. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. That is why it is important to sit down with your family and make an escape plan to get out of your home quickly in a fire emergency. Practice E.D.I.T.H. - Exit Drills in the Home — with your family.

 fireEscapeRoute.png

Creating Your Home Fire Escape Plan

  • Draw your home floor plan using a home escape plan template.
  • Label all the rooms and identify the doors and windows.  
  • Plan 2 escape routes from every room.
  • Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.
  • Agree on a meeting place where everyone will gather after you have escaped.
  • Considering buying an Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL)-approved collapsible ladder to escape from upper story windows and an approved window well escape ladder from a basement area.

Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan

  • Review your escape plan with everyone that stays in the house, including children.
  • Sound the smoke alarm.
  • Practice crawling low beneath the smoke.
  • Remember to check doors for heat with your hand; if a door is hot, do not open it.
  • Close the doors as you leave.
  • Practice with a collapsible ladder, if you have one.
  • Go directly to your meeting place; do not stop to find your pets or valuables.
  • Remember to GET OUT FIRST, then call 9-1-1 for help.
  • Practice your plan at least twice a year.

If You Live in an Apartment Building

  • Learn and practice your building’s evacuation plan.
  • Know primary and secondary exits.
  • If you hear the fire alarm, leave immediately.
  • Use the stairs.
  • NEVER use elevators during a fire.

Additional Tips

  • If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll until the flames are extinguished.
  • Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years.
  • Change the batteries in the smoke alarms, every 6 months (when you change your clocks).
  • Test alarms monthly by pushing the “test” button for 3-5 seconds.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Trending News