Fire Department

572 - Fire Escape Planning For Homes

The way to survive a fire is to know how to get out. Planning and practice help family members know what to do without panicking.

To develop a home fire escape plan, start with a drawing of your home's floor plan. Indicate all windows, doors, halls, stairs and bedrooms. Make sure all rooms, especially bedrooms, have at least two exits. Draw dark arrows on your plan to indicate normal exits and mark emergency escape routes with lighter arrows. These alternative exits are to be used when normal exits are blocked. Test your escape routes. Make sure windows can be opened easily, and that screens and storm windows can be removed from the inside. If your bedrooms are on the second floor, provide folding escape ladders.

To account for everyone's safety, choose a definite meeting place outside the house and note that location on your plan. Should fire break out, do not waste time gathering valuables or getting dressed. Be sure someone is assigned to assist infants, elderly and disabled family members.

Be prepared to call the fire department from a neighbor's house by dialing 9-1-1. Give the dispatcher your name, address, phone number and type of emergency. Wait to answer any questions before terminating the call.

Hold fire drills at regular intervals in your home, with all family members participating. This will test the practicality of your plan and give you a chance to practice escaping.