Home Fire Escape Plan
This playbook provides a detailed guide on creating and practicing a fire escape plan for home safety. It includes steps on setting up fire alarms, establishing escape routes, and preparing family members for a potential fire emergency.
Step 1: Plan Assessment
Walk through your home and identify all possible exits and escape routes. Include at least two ways out of each room, if possible.
Step 2: Alarm Setup
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year, or use long-life batteries.
Step 3: Escape Ladders
If your home has two or more stories, purchase escape ladders for sleeping areas on the upper floors. Learn how to use them, and store them near the window.
Step 4: Meeting Point
Choose an outside meeting place (e.g., a neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox) that’s a safe distance from your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped.
Step 5: Family Briefing
Discuss the escape plan with every member of your household. Make sure everyone understands the plan and knows the escape routes and meeting point.
Step 6: Practice Drills
Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year, making the drill as realistic as possible. Vary the drill scenarios to include the possibility of blocked routes and encounters with smoke.
General Notes
Special Needs
Consider the special needs of everyone in your household, including young children and elderly family members who may not be very mobile.
Escape Mapping
Consider drawing a map of your home and marking the exits and escape routes prominently. Share this map with all family members and guests.
Emergency Services
Ensure that your house number is clearly visible from the street so emergency services can locate your home quickly in the event of an emergency.