PLANNING A FAMILY FIRE ESCAPE PLAN
It’s important to be prepared in the event of a fire.
Planning for a house fire isn’t something most people want to think about but if such an event occurred, you’d need to act fast. Having a fire escape plan is critical so here are a few points to consider:
- Floor It – Draw up a floor plan of your home that shows at least two ways out of each room.
- Keep it Clear – Ensure there aren’t any obstacles in front of windows, doors and escape routes.
- Practice Makes Perfect – Crawl through escape routes with your family during annual practice drills.
- Window of Opportunity – Family members need to know how to open all windows and remove screens.
- Climb on Down – Make sure escape ladders are accessible and not buried in the back of closets.
- Rendezvous – Designate a special meeting place for all family members once you’ve evacuated.
- Get Out & Stay Out! – Remind children never to re-enter a burning home under any circumstances.
If you live in a condo or apartment building, ensure you know the evacuation plan and do a few practice drills. Knowing what to expect and how to act is key in any emergency situation so practice your escape plan at least twice a year.