20
Fire Protection
Emergency Evacuation Plan
To establish and regularly practice a plan of escape in the event of fi re, the following steps are
recommended by the National Fire Protection Association:
1.
Position your detector or your interior and/or exterior sounders so that they can be heard by
all occupants.
2.
Determine two means of escape from each room. One path of escape should lead to the door
that permits normal exit from the building. The other should be an alternate escape, such as
a window, should your path to that door be impassable. Station an escape ladder at such
windows if there is a long drop to the ground.
3.
Sketch a fl oor plan of the building. Show windows, doors, stairs, and rooftops that can be used
to escape. Indicate escape routes for each room. Keep these route free from obstructions and
post copies of the escape routes in every room.
4.
Assure that all bedroom doors are shut while you are asleep. This will prevent deadly smoke
from entering while you escape.
5.
Try the door. If the door is hot, check your alternate escape route. If the door is cool, open it
cautiously. Be prepared to slam the door shut if smoke or heat rushes in.
6.
When smoke is present, crawl on the ground. Do not walk upright, since smoke rises and may
overcome you. Clearer air is near the fl oor.
7.
Escape quickly; don’t panic.
8.
Establish a place outdoors, away from your house, where everyone can meet and then take
steps to contact the authorities and account for those missing. Choose someone to assure that
nobody returns to the house — many die going back.
