Develop & Practice a Plan of Escape
Basic Escape Plan:
• Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two escape routes
from each room. Second storey windows may need a rope or chain ladder.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in
case of fire.
• Determine a place outside your home where all of you can meet, if a fire occurs.
• Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm and practice leaving your
home when they hear it.
• Practice a fire drill at least every six months including drills at nights. Practice allows
you to test your plan before an emergency. You may not be able to reach your
children. It is important that they know what to do!
• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home and in the kitchen,
basement and garage. Know how to use a fire extinguisher prior to an emergency.
• Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all sleeping individuals,
and that it is the responsibility of individuals in the household that are capable of
assisting others to provide assistance to those who may not be awakened by the
alarm sound, or to those who may be incapable of safely evacuating the area
unassisted.
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