Preparing and Practicing Your Fire Escape Plan
Create Your Plan
- Identify and write down two ways to get out of each room (e.g., door and window).
- Designate a meeting place, such as a neighbour's yard or a tree down the street.
- Once outside, call 9-1-1.
- Photograph your home/belongings for insurance purposes and store a copy outside your home.
Practice Your Plan
- Hold a family meeting and to discuss the escape plan twice a year.
- Check that smoke alarms are properly located and in good working condition.
- Tell family members to go into the rooms they normally sleep in and shut the door.
- Push the test button on the smoke alarm.
- Demonstrate to young children how to get out of the house safely:
- Crawl along the floor underneath the smoke to exit a room.
- Check if fire is behind a door (Place your hand on the door; if it is hot, DO NOT open the door. If it is cool, open the door slowly and crawl out.)
- Close the door and go to the window if they are trapped in a second story room.
- Stress to children that they should not hide when they hear the smoke alarm. They should get out quickly. Children should be taught not to wait for adults, but to get out quickly.
- Ensure everyone knows where the family meeting place is located.
- Once outside, meet with other family members at the designated family meeting place. Do a head count to ensure everyone is out of the house.
Remember to share your escape plan with babysitters and visitors.
