Be Prepared, Stay Safe

A fire can spread through a home in just minutes, leaving little time to react. Having a well-thought-out fire escape plan can make the difference between life and death. Every household should take the time to create and practice a fire escape plan to ensure that all family members know what to do in case of an emergency.

Why Fire Escape Planning is Important

• Fires spread quickly—you may have less than two minutes to escape once an alarm sounds.
• Smoke is disorienting—without a plan, people may become confused and trapped.
• Children and elderly family members need assistance—planning ahead ensures they get out safely.

Steps to Create a Fire Escape Plan

1. Map Out Your Home’s Exits

• Draw a floor plan of your home, marking all doors and windows.
• Identify two exits from every room, in case one is blocked by smoke or fire.
• Ensure windows can open easily and are not painted or nailed shut.

2. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

• Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home.
• Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Never disable a smoke alarm, even if it goes off while cooking—this warning could save your life.

3. Establish a Safe Meeting Place

• Choose a meeting spot a safe distance from the home, such as a neighbor’s house, a mailbox, or a light post.
• Make sure everyone knows the location and goes there immediately after escaping.
• Never re-enter a burning building—wait for firefighters to arrive.

4. Practice Fire Drills Regularly

• Hold fire drills at least twice a year, including nighttime drills.
• Practice escaping in the dark and staying low to avoid smoke inhalation.
• Teach family members how to check doors for heat before opening them—if the door is hot, use another exit.

5. Plan for Special Circumstances

• Assign someone to help children, elderly family members, or pets during an escape.
• If you live in an apartment or multi-story home, practice using fire escape ladders if needed.
• Teach children never to hide during a fire—firefighters need to find them quickly.

What to Do If You’re Trapped

If you can’t escape safely:

• Stay in a room with a closed door, placing a wet towel at the bottom to block smoke.
• Call 911 and give your location to emergency responders.
• Signal for help by waving a flashlight or cloth out the window.

Final Reminder

Fires can happen anytime, anywhere. Being prepared and practicing your escape plan will ensure that you and your family know exactly what to do when every second counts. Make your plan today, practice it often, and stay fire-safe!

For more fire safety tips, visit your local fire department or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) at www.nfpa.org. 🚒