Make a Family Fire Escape Plan

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Your emergency escape plan must include two escape routes from each room of the home

Fire spreads quickly through homes, moving faster than ever because of the materials used to build and furnish homes. Your safety and that of your family depends on three things:

1. A straightforward fire escape plan
   
2. Advance warning from alarms
   
3. Regular practices
   
   

Remember that according to the Red Cross and other experts, you have as little as one or two minutes to get everyone out of the home, so preparation is crucial.

Fire Evacuation Plan

Your fire escape plan should include installing the right number of smoke alarms. There should be one in each bedroom, one in the hall outside of bedrooms, and at least one on each level of the home. Next, you need to teach your children what the alarms mean and how to respond when they hear the alarms. Your emergency escape plan must include two escape routes from each room of the home. Finally, establish a meeting spot across the street or at a similar location and make sure that family members know how to contact each other just in case you become separated.

Fire and Smoke Alarms
There are a few different types of alarms, some that sense rapid temperature changes and some that respond to smoke. For the best results, install both types of alarms. (Some hybrid devices are available as well.) Did you know that many people don't wake up to the piercing shrieks? Because of this, you should do some practice runs at night as well as during the day.

Practice Evacuation Routes
At least twice a year, you should practice escaping in the event of a fire, and you may need to practice more often at first. Press the button on your alarm for at least one of your tests. Teach family members to yell "fire," and include the pets in your practice efforts. Members of the family should know the "stop, drop, and roll" method of putting out fires on their clothing.
Never let family members re-enter you Boca Del Mar, FL, home during a fire. Wait for firefighters and fire and smoke damage professionals to complete their work and declare that the home is safe for re-entry.