Create a Fire Escape Plan

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Create Your Fire Escape Plan

October is Fire Prevention Month and a good time to set the family’s emergency preparedness plans. If you don’t have a plan in place, here are some steps you can take to ensure everyone in the household knows what to do.

First, make sure you have smoke alarms – and that they are all in good working order. If there are kids in the house, you can press the test button so that they can hear what it sounds like. Ideally there is an alarm in each sleeping room as well as one in each hallway.  

Draw an outline of your home and indicate the escape routes for each room. Then walk each room and practice the exits. Your plan should include a meeting place outside of the house as well so that it’s easy to account for everyone.

If there are small children or other family members with mobility limitations, assign someone to assist them during drills and in the event of an emergency. It’s not a bad idea to have a backup person as well if the designee isn’t home during the emergency.

Homes with 2 or more floors should invest in escape ladders; practice using them and make sure they are easily accessible near the designated escape windows.

You should always choose the safest exit, but know what to do if you do have to go through a room with smoke and fire in it. Remember to cover your mouth and nose and get low to the ground.

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration, we stand on over 50 years of experience and expertise to help ensure you stay safe, informed, and ready for any disaster that comes your way. The time to prepare is now. SERVPRO of North Garland is ready to help at any time.

To download a sample plan, visit the National Fire Prevention Association here.