Home Fire Escape Plan
A home fire escape plan helps save lives. Your family’s plan should include the following actions:
- Install a working smoke alarm in your home.
- Draw a floor plan of your home. Label each room and identify at least two exits from each room. Make sure everyone in the household can unlock doors and windows quickly, even in the dark.
- Choose a family meeting place a safe distance away from your house. Teach each family member to go to that meeting place after escaping the home. One person should also contact 9-1-1 from a safe place.
- Practise! Have drills at least twice a year with all of your family members.
Things to remember if there is a fire in your home:
- When you discover fire or the alarm sounds, get out quickly and safely. Go straight to your nearest exit; don’t go back for possessions or pets.
- Stay low to the ground and always check a door before you open it. If the door is cool, open it slowly and crawl under the smoke to your exit. If the door feels warm, or if you see flames or smoke on the other side of it, shut the door and use a different exit.
- If you aren’t able to get out of your exits, or you are trapped in your room, seal the openings around the door or vents with towels, bedding, or clothes. Call 9-1-1 and tell the fire department where you are. If there is no smoke, and it’s safe, you can open your window to call for help.
