A home fire can leave only a couple of minutes to get out, so the choices have to be made before an alarm sounds. Draw each level of the house, mark two ways out of every room and every smoke alarm, and pick one spot outside where everyone meets.
Once you are out, stay out, and call 911 from outside. Nobody goes back in for people, pets or belongings.
Draw the plan
- Sketch each level and draw two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window that opens easily.
- Mark every smoke alarm. They belong inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level, including the basement.
- Pick a meeting spot a safe distance from the house, like a neighbor's mailbox or a tree.
- If an upstairs window is a way out, keep an escape ladder where it can be reached quickly.
Name who helps whom
- Some children sleep through smoke alarms, so each child needs a named helper.
- Name a helper for a pet or anyone who moves slowly.
- Name the person who counts everyone and calls 911 from outside.
Habits that matter
- Close doors behind you as you leave. Feel a closed door first, and if it is hot, use the other way out.
- Press each alarm's test button once a month, and replace an alarm after 10 years.
- If you smell gas, leave first, without switching lights or using a phone inside.
- Run a fire drill, then one in the dark.
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Our fire escape plan
A blank single page you can print and fill in by hand.
Where we'll meet
A blank single page you can print and fill in by hand.
General information for families, not legal, medical or financial advice. In an emergency, follow local officials and call 911.
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