How to Create an Evacuation Plan in Case of a Fire

9/5/2021 (Permalink)

Evacuation plans are a necessity, regardless of whether you are at home or in a business. Having one in place could save lives and prevent unnecessary injury to those involved in the situation.

Here are some tips on making a custom evacuation plan to best fit your needs as well as those around you. 

Plan for everyone. 

Don’t just think for yourself, the plan needs to benefit everyone and accommodate any special circumstances. Children may need extra planning as situations like this may be hard for them to understand. 

Find two ways out. 

Make sure you are not limited to one exit, ensuring multiple exits gives you a better chance of escaping to safety. 

Involve children in planning. 

Consider having your children help create a fire evacuation plan2. Draw a map of the home and have children mark two exit routes and the locations of smoke detectors.

Choose a meeting spot. 

Decide on a meeting place outside, such as a neighbor’s house, mailbox or stop sign. It should be in the front of the house so emergency responders can see you when they arrive. Agree not to go back into the house after you leave.

Check smoke alarms. 

Check that smoke detectors are properly placed and working. The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing them in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping room and on every level of the home.3

Be visible. 

Make sure that your house number can be seen quickly from the street by emergency responders.

Respond quickly.

Make sure everyone knows that if the smoke alarm sounds, he or she needs to get out immediately.

Have a backup plan. 

If the planned exit routes are blocked and it’s not possible to leave the house, close all doors between you and the fire. Place a towel under the door and go to an exterior-facing window. Call the fire department to report your location.

Share with everyone. 

Go over the plan with everyone who lives in the house and with visitors and overnight guests.

Practice regularly. 

Practice and review the plan regularly (at least once a year).