The Importance of Having a Fire Escape Plan
7/1/2021 (Permalink)
What Is A Fire Escape Plan?
It's important to be prepared in case of an emergency. This is especially true regarding emergencies that can cause serious injury or death. House fires occur most often during the dinner hours, but they can happen anytime. Whether it's due to a malfunctioning kitchen appliance or a candle that was left unattended, fires can spread rapidly. For this reason, it's important to have a fire escape plan that everyone in the family is aware of.
Different Situations
Because a home fire can happen at any time day or night, you should have plans for different situations. This may include a plan for when the family is:
- Together in a main living area
- Doing different activities throughout the house
- Sleeping in the middle of the night
Not only do you need to make a plan, but you also need to rehearse so everyone is adequately prepared.
Smoke Alarms
In addition to fire preparation, make sure you have enough smoke detectors, and that they are functioning. You should have one in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test them monthly, and promptly replace the batteries if needed. Most smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years.
Making a Plan
When you make a fire escape plan, you should have at least two escape paths, as one may be inaccessible during a house fire. Write out your plan, and practice it regularly. Have some drills when your children are not expecting it, so you can see how they might respond when they are caught off guard. Have a safe meeting spot outside that everyone can meet up at. Make sure it isn't too close to the house. Keep the pathways to the exits of your home clear to ensure an easy escape route for everyone.
Having a fire escape plan is important for keeping your family safe in case of a fire emergency. If you are unfortunate enough to experience a home fire, let your fire restoration company help you with cleaning up the damage.