Home Fire Evacuation Plan Emergency Preparedness Recall these

Home Fire Evacuation Plan

Emergency Preparedness � Recall these basic steps should be followed for EVERY Emergency: ◦ Plan ahead ◦ Prepare a kit of supplies and equipment ◦ Prepare Yourself and your family � The first step in successfully escaping a fire is to plan ahead.

Home Fire Evacuation Plan � Plan Ahead ◦ Install Smoke Detectors and make sure batteries are working ◦ Keep Bedroom doors closed while sleeping. It takes fifteen minutes to burn through most wooden doors ◦ Visit Each Bedroom and figure out the normal exit and alternate exits through a window or other means. � Plan an Escape Route ◦ Practice opening windows with younger children to gain familiarity with getting out. ◦ Identify and fix any windows that are jammed/blocked. � Realize the Danger of Smoke ◦ Crawl low under smoke. Heat and smoke rise. ◦ Stuff cracks and cover vents to reduce the content of smoke

Home Fire Evacuation Plan � Provide for those needing additional help ◦ Infants, young children, disabled and elderly will need extra care. Be sure to recognize this in your fire plan. ◦ Have children practice saying the fire departments number and your address ◦ Always lower children out of windows first. Children might become scared not to leave if an adult goes first. � Establish a Safe Meeting Place ◦ This should be established a safe distance away from the house and be stationary (mailbox, neighbors driveway etc). ◦ This location is where everyone meets during the event of a fire. ◦ Do not re-enter the house looking for loved ones. A large percentage of fire related deaths occur when people re-enter a house fire when they are already outside ◦ Go to neighbors and call 9 -1 -1; if anyone is missing give the fire department the approximate location of the person.

Home Fire Evacuation Plan � Practice your fire escape plan ◦ Make a simple diagram of your home. Mark escape routes. ◦ Turn off all lights, hit test button on alarm and perform escape plan in dark with children and family. � Exit Safely from a structure ◦ Do not jump from second story windows. However, it is possible to hang from the roof and drop down from a 2 story house and fall to the ground without significant injury. A broken leg or ankle in a dire situation is better than dying. ◦ Fire ladders are also a good thing to have and use in the event of a fire.

Summary The best time to prepare is before unexpected situations happen. Remember There is always a time to do it right