How to Create a Fire Escape Plan

Jun 26, 2019 A fire escape plan is a set of instructions to inform people how to safely evacuate a building in the case of an emergency. These plans can be made for personal homes, schools and places of business. These plans are extremely useful for any type of emergency, but especially in the case of a fire. If you don't already have one in place, you need to create a fire escape plan for your home or business to keep your family and employees safe.

Why You Should Have an Emergency Evacuation Plan

In the case of an emergency, it is very easy to panic. These scenarios are scary for any person, no matter their age. If you were to wake up in the middle of the night with your smoke alarm sounding, would you and your family know exactly what to do to get out safely? With an evacuation plan, you will feel more confident during an emergency that you and your family will be okay. Creating a fire escape plan in your own home will help you and your family be safer. Once you begin considering how to locate exits and the safest route for leaving a building quickly, you will begin doing so wherever you go. It's important to not become overly cautious and afraid of an emergency happening, but it is also important to consider these things. Your home fire escape plan may inspire others to create one too.

Steps for Creating a Fire Escape Plan

Having an evacuation plan is important for your family's safety, and they are easy to make and follow. Here are the steps for creating a fire escape plan for your home:

• Do a walk-through: Before starting to draft your plan, you should walk through your entire home. Take note of all the ways of leaving your home from every room, including doors and windows.

• Draw diagrams: This is especially helpful if you have younger children. Draw the escape plan out of every room. You need to include alternate routes in case something is blocked.

• Pick a meeting place: Pick a stop sign or neighbor's mailbox that is a safe distance from your home. Once everyone is out of the house, you can regroup at the designated location.

• Practice: Once you've made your plan, it is important to practice evacuation drills. It is recommended that you practice twice a year. By doing so, you can help refine your plan and make any improvements.

• Keep escape routes clean: Throughout the year, make sure your escape routes are always clear. Sometimes, you only have a few minutes to escape during an emergency. A blocked route will only take away from that time.

Along with these steps, make sure you routinely check all smoke alarms in your home. They cannot keep you safe if they are not working properly. Keeping fire extinguishers in your home is also a way to prevent a small incident from becoming a large one. We want to help keep your family safe with our fire protection services. Contact us today to learn more. Our offices are located in St. George and Salt Lake City, but we serve customers all across Utah!   Related Resources: Learn About Fire Safety Month Why You Should Have a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Home Fire Protection Services for Your Home