HOME   FIRE  ESCAPE  PLAN

An escape plan is a stadegy for a safe exit from your home during a fire.

Hopefully, you'll never have a fire in your home. But if a fire does occur, your safety will depend on calm, rational action.
An escape plan can be your key to a safe way out.

DESIGNING A HOME ESCAPE PLAN
Draw the floor plan of your home on a piece of paper. Post your plan where it can easily be seen (such as on your refrig-
erator). Be sure to include:
· ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS                                      · SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
· PRIMARY AND ALTERNATE EXITS                              (who will call fire department, sound the alarm,
· EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS                                   check that everyone got out, etc.)
· OUTDOOR MEETING PLACE                                        · LOCATION OF SMOKE DETECTORS

HOLD FIRE DRILLS REGULARLY
Your plan may look good on paper, but will it really work? Regular drills allow you to test your plan and adjust it as need-
ed. Practice using alternate escape routes. Children should practice getting out of windows (only while under a parent's / guardian's supervision).

SOME SURVIVAL TIPS - If you hear the smoke detector, smell smoke or someone is shouting fire:
· Crawl to the door on your hands and knees, not on stomach. Smoke and gases rise to the ceiling and the air is
safer close to the floor.
· Feel the door before opening it. If it's cool, brace yourself against it and open it carefully. If you notice smoke or heat,
close it immediately.
· Use an alternate exit (second way out - window if possible) if the door is hot or smoke comes through it.
· Signal for help by waving a sheet or any light colored clothing if you cannot escape through the window.
· Go to your family meeting place in front and away from your home to check that everyone got out and to meet the
fire department.
· Never go back into a burning building. Tell firefighters immediately if someone is left in the building.

PLAN FOR ANY SPECIAL NEEDS
Certain people face greater risks during a fire. You may need to make special arrangements for:
· Seek medical help for burns and other In]unes.
· Infants / Children · Elderly People · Hearing Impaired · Visually Impaired · Mentally Retarded · Physically Handicapped

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM FIRE

Last Updated: May 26, 1999