Making a Home Fire Escape Plan
According to the American Red Cross, a person is killed in a home fire every 2 1/2 hours, making it the single most common disaster across the country. It’s essential to have a plan in place if you ever have a fire in your home. Here we’ll be sharing some life-saving tips and advice on creating a fire escape plan.
Smoke Alarms
A smoke alarm installed in a home can mean the difference between life and death. Smoke alarms are important because their signal gives you the biggest advantage to get everyone out of the home safely: time. Smoke alarms are designed to alert you at the earliest sign of danger, and every second counts. Often, a small flame can erupt into a larger one in less than 30 seconds, leaving little time for escape. A smoke alarm is your best weapon when combined with a fire escape plan.
A monthly test is a good idea to ensure smoke alarms work at maximum efficiency. It’s also crucial that homes with more than one level have a smoke alarm installed on each floor.
Creating a plan
Every member of the household should be present when creating a fire escape plan. This way, each person is aware of the quickest exits from every room. If children are present, it’s worth drawing a fire escape plan that clearly highlights at least two exits. Likewise, alternative escape options should be considered for those who may have a disability restricting them.
Make sure that each member of the household knows how to dial 911. It’s important to note that the call should be made by someone who is safely outside. The only exception to this rule is that if someone were to get stuck inside a room, make the call immediately.
Another key component of a successful fire escape plan is designating a meeting place in a safe spot outside. Remain in the secure area until an official from the fire department arrives on the scene.
Practice makes perfect
Once the blueprints for the escape plan are laid out, regular drills can ensure that all family members will know what to do. It is recommended to complete full fire drill practices at least two times a year.
When conducting drills, ensure that all household members can hear the alarm and wake up in good time. If somebody cannot do so, make sure that another household member is assigned the job of waking them.
When practicing the escape plan, all household members should learn to stop, drop, and roll. Knowing how to do so is vital if any clothing were to catch on fire. It’s particularly important to practice this method regularly with children so that they remember the process.
For homes that have more than one floor, escape ladders might be needed. They should be stored near windows for easy access. When practicing the escape plan, make sure that everybody understands how to use the ladders correctly by thoroughly reading through the manual.
What if you’re in an apartment building?
Most apartment buildings have an evacuation plan in place. Going over it regularly with others can help with memorizing what needs to be done. It’s also critical that individuals are aware of all the available fire exits from the building.
In a fire, never use the elevator; instead, always opt for the stairs. Fires can damage the electrical system, and elevators may get stuck between floors.
What if you’re in an apartment building?
Most apartment buildings have an evacuation plan in place. Going over it regularly with others can help with memorizing what needs to be done. It’s also critical that individuals are aware of all the available fire exits from the building.
In the event of a fire, never use the elevator; instead always opt for the stairs. Fires can damage the electrical system and elevators may get stuck between floors.
Additional Tips
When exiting a burning building, make sure to close doors as you go to slow the fire’s spread.
If smoke, heat, or flames block an exit, the trick is to stay there with the door closed. If possible, put a towel or duct tape underneath the door to seal it. Then, call the fire department and alert them of your location. If there’s no access to a phone, the next best thing to do is go to the nearest window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.
When you need a licensed electrician for commercial or residential electrical needs, call Zimmerman Electric at 310-378-1323.