Fire Plan
One of the most important (they’re ALL important!) things you can do is to have a family fire plan. How to get out of your house on fire. Who is responsible for what? Here are some thoughts to get you going on your own plan.
Think about how you will escape from every room, starting with bedrooms
If possible, plan two escape routes from each room.
Your second route may be to go out a window, or stand at a window where firefighters can see you.
Decide where you will meet outside
Plan everyone’s role. Who will make sure children get out?
Plan for special needs. Do you have:
Young children?
Older adults?
People with temporary or permanent disabilities?
Do you ever have overnight guests?
Share your plan with babysitters and frequent visitors.
Keep your floors, hallways and stairs clear of clutter.
Fire extinguishers require planning too.
Practice your home fire drill.
Plan It
You can come up with a plan over dinner. Ask your spouse or oldest kid where they think the family should meet outside if you ever have to run out. A tree? Mailbox? Neighbor's porch? Pick a designated meeting spot. Then talk, in front of the kids, about the best doors (plural) to leave from. Maybe out the front door is best, but tell them that if it doesn't look safe, try the back door or garage door next. Ideally you should have two ways to escape from every room of your home. Are you the kind of mom who likes to draw things out? Draw out a worksheet to use while you discuss the best routes.
Practice It
It's important to actually practice a household fire drill to make sure you can all get out in 120 seconds flat. Hit the test on the smoke alarm so kids hear how it sounds. (Scary and awful, but there you go.) Show kids how to crawl low if there's smoke, and have them practice unlatching a door and going out. Visit the designated meeting spot, together. Remind kids that firemen may look crazy with all their gear on but that they are helpers.
Prepare for It
Remember "stop, drop, and roll" from your childhood? It's still fun to practice and important for every family member to know in case clothes accidentally catch fire. If you have a baby, they're exempt from these drills, of course. But you and your spouse should discuss who is in charge of grabbing the baby in the event that there's a fire and you're both home.
Practice, in most things, keeps you current and realistic in what you are preparing for. I would suggest a fire drill every 6 months. I would also suggest fire extinguisher training annually. Being safe from fire is something everyone can get behind.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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