Develop a Fire Evacuation Plan for Your Home

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to even think about a fire starting and spreading through their home, but it is important to be prepared in case an emergency does arise. Developing a fast and seamless evacuation plan is crucial to keeping your family members safe. Designing and practicing the plan can help ensure that everyone is prepared in case of a disaster. Here are the most essential components of a home evacuation plan:

1. Escape Routes

Indicating designated escape routes within your home will help to avoid confusion and help make for faster thinking. Take note of all the exits in your house, including doors and windows. It’s preferable to indicate two escape routes for each room so that everyone has more options to get out safely in the event of a home fire.

1. Smoke Alarms

Be sure to check that all smoke alarms are functioning properly. There should be one installed in each bedroom as well as outside of each sleeping area. Smoke alarms must also be present on each level of the house, including the basement. Having the right number of functioning alarms in your home is a vital aspect of basic fire preparation.

1. Meeting Area

It is important to designate a meeting place, especially because your family may be confused or panicked after escaping your home. This meeting place will allow you to be sure that everyone made it out okay. Examples of a meeting area include:

• Mailbox
• Street sign
• Light post
• Another house far away from yours

Be sure that the meeting place is sufficiently far from your home and clearly indicate it to all of your family members.

1. Practice

The most effective way to ensure that everyone follows the plan in a real emergency is to practice it repeatedly. Conducting drills will help familiarize your family with the plan, so it comes naturally in case of a fire. When everyone is prepared, they can react calmly and stay safe.

Creating a reliable fire escape plan is only the first step towards recovering from a fire. To have your home return to its normal state, contact us at SERVPRO of Toledo Southwest.