Guidelines

Escaping a home fire is not always easy, even for family members who are not weak or incapacitated. Many victims are untouched by flames, but are choked by smoke or gases. The only way to be reasonably sure of escaping a fire is to have a plan of escape.

The National Safety Council has established these guidelines, but naturally, you must develop your own escape plan because every home situation is somewhat different.

• Draw a floor plan of your home. On the plan, lay out an escape route for each room on each floor. Have alternate routes where possible, especially for bedrooms, should the planned escape route be blocked by smoke or fire.
• Bedrooms of semi-or totally incapacitated individuals should have access to more than one exit route…a ground level window or easy access to that room from a roof.
• Devise a way to awaken other family members. A whistle by each bed is an excellent emergency alarm.
• Devise a plan to assist weak or disabled family members.
• Do not waste precious time gathering valuables or getting dressed. Simply get out!
• Keep bedroom doors closed at night to delay the spread of both flames and deadly smoke and gases.
• Test for fire by touching the door knob. If it is warm or hot, leave the door closed and escape using another route.
• If unable to exit room, stuff wet towels or clothing into door cracks. Stay near a slightly opened window. In a room filled with smoke, cover nose and mouth with a damp towel and get as low to the floor as possible.
• Decide on a meeting place outside so you will know when everyone has escaped.
• The first person out call the fire department from a neighboring phone. Speak clearly and give the information requested. Don't hang up until the other person does.