How to set up a home fire escape plan

by Carol McCullough Relocation Certified 01/08/2023

House fires can happen at any time, no matter how careful you are with fire prevention. Having a home fire escape plan offers peace of mind and a way to make sure your household can get out of your home safely. Knowing how to create one of these plans should be part of your fire safety and prevention measures. Keep the following tips in mind for setting up your home fire escape plan.

Draw your floor plan

To determine the safest ways to leave your home in the event of a fire, it helps to have a drawing to reference. Draw your home's floor plan on a piece of paper, so you can clearly mark where house members should exit, depending on where a fire occurs. Label all the rooms on your floor plan, so everyone knows which rooms or areas to use.

Plan two escape routes

Having one escape route might not help if a fire breaks out in an area you didn't plan for. Always determine two different escape routes for all household members. For example, where will your escape route be if a fire occurs on the upper level or the lower level? Planning this out in advance helps ensure each member of your household has a safe way to get out of the house no matter where a fire occurs.

Decide on a meeting place

Part of your fire escape plan should include deciding on a meeting place outside your home. Know exactly where to go once everyone's safely outside the house. Keep in mind this meeting place should be located far enough away from your home in case of a major fire.

Practice your home fire escape plan

Putting your home fire escape plan into practice can help you make changes to it as needed. When you run through these plans as part of a fire drill, you might notice certain escape routes don't work. You can then make adjustments to your home fire escape plan to improve it and ensure your household's safety. Practice your escape plan twice a year or more often if needed.

About the Author
Author

Carol McCullough Relocation Certified

As a Fairfield resident with a family commuting daily on Metro North, and our children graduating from Fairfield public schools, I look forward to sharing many of the great attractions in a wonderful community and county! Over the past 18 years with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England Properties, I have helped hundreds of buyers and sellers compete their home search and close on the sale of their property. As a Certified Relocation Specialist, my production results rank in the top 4% nationally while delivering exceptional customer service to my clients and their welcomed referrals. Real Estate is one of the most exciting investments you can make. It should be a fun and rewarding experience. Confident with your home marketing decisions and comfortable with the home marketing process is my commitment to you! I am excited to share several new marketing strategies successfully implemented in Southern Fairfield County! Regardless if you are looking to buy, or about to list your current home, you will soon BE AT HOME when working with Carol! *Connecticut Magazine 2022 Award Winner- 12th consecutive year scoring highest in overall customer satisfaction.