Fire: Escape Drill
Make A Plan for Home Fire Escape Drills
On the average, a home fire in the U.S. breaks out once every 52 seconds. Unfortunately, many families are not prepared to take calm, appropriate action if a fire does strike in their home. That's why it is necessary for everyone to design and practice a fire escape plan with their family. Making a plan and holding regular fire drills will give each household member the confidence and knowledge to act quickly in an emergency. Here then are some tips on developing a family escape plan:
- Sketch a layout of each floor, including windows, doors, and stairways. Go over the plan with family members and post it in your home as a reminder of all possible exits. Keep the phone number of the Fire Department handy by the phone.
- Have family members practice different escape routes (at least two per room). Fire drills also teach children that they must escape, not hide from fire.
- Place one family member in charge of helping the elderly or the very young to escape.
- Agree on a meeting place outside the home and instruct everyone to go there in case of fire. Discuss why you shouldn't go back inside once you're out. (People have died returning to a burning building).
- Determine a meeting place:
- A safe distance from the home for emergencies concerning the house
- A safe distance from the neighborhood for larger emergencies where it is not safe to stay in the neighborhood
- Have an out of area contact for friends and relatives to call
- Practice the escape plan with all members of the household twice a year
Don't wait for smoke and fire to surprise you!
Source: Brooks Air Force Base Fire Prevention Office