Escape Plans

In the event of fire, time is the biggest enemy, and every second counts. In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can turn into a major fire. Have escape plans to get out of your home quickly. Practice E.D.I.T.H. — Exit Drills in the Home — with your family.

Creating Your Home Fire Escape Plan

• Draw your home floor plan using a home escape plan template.
• Label all the rooms and identify the doors and windows.  
• Plan 2 escape routes from every room.
• Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.
• Agree on a meeting place where everyone will gather after you have escaped.
• Considering buying an Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL)-approved collapsible ladder to escape from upper story windows.

Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan

• Review your escape plan with everyone that stays in the house, including children.
• Sound the smoke alarm.
• Practice crawling low beneath the smoke.
• Remember to check doors for heat with your hand; if a door is hot, do not open it.
• Close the doors as you leave.
• Practice with a collapsible ladder, if you have one.
• Go directly to your meeting place; do not stop to find your pets or valuables.
• Remember to GET OUT FIRST, then call 9-1-1 for help.
• Practice your plan at least twice a year.

Additional Tips

• If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll until the flames are extinguished.
• Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years.
• Change the batteries in the smoke alarms, every 6 months (when you change your clocks).
• Test alarms monthly by pushing the “test” button for 3-5 seconds.

If You Live in an Apartment Building

• Learn and practice your building’s evacuation plan.
• Know primary and secondary exits.
• If you hear the fire alarm, leave immediately.
• Use the stairs.
• NEVER use elevators during a fire.