Escape Plan

Get Out & Stay Out: Plan Your Escape

Fire can grow and spread through your home very quickly. It is important that you are prepared to react as soon as the smoke detector alarm sounds. Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan that everyone understands can mean the difference between life and death.

• Draw a floor plan of your home (PDF), showing two ways out of each room, including windows. Be sure to mark the location of each smoke detector.
• Test all smoke detectors monthly to ensure that they work. Replace batteries as needed. (Reminder: "Change your clocks, change your batteries.")
• Practice the escape plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved, from kids to grandparents. If there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them.
• Agree on an outside meeting place where everyone can meet after they have escaped. Get out first, then call for help. Never go back inside.
• Memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department or call 911.
• Be fully prepared for a real fire; when a smoke detector alarm sounds, get out immediately. Once you're out, stay out and leave the firefighting to the professionals.
• If you live in an apartment building, make sure you are familiar with the building's evacuation plan. In case of fire, use the stairs, never use the elevator.
• Inform guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan.
• Plan Your Escape (PDF)