Fire Escape Plan Essentials
Many people believe that a fire won’t happen to them. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), individuals are most at risk in their homes, with 74 percent of all fire-related deaths in the U.S. occurring in residential settings. Bates Security is committed to changing this statistic.
As a proud First Alert Pro Resideo Premier Partner, we are dedicated to improving safety in our community by installing monitored smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for homes and businesses. Our mission extends beyond installations; we are committed to educating our neighbors on how to minimize fire risks and prepare for emergencies. Check out our tips below to ensure that you and your loved ones have a proper fire escape plan.
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Essential Tips for Your Fire Escape Plan:
- Create and Practice Your Escape Plan:Every family should have a well-rehearsed escape plan. Conduct regular fire drills — both during the day and at night — to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
- Stay Low When You Wake:If you wake up to the smell of smoke or the sound of an alarm, do not jump out of bed. Instead, roll out of bed onto the floor. The heat from a fire rises, so staying low gives you the best chance of avoiding smoke inhalation.
- Check the Door:Crawl to your bedroom door and keep it closed while you sleep. Before opening it, touch the door with your hand — both low and high. If it feels hot, do not open it! Find an alternate escape route instead.
- Open Doors Cautiously:If the door is cool, open it slowly, just a few inches. Brace it to prevent it from swinging wide if there’s pressure from the fire. If the air is warm or smoky, quickly close the door and use another escape route.
- Crawl to Safety:When moving to safety, keep your head low — about one to two feet off the ground. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth to filter out smoke, and take shallow breaths.
- Use Escape Ladders:If your bedrooms are located above the first floor, keep collapsible escape ladders secured at the windows. Make sure everyone knows how to use them and practice getting out safely.
- Designate a Meeting Place:Select a safe, easily accessible meeting point outside your home where all family members can gather after escaping. This could be a neighbor’s driveway, a fire hydrant, or a designated street sign.
- Don’t Risk It:Remember, material possessions can be replaced. Never return to a burning building for belongings. If possible, close the door behind you to help slow the spread of the fire.