Fire Escape Planning Sheet

You are not alone. According to National statistics, only 23% of the households in the United States have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. These are the lucky few who can probably escape quickly and safely during a fire. Most individuals do not believe that a fire will occur to them. Yet, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) stated that in 2004, there were 395,500 reported home fires and 3,100 associated deaths in the US . Do you still believe that you don’t need to be prepared? Every home needs to have a plan. It starts with having a working smoke alarm.

This will increase your chance of surviving a home fire by 50%. The next part of any survival plan involves the drawing of a floor plan such as the one below.

You need to indicate the location of all doors and windows on your plan. The plan should also indicate the location of smoke alarms and stairs. Next choose a location outside where you can safely meet. It should be something like a neighbor’s front porch, a tree, a mailbox or a bush.

Next indicate in one color the first way out of every room. Usually this is the doorway in which you normally enter the room. Then indicate in another color, the second way out of each room. Usually this is a window.

Finally, gather the family and go over the plan together. Have a fire drill to practice. Post the plan on the refrigerator or bulletin board where everyone can see it. Have a minimum of two fire drills a year. Drills should be as realistic as possible.

If you are trapped on a second floor room, don’t jump. Keep the door to the room closed and go to the window where the fire department can see you. Wave a cloth or flashlight for greater visibility. You may also use an escape ladder if one is available. Ladders may be purchased at most hardware and department stores. 

Further information on developing a home escape plan is available at www.nfpa.org. You may also contact your local fire department for assistance. You don’t have to be Houdini to know how to escape.