Deaths resulting from failed emergency escapes are particularly avoidable. Having a sound escape plan will greatly reduce fire deaths and protect you and your family's safety if a fire occurs.
Have a Sound Fire Escape Plan
In the event of a fire, remember - time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.
Practice Escaping From Every Room In The Home
Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof or using an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)-approved collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened. Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Security Bars Require Special Precautions
Security bars may help to keep your family safe from intruders, but they can also trap you in a deadly fire! Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to open immediately in an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.
Immediately Leave The Home
When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Take the safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
Never Open Doors That Are Hot To The Touch
When you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route.
Designate A Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance
Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.
Once Out, Stay Out
Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department using the 911 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.
Finally, having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home and in every bedroom dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and replaced at least once a year. Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every 10 years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.
Exit Drills in the Home (E.D.I.T.H.)
EDITH is more than a woman’s name. It stands for Exit Drills In The Home, a program that encourages families to plan for possible fires and practice fire drills at least twice a year.
One of the fire drills should be held at night. Panic occurs when people find themselves in a dangerous situation and they don’t know how to react. That is why proper planning and practice can prevent panic.
- Map a floor plan of your house and use it to figure out the best way to escape during a fire. The map should show windows, doors, stairs, and rooftops that can be used for escape. Plan at least two exits from every room in case one exit is blocked by fire.
- Install and maintain smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside of each sleeping area. Know what these detectors sound like when they operate. If residents cannot hear the alarm sound with the bedroom door closed, a smoke detector should be installed inside the bedroom, too.
- Make special provisions for any young children, disabled, or elderly family members who may need help escaping a fire.
- Sleep with bedroom doors closed, as a barrier against smoke and fire.
- Before opening a door, feel the knob and door with the back of your hand to find out if it is hot. If either spot is hot, do not open the door because fire might be on the other side.
- When opening the door, brace your foot against it. Stay away from the opening, and if smoke pours in, close the door quickly. Use the alternative escape route, such as a window.
- Keep a chain ladder handy for escape from a second-story room. Look for a ladder that has "stand-offs." These keep the rungs or treads a few inches from the building so you can get a better foothold.
- Establish an outside meeting place where all family members will meet once they have escaped.
- Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house. Make sure you stop at the meeting place first so that other family members know you are out of the house.
- Never return to the burning house for any reason. Many lives have been lost by individuals returning for personal belongings. The only thing you can't live without is you!
- Close all doors behind you as you are exiting the house to minimize heat and smoke travel.
- If escape is not possible shut the door and remain in the room. Try to seal cracks with a blanket, sheets, or towels. If there is a telephone in the room, call 9-1-1 and say where you are. Signal from your window for help so your location is known.