Imagine you’re a homeowner and parent of two school-aged kids. Your seven-year-old daughter returns home from Omro Elementary School and can’t stop talking about the fire drill and how the alarm was so loud it made her ears hurt. She excitedly retells every detail of the drill and how it seemed like they were all ‘standing outside forever.’ Once she finally catches her breath, she asks, “What would we do if our house started on fire?”
And you’re horrified because you don’t have an answer for her.
The importance of a fire escape plan
A fire escape plan is vital for the safety of your family. Every second counts during a fire, and a well-structured plan significantly increases your chances of survival. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having an escape plan cuts the risk of dying in a fire by half.
Having a clear understanding of what to do and where to go reduces confusion and panic, which are common in emergency situations.
How to create a fire escape plan
There are two things you need to do when creating your fire escape plan:
- Identify escape routes – Start by mapping out your home’s layout, including all rooms, hallways, and stairways. Pinpoint all possible exits, like doors and windows, and make sure they’re accessible and easy to open. Every household member needs to know these routes.
- Choose a safe meeting point – Select a safe location outside your home where everyone can meet after escaping. This could be a neighbor’s house, a tree, or a mailbox – anywhere that is a safe distance from the fire. And while it might seem like common sense, make sure everyone understands the importance of not re-entering the house once they’ve evacuated.
Practicing your fire escape plan
Practicing your fire escape plan regularly builds familiarity and preparedness, helping you all remain calm and able to make quick, confident decisions in the heat of the moment. Here are five tips to help these practice drills run smoothly:
- Choose a meeting point outside your home where everyone gathers after evacuating. Again, like a neighbor’s house, a tree, or mailbox.
- Assign specific roles to each family member. For example, put one person in charge of making sure everyone is out of the house.
- Practice using different escape routes to prepare for multiple scenarios.
- Simulate realistic conditions by shutting doors behind you and crawling low to avoid smoke inhalation.
- Use a timer and aim to improve your family’s evacuation time with each drill. Your goal should be to get out in under two minutes.
Include your kids in these drills. It’s essential they know the basics of fire safety, like recognizing smoke alarm sounds and evacuating quickly and calmly.
Speaking of smoke detectors, test them at least twice a year. A convenient time to do this is when you change the clocks for Daylight Saving Time in spring and fall. Inspect your dryer while you’re at it, too.
Now that you’re ready to draft your escape plan (and give your daughter a good answer), it’s time to make sure your home is protected. Rural Mutual agents serve all 72 counties in Wisconsin and understand what matters most to you. Connect with a local agent today for a homeowner’s quote that fits your family’s needs.
