How to develop a family escape plan?
• Make a list of all exits from your home, including two usable exits from each bedroom: the door and a window. • Buy a chain ladder for every upstairs bedroom and practice using it with older children. A good place to store it is under the bed. • Draw the floor plan of your home and draw arrows to indicate each escape route. Post a copy in each bedroom and teach your family how to escape. Practice, Practice, and Practice! How to escape from fire? • Get out fast. • You may have just a minute to get out before smoke, gas or fire kills you. • You do not have time to call the fire department or to collect valuables. • Teach your children to get out quickly. Children are often so scared that they will hide. • To avoid being locked in, keep a key in or near deadbolt locks at night. • Crawl–never walk or run. • The poisonous smoke and extreme heat of a fire can kill you. • Stay low to avoid the rising smoke and heat. • Feel the door with the back of your hand to see if it is hot before you
