Home Escape Plan Checklist Family Activity

Dear Parent or Caregiver:

Would your family know how to escape if there was a fire in your home? A home escape plan is a plan to get out of the home safely in case of a fire. Everyone should know two ways out of each room because escape may not be as easy as going out the door. Here are the easy steps to follow to make your home escape plan:

• Get your family together and draw a floor plan of your home. Mark all windows and doors. (Use the other side of this letter to draw your plan)
• Plan two ways out of each bedroom. The first way should be the door, and the second way out could be a window.
• Make sure windows can be opened easily. In a two-storey building, plan your escape through a window onto a roof or porch. If you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it. Children should practice this with an adult present.
• Choose a meeting place for all family members outside the home and mark it on the floor plan. A good meeting place would be a tree, telephone pole, or a neighbour’s home.
• Make sure everyone understands the planned escape routes.
• Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of the home. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed make sure everyone can hear the smoke alarm, or consider installing one inside the bedroom.
• Practise your escape plan. Remember, if you see smoke on your way out use your second exit. If you must escape through smoke, crawl low under it where the air is cleaner. Have family members practice using their second way out as well as their primary route.
• If you live in an apartment, use the stairs - never use an elevator in case of a fire. The elevator could take you to the floor where the fire is burning. If fire blocks your exit, close your apartment door and cover all cracks where smoke could enter. Telephone the fire department, even if firefighters are already at the building, and tell them where you are. Wave a sheet or towel from the window to help fire fighters find you.

Talking about your escape plan is not enough; you have to practice it at least twice a year. Take a moment to get your family together to make your plan. It could be a lifesaving family project!

1. Make a floor plan of your home showing two ways out of each room.

2. Draw a meeting place outside the home.