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Planning for a fire is not something people generally think of. But when it comes down to it, planning for a fire can help save lives and the lives of others in your household.
To be effective, a fire escape plan has to include a final meeting place outside the home. If you live in a rural area somewhere at least a couple hundred feet, is probably a good place. Try to keep away from trees and other houses that are close and other flammable places. Make sure that everyone has the same meeting place and make sure they are very clear of where that meeting place is.
Keeping a rough sketch of the house like floor plans is a good way to note doors, windows and other means of escape. Get a good feel for where things are in your house. Go to every room and list the things in the room, the windows and doors. Make notes of if there are things that partially block the windows. If there are doors that are frequently locked such as the front and back main doors, make notes of that as well.
Know the height of the house and windows. This could help if an escape route on a second floor is needed. Most falls of second story height can be survived if the correct procedures are in place. Make note of any bushes or trees that are below the window. Is there a roof that juts out under the window? If so, what is the slant or angle?
There are window ladders that can be installed in case of fire. When needed the ladder is rolled out and the person can escape via the ladder. Keeping a small fire extinguisher in every room can help temporarily by putting out flames that would be otherwise blocking an exit. Keep a hatchet or other smashing and cutting tool easily accessible to help break windows or chop through something to make an escape.
Make sure that someone is able to get to a neighbor’s house to call the fire department for help. Make sure that the address of your house is easily seen from the road. With smaller children, teach them your address and any other information they might need in case of a fire.
Practice the drill every so often at least twice a year. Make it as real as possible so that everyone will know approximately how it will feel like in the situation. In the drills, pointers can be given to make it go better. Give scenarios so that everyone may be able to survive in almost all situations.
Every year or so, reassess the drills. Were there additions that were added on that need to be addressed? What about someone who may have moved out or in? Do they know the drills? It’s important to reassess the plans because in a year span, things can dramatically change.
Some more tips:
There should be a list of at least two different ways out of each room and hallway. Alternatives are good for an in case situation.
If a door is blocked by fire, then a window may be needed to escape through.
Make sure if there are infants or smaller children that an adult is assigned to that child if there is a fire.
Know where the smoke alarms are. If the alarm sounds knowing which alarm went off can usually help to determine where exactly the fire is.
Never go back inside the burning building.
No one wants a fire and no one thinks it will necessarily happen to them. Nonetheless, we should be prepared just in case.
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