Designing a Fire Escape Plan

A fire escape plan is probably the single most important thing that most families or households should design and have, yet the majority do not. In the event of a fire in the home it is important that everyone in the house knows how to escape the house as quickly and safely as possible. In most cases of house fires, visibility due to smoke and flames will be very low so knowing which way to turn is incredibly decisive in the probability of one escaping safely. Households should sit down and discuss fire escape routes from every room in the house, so that everyone knows the quickest escape if there is a fire.

In designing a fire plan, start with a basic floor plan or layout of each floor of the house. Note the position of every door, window and stairs. Then add on the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fire ladders and the main fire exits. By designing a fire plan, it helps everyone know roughly where fire equipment is located relative to each room. This is important when the house is full of smoke. You may also like to include the position of smoke alarms or emergency lighting. Knowing where they are can help your senses when trying to figure out your location in a blinding situation. For each room draw a path of quickest exit to the outside of the building.

Designing a fire plan may take 30 minutes or so. But taking the brief amount of time to create a fire plan can save lives when a fire breaks out. Never underestimate the danger of fire. The risk of fire is not exclusive.