Importance

The average time to escape a house fire is less then 5 minutes. That is why it is very important to have an escape plan. This ensures that you and your family know what you are going to do and how you're going to do it if an emergency, like a fire, should happen. Having a plan for every room is just as important, because if a fire breaks out in the middle of the house, and your exits are blocked, you'll need to know another way out. Remember, your only way out could be a window.

What to Have

You should have all the windows and doors in each room, of each level of the house. Where your main exit doors are, stairways etc. Where are your fire extinguishers or blankets located? Where are you and your family going to meet after you get out of the house? This should always be as far away from the house as possible but easy to remember. If you are on the second floor what equipment do you have stored to help you escape? Check out preparedness to see what is out there to help you escape safely. Where is your Power or Gas shut off? if its a small fire caused by these things shitting off the main lines could be enough to put the fire out. 

What to do?

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• Get down low - Smoke rises, get on your hands, knees, belly and crawl. You will have more breathable air.

• Check The Door - See if its hot, if it is, find a new way, if its not, slowly open and see what's outside of it.

• Find the closest exit - Crawl and feel for windows and doors. The faster you get out, the sooner you are safe.

• Call 911- From a cell phone or neighbors phone. Remember try to remain calm and speak clearly so the 911 dispatcher can send help quickly.

• Get to your safe place - Meet your family at the designated meeting spot so when responders get on scene they can determine if everyone is out or not.