Did you know that more than 3,500 Americans die each year in fires, and approximately 18,300 are injured? Deaths resulting from failed emergency escapes are particularly avoidable.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) believes that having a sound escape plan will greatly reduce fire deaths and protect you and your family's safety if a fire occurs.
Have a Sound Fire Escape Plan
In the event of a fire, remember - time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.Special Considerations
- Practice Escaping From Every Room In The Home
- Practice escape plans every month. The best plans have two ways to
get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke,
you will need a second way out. A secondary route might be a window onto
an adjacent roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story
windows. Purchase only collapsible ladders evaluated by a nationally
recognized laboratory. Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can
be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened.
Also, practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with
your eyes closed.
- Security Bars Require Special Precautions
- Security bars may help to keep your family safe from intruders, but
they can also trap you in a deadly fire! Windows and doors with
security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened
immediately in an emergency. Make sure everyone in the family
understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or
barred doors and windows.
- Immediately Leave The Home
- When a fire occurs, do not waste any time saving property. Take the
safest exit route, but if you must escape through smoke, remember to
crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. The smoke
contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
- Never Open Doors That Are Hot To The Touch
- When you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel
the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and
door frame to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels
hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open
it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly.
If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is securely
closed, then use your alternate escape route.
- Designate A Meeting Place Outside and Take Attendance
- Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not
necessarily across the street. For example, meet under a specific tree
or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone
has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is
already safe. Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone
the fire department.
- Once Out, Stay Out
- Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department using the 911 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.


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