Tips for a home fire escape plan

A residential fire can become life-threatening in less than two minutes, making every second count. Escaping a fire quickly but safely is the main priority.

Following are tips to help households be ready before and during a fire emergency:

Before a fire

• Identify two ways out of every room. If a passageway is blocked, having a second option will save time.

• Have every household member know how to quickly remove security bars from windows and doors.

• Designate a meeting place away from the home, such as a front yard tree or on the sidewalk.

• Ensure that everyone knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.

• Install smoke alarms in and outside each sleeping area.

• Make sure that the household’s address is clearly visible to first responders.

During a fire

• Close doors to help keep the fire and smoke from spreading.

• Assign someone and a backup to help infants, older persons and those with limited mobility evacuate.

• Stay inside a room if smoke, heat or flames block escape options. Open a window and use a bright-colored object or flashlight to signal the location.

• Home fires progress quickly, so do not spend time trying to retrieve personal property.

• Get low and move toward an exit if there is heavy smoke. Otherwise, use an exit with the least amount of smoke and heat.

• Once out, stay out. If someone is missing, inform the dispatcher. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

An escape plan should be practiced twice a year, with drills being as realistic as possible. As such, children can learn the plan before holding these drills.

For more information from the National Fire Protection Association, visit its Public Education page at www.nfpa.org/Public-Education.