Home Fire Escape Plan

Prepare for an Emergency Escape

Plan and practice a fire escape route from every room.

Use a chain or rope ladder to escape from upper levels and practice using it.
Teach small children not to hide from firefighters.
Trigger the smoke detector alarm so your children get used to the sound.
Identify a place outside to meet in case of a fire.

Using your Escape Plan

Crawl low under smoke and keep your mouth covered.
Feel closed doors with the back of your hand. If hot, don’t open it; use another exit.
If not hot, open the door slowly and check for smoke and fire.
Meet at a designated place outside, then call for help. Never return to a burning building.

For information about Fire Department education programs, please see Safety Education.

Did you know?

Solar chimneys are passive solar ventilation systems. Shafts connect the interior and exterior of the building. The functioning can be improved by glazing and using thermal mass materials. Learn more about solar.