Do You Have a First Escape Plan?

12/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire escape plans include at least two exit plans and a meeting place

Typically, we think of our homes as a refuge from the outside world and the dangers it can pose—but don’t let that allow you to become complacent about the hazards within your home. The last thing many homeowners expect is a terrible house fire.

Yet, recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that upwards of 365,000 house fires occur in the U.S. annually. These fires can destroy a home and take lives in  minutes. In fact, thanks to the materials that make up many of our home furnishings, like carpets and upholstery, today’s home fires burn much hotter and faster than fires of a couple of decades ago. The truth is you and your family may have less than five minutes to escape a house fire!

When a fire is raging, you may not be able to think quickly or clearly enough to get your family out safely. Having a fire evacuation plan can mean the difference between life and death, so create and put your plan into action now.

• Plan for everyone in your home. Are there young children and elderly family members living in your home? They may have trouble moving quickly in an emergency, and heavy-sleeping kids may not even hear a smoke alarm. Assign an adult to help them get out quickly. Involve your kids in creating your plan and make sure they understand how important it is.
• Identify two ways out of each room.  This will typically be a door and a window. Check to be sure the windows and doors open easily and are not blocked.
• Select an outside meeting spot. Pick a location out front a safe distance from your house (a neighbor’s house, your mailbox or a street or stop sign) where you will meet and wait for fire professionals to arrive. Emphasize that no one can re-enter the house.
• Diagram it. Create a map of your home and mark the exits from each room as well as the exit routes from the house. Also identify the outside meeting place and the locations of smoke detectors.
• Share the plan. Review the plan with everyone in the household, with visitors, and overnight guests.
• Practice the plan. Practice and review your escape plan at least once a year at different times of the day and night. 

If the planned exit routes are blocked and family members cannot escape, close all doors between you and the fire, place a towel under the door, call 911 and wait for help at an exterior window.

We are Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at (860)461-7194 at any time.

If you’ve suffered fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at (860)461-7194

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