How to Make and Practice a Home Fire Escape Plan
Map two usable exits from every room, keep routes clear, choose one outdoor meeting place, assign help for anyone who needs it and practice the plan with every household member at least twice a year.
Timeline
- Make the plan: Draw doors, windows, smoke alarms and two exits from each room; choose a fixed outdoor meeting place.
- Practice twice yearly: Run drills during different conditions, include every resident and correct blocked or difficult routes.
- If an alarm sounds: Leave immediately, close doors behind you, meet outside, call emergency services and never re-enter.
Start by drawing each level of the home with every door and window. Identify two ways out of every room whenever possible, and walk each route to confirm that doors and windows open easily and are not blocked by furniture, storage, security bars or air conditioners. Include basement and upper-floor sleeping areas. If a second route is not safely usable, ask the local fire department for location-specific planning advice. [1][2][3]
Choose one permanent meeting place outside and in front of the home, such as a tree, mailbox or neighbor's location far enough from danger. Everyone should go there so one person can report who is missing. Make sure the street number is visible to responders. Once outside, call 911 or the local fire number from a safe place and tell dispatchers if anyone may be trapped. [1][2]
Build the plan around every resident's abilities. Decide who will help infants, children, older adults, visitors, people with disabilities and pets without delaying human escape. Provide suitable alerting devices for someone who is deaf or hard of hearing and keep mobility aids accessible. Children should know the alarm sound and must not hide. Assign backups because the person expected to help may be absent when a fire starts. [2][3]
Practice the plan with everyone at least twice a year, including a daytime and nighttime drill when practical. Use the smoke alarm test button to start, then move to the meeting place. Practice different routes without creating hazards: do not climb from a real upper-story window unless a fire-safety professional has approved the equipment and method. Time and observe the drill, then fix doors, windows or decisions that slowed anyone. [1][2][3]
During a real fire, get out and stay out. Move low under smoke when needed, close doors behind you if that does not delay escape, and never return for belongings or pets. Test a closed door for heat according to fire-department guidance before opening it; use the alternate route if the door or path is dangerous. If trapped, close the door, block smoke gaps and signal your location to 911 and firefighters. [1][4]
Apartment and high-rise plans must include the building's alarm, exit stairs, posted evacuation instructions and rules for residents who need assistance. USFA advises using stairs rather than elevators unless the fire department directs otherwise. Leave the apartment and close the door behind you, activate the building alarm when appropriate, and proceed to the designated outdoor meeting place. Never prop open fire doors. [1]
The escape plan works with maintained smoke alarms, not instead of them. Test alarms as the manufacturer and local rules direct, replace devices at the required age, and consider interconnected alarms so a fire in one area alerts the entire home. Review the plan after moving rooms, remodeling or changes in mobility. Ask the local fire department about alarms, escape ladders and building-specific questions before an emergency. [1][2][3]
Sources
- U.S. Fire Administration — Home Fire Escape Plans
- U.S. Fire Administration — Our Home Fire Escape Plan
- National Fire Protection Association — Steps to Safety Home Checklist
- U.S. Fire Administration — Practice Your Home Fire Escape Plan