Printable home fire escape plan
Plan and practice a home escape plan so you have two safe ways out from every room in your home and a meeting place outside.
Escape plan
- Create a room-by-room layout with all emergency exits clearly marked.
- Be sure there is more than one exit from every room to avoid being trapped by fire.
- If your home has security bars or locks on windows and doors, be sure each family member can open them quickly.
- Upper floors should be equipped with escape ladders.
Decide on a meeting place outside the home. Suggestions include by a tree or a mailbox that's a safe distance from your home, preferably on or near the street where firefighters would arrive. Stay there until help arrives. Do not return into the home to retrieve pets or other valuables.
Practice
- Be sure all family members know what to do and where to go in an emergency.
- Fire and smoke can cause disorientation.
- Your family must know how to get out of the house in the dark under hot, smokey and stressful conditions without panicking or losing time.
Extra help
Small children and people who are elderly or disabled will need special attention and may require assistance to evacuate the home. Include their requirements when making your plan.