06 Nov Have a Fire Escape Plan in Massachusetts – Every Second Counts
Every second counts when a fire breaks out. It is crucial that everyone knows the true speed at which today’s home fires can spread, and the vital importance of home escape planning and practice in the event of one. A home escape plan includes:
- Working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom and near all sleeping areas;
- 2 ways out of every room, usually a door and a window; and
- A clear path to an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) that’s a safe distance from the home.
Practice twice a year
Home escape plans should be practiced by all members of the household twice a year.
A practiced home escape plan ensures that everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds.
Key tips for having a home fire escape plan
Map home & exits.
Draw a map of your home by with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
Fire drills.
Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
Teach children how to escape.
It’s important to teach children how to escape the home their own in case you can’t help them.
Help the fire department find you.
Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
Close doors.
Close doors behind you as you leave — this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
Stay outside.
Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.