PERFECTING YOUR FIRE ESCAPE PLAN

A good fire escape plan will map out two ways to exit each room, identify the location of all fire extinguishers and designate a meeting place that’s easily accessible for the entire family. However, you’ll need to put a little more thought into your plan to keep everyone safe during an emergency. It’s not enough to know where your windows are; you need to make sure they can be opened in the event of a fire.

Here are a few considerations for when you’re putting your fire escape plan together:

If your door locks from the inside, leave a key in the lock to avoid searching for it in times of panic. This will save you precious seconds in the event of a fire. Similarly, don’t lock your children’s doors from the outside. Doing so might trap them in their rooms during an emergency.

2. Windows tend to stick when rarely used, and that can be a problem when time is of the essence. Regularly check your windows to make sure they open easily.

Keep your doors, windows and stairs free from obstructions, both inside and out. Remove anything that might delay your escape or get in the way of firefighters trying to come in to help.

Also, don’t forget that exiting through a basement window can sometimes be difficult, especially for children. Having a piece of furniture or ladder near these exits will make leaving your home quicker and easier. Finally, consider investing in a fire escape ladder if your plan involves exiting from a second or third-floor window.