Expect The Unexpected: Why You Need A Fire Evacuation Safety Plan

Your family is your most important asset, so protecting them is vital. One of the best ways to ensure your family remains safe is to establish a home fire evacuation safety plan, and we’ve shared how.

It’s never safe to assume your family will know what to do if a fire breaks out in your home, especially if you have small children. In Ontario, 110,811 fire losses were reported to the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management and 47% of these fires occurred in residential occupancies. Below we’ve shared some of the most important things to consider when creating a fire evacuation safety plan.

Six Simple Steps to Creating a Fire Evacuation Safety Plan

Step 1 | Consider Everyone

Ensure you have considered everyone’s needs, especially those of young children or the elderly who may be living in your home. Assign someone to assist them during an emergency.

Step 2 | Establish Emergency Exits

Take note of every room in your home and establish two ways out, including doors and windows. Always ensure the emergency exits open easily so everyone can get out.

Step 3 | Draw a Map

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The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs created a home fire escape plan template so that you can adapt it to your home → click here to download.

Step 4 | Select a Meeting Place

Decide on a meeting place outside so that emergency responders can see you outside. Never go back into your home once you have exited.

Step 5 | Practice Makes Perfect

Once you have established your fire evacuation safety plan, practice it with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Review the plan at least once a year.

Step 6 | Smoke Alarm Tips

Having smoke alarms that work is key to saving lives in case of a house fire. Statistics collected in 2019 show 14% of smoke alarms did not operate during a house fire and in 21% of the fires, there was no smoke alarm in the home. Be sure to install smoke alarms outside every bedroom and on every level of your home. Test them monthly, change your batteries yearly, and replace your smoke alarms at least every 10 years or when you notice they are faulty.

A fire evacuation safety plan will help keep you and your family safe in case of an emergency. Remember that having functioning smoke alarms is key to escaping a fire in your home. You may also want to read this, Prevent Garage Fires with Leading Safety Tips.

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