Housing...Inside and Out

May 22, 1998
Fire Escape Plans

We know that having two accessible ways out of each room improves your chance of escape and practicing how you would escape before fire strikes will enable you to get out faster and with less panic. You see, in a real fire, the smoke is thick and black and you can't see through it plus the toxic gases can be disorienting. But if you have practiced crawling below smoke level, feeling your way along the walls and counting doors to your exit, in a real fire you will know exactly what to do and be better equipped to exit safely. If you know your escape route by heart you may be able to get out quickly even if you have been exposed to disorienting smoke and fumes.

Escape plans are not just for home. Fire drills are important features of school and employee fire safety programs that should be carried out regularly with everyone's participation. Individually, we can protect ourselves wherever we are by planning how we will get out in case of an emergency. For example, when staying in a hotel or motel, select one with automatic sprinkler as well as smoke detector protection. As soon as you check in, locate the two exits nearest your room. When riding on public transportation, count the number of rows between you and the nearest exit signs and other potential exits. Being aware of how and where to escape in these settings could save time and prevent panic in an emergency.

All members of the household should participate in the process of developing home escape plans, even children. Take a walk through your home and locate two escape routes from each room, then make sure each exit is accessible. Check for windows that could be painted shut, furniture blocking a door, dead-bolt locks too high for children, etc. Remedy these obstacles before a fire. In an emergency, you won't have time to struggle with a stuck window or heavy furniture. Make sure you have the proper number of smoke detectors and that they are all operating. Teach everyone to recognize the sound of the smoke detector and know what to do when they hear it. Never return to a burning building under any circumstances. Establish a meeting place outside (such as a tree or neighbor's porch), a safe distance from your home, where all members of the household can wait for the fire department. Practice your escape plan regularly throughout the year, and be sure to include all members of the household regardless of their age. If you have very young or very old occupants, try to locate their bedrooms on a ground floor and designate someone to help them with their escape.

A few key points to remember are:

  • If you encounter smoke on your way out, use your alternative exit. 
  • If you must escape through smoke, crawl low under the smoke where the air is cooler and cleaner.
  • If your clothing catches on fire stop, drop to the ground, and roll to extinguish the flames. This is the "stop, drop, and roll" technique.

For additional information the following sources are available: Home Fire Excape Plan


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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