Fire escape planning is a relatively simple and effective tool that every family should utilize. Knowing how to get out of a burning house in just a few minutes can make the difference between life and death. Every year, more than 2,800 people die in residential fires. Many of these deaths could have easily been prevented had the families developed and practiced a fire escape plan and better had fire protection devices in place.

Families need to have a plan in place that allows for every member of the family to get out of the house in under two minutes. Once a smoke detector is activated, the first reaction should be to get out of the house. Only eight percent of Americans polled responded that their first reaction to a smoke alarm would be to immediately evacuate. A smoke detector inside every sleeping room is imperative.

Every room should have at least two exits. In the event that one exit is obstructed, another exit such as a window should be used. Every family member needs to know the escape plan and be taught how to open windows in case of emergency. The escape plans should be practiced repeatedly until every member of the family succeeds in getting out of the house in under two minutes. Drawing a picture of each exit in the home and posting it in a place for every household member to see is very useful. The escape plans should be practiced at least once a month.

Households with infants or individuals with special needs might require extra planning. One person should be designated to help each individual that requires assistance and a back-up plan should be in place in the event designated person is not home during an emergency.

Every escape plan should have a designated meeting place for the family. The place should be away from the home like across the street or at a neighbor’s house. Even if the home is equipped with fire sprinklers, residents should never attempt to re-enter the home. While fire sprinklers can help reduce the spread of afire and provide extra time for residents to get out of a burning building, they do nothing to remove the toxic fumes resulting from fires and they can still be fatal even after the fire has been extinguished.