In a typical home fire, you may have as little as two minutes to get out after the smoke alarm sounds. That clock only starts if the alarm wakes you, and the people least likely to wake to a standard smoke alarm are often the ones who most need help getting out: young children, older adults, and anyone with hearing loss.
This free packet walks your household through building an escape plan that accounts for everyone who sleeps in your home. It has room to draw your floor plan, check every smoke alarm, name a helper for anyone who can’t get out on their own, and keep a log of your practice drills.
Download the Family Fire Escape Plan (PDF, 11 pages)
What’s in the packet
- Step 1: Draw your floor plan, with two ways out of every room
- Step 2: Check every smoke alarm
- Step 3: Name a helper for everyone who needs one
- Step 4: Set up bedrooms for a fast exit
- Step 5: Pick a meeting place and plan your 9-1-1 call
- Step 6: Practice twice a year, once at night, with a practice log
- Reference: Why smoke alarms don’t wake everyone, and sources
How to use it
Work through the packet as a family, one step per sitting if that’s easier. Each step starts on its own page, with the instructions at the top and room to answer below. Include everyone who sleeps in your home, and plan for regular overnight guests too. When you’re done, post the floor plan and the helper list on the refrigerator, and then walk the plan. A plan nobody has practiced is just a piece of paper.
Printed copies are also available at the fire station when we’re there.
Questions?
If you’d like help checking your smoke alarms or your exits, contact the Stronach Township Fire Department at 231-454-2184 or stronachfiredept@gmail.com.