Your Home Fire Escape Plan is the best way to practice fire safety. Fire can spread out of control within seconds of an outbreak.  A well-rehearsed fire plan can givee your family time to get out safely.   This is especially important for the younger members of your family.  With practice, even as young as three years old, children can follow a fire escape plan.  Here is how to create your family’s escape plan:

• Draw a basic diagram of your home, marking all windows and doors, and plan two routes out of each room.  The U.S. Fire Administration has a downloadable grid that will help you create this diagram.
• Consider various fire scenarios, from easiest to most difficult. Imagine a fire starting and spreading from your kitchen, from the basement, and from the hallway outside your bedroom. Develop your escape plan with options for a safe escape in each scenario.
• If you are escaping smoke, crawl low under the smoke. Touch doors to see if they are hot before opening. If so, use the alternative escape route.
• Designate a safe meeting point outdoors and teach your children never to go back inside
• the house.
• Practice your fire escape plans regularly— at least twice a year, more often is better. Include a strategy for times when one parent is out of the home.
• When practicing the fire escape plan, show children how to cover their nose and mouth to reduce smoke inhalation.
• Keep exits clear of debris or toys.

When you have babies and toddlers in the home, include these extra precautions in your plan:

• Keep a baby harness by the crib in case of emergencies. The harness, worn like a body brace, allows you to comfortably carry your baby and leave your hands free to escape the home.
• Keep your child’s bedroom door closed. If a hallway fire occurs, a closed door will hinder smoke from overpowering your baby or toddler, giving firefighters extra time for rescue.
• Teach toddlers not to hide from firefighters. Uniforms can be scary in times of crisis. Make sure your children understand that firefighters are there to help in an emergency.

If you have older children too, have them practice crawling, touching doors, or goingto the window, according to your escape plan.