Resources for creating a home fire escape plan

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Firefighter put out a house fire. All that is left of the home is Fire Damage that SERVPRO of Arroyo Grande will clean up and fix.

Prevention is one best defense against a fire and the other defense is a well thought-out and well-rehearsed home fire escape plan. Always ready to help restore fire damage, Arroyo Grande SERVPRO specialists also believe that keeping friends, family and our neighbors safe from loss due to fire is a priority.

In the event of a fire, the best defense is to get out of the house immediately! The best way for everyone to get out is to have an escape plan that the entire family has practiced over and over.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has provided the following tips for a home fire safety and escape plan:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home. Large homes may need more than one alarm per level. Include the garage. The NFPA recommends smoke alarms in every sleeping room as well as hallways.
• Involve every family member in making the plan. Walk through the home and identify all possible exits and escape routes.
• Draw a floor plan of the home and mark two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Make sure escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily. Make sure security bars are equipped with an emergency release.
• Choose an outside meeting place that is a safe distance from the house and include the location in the escape plan.
• Make sure your street number is clearly visible from the road or street.
• Call 911 immediately to report the fire, either from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone.
• Include infants, pets and family members with mobility issues in the plan.
• Make sure guests know the escape routes.
• Conduct fire drills to help everyone remember the plan.

Fire escape planning resources

The NFPA website provides a variety of free escape planning tools, including an escape grid to help you plan escape routes and a safety tip sheet.

Local resources include your local fire department. Most city and rural fire departments and forestry divisions have literature and programs to help the community prepare fire and emergency escape plans. Ask if your local fire department has a community outreach officer who can help you review your plan.

Homeowner and renters insurance companies may also have planning tools. Check with your agent or insurance company.

Prevention is the best defense. Ask your local fire department to help identify fire hazards and for advice for the best way to remove them.

How SERVPRO can help

SERVPRO of Arroyo Grande is a fire damage removal resource and we can also help with removing and disposing of hazardous materials that may be fire or health hazards. Call us today at (805) 473-0772 to discuss removing hazardous materials or restoring water, mold, or fire damage.