Home Fire Escape Planning - Wheaton Fire & Rescue

Why You Need an Escape Plan

• In a fire, you may have as little as 2 minutes to escape safely.
• A closed door can slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Practicing your escape plan makes it more likely you'll react quickly in an emergency.

1 Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Find two ways out of each room.
2 Choose a meeting place outside and away from your home. This is where everyone will meet after escaping.
3 Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 or your local emergency number.
4 Practice your plan at least twice a year with everyone in your household, including guests.
5 Practice at night and during the day. Fires can happen at any time.

If you encounter smoke, get down on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest exit. Smoke rises, so cleaner air is near the floor.

Use the back of your hand to feel the door and doorknob. If hot, use your second way out. If cool, open slowly.

Closing doors slows the spread of fire and smoke, giving you more time to escape.

Once you're out, stay out! Never go back inside for pets, people, or possessions.

Close the door and cover vents and cracks around doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out.
Call 911 and tell them where you are.
Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or use a flashlight to signal for help.

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