Establish Escape Routes and Safe Places

In a fire or other emergency, you may need to evacuate on a moment's notice.  Be ready to get out fast.  Be sure everyone in your family knows the best escape routes out of your home as well as where the safe places are in your home for each type of disaster.

Use a blank sheet of paper to draw floor plans of your home.  Show the location of doors, windows, stairways, large furniture, your disaster supplies kit, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, collapsible ladder, first-aid kits, and utility shut-off points.  Show important points outside such as garages, patios, stairways, driveways, and porches.

Indicate at least two escape routes from each room, and mark a place outside your home where household members should meet in case of a fire.  If you or someone in you house uses a wheelchair, make all exits from your home wheelchair accessible.

Practice emergency evacuation drills at least two times a year, and whenever you update your escape plan.