Upper Makefield Township

Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan that everyone understands can mean the difference between life and death. A fire can double in size every 30 seconds under the proper conditions, and once your smoke alarm starts beeping, you may have less than a minute to escape safely.

It's been reported that only one-fifth of households (23%) have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure they can escape quickly and safely. In 2003, there were an estimated 388,500 reported home structure fires that resulted in the death of 3,145 family members. Nearly half of American households surveyed felt they had at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening, but the time available to escape safely is often much less. As every second ticks by, the smoke and heat turn known passageways into a confusing maze.

The tips outlined below can help you develop and practice an effective home fire escape plan. Please take the time to meet as a family to discuss, plan, and practice so that everyone has a chance of getting out alive.

• Draw a simple floor plan of your home.
• Highlight at least 2 ways out of each room, including windows.
• Don't forget to mark the location of each smoke alarm. Test alarms monthly and consider buying and installing more.
• Make sure everyone understands the escape plan and recognizes the sound of the smoke alarms.
• Ensure that escape routes are clear and that windows and doors can be opened easily.
• Discuss different scenarios -- where a fire might be and where to exit in that particular instance.
• Smoke and heat rise, so train everyone to stay low.  Practice crawling to an exit.
• Practice the escape plan at least twice a year and take all questions seriously.
• If children or others do not readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm, or if there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to help them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency.
• Consider purchasing window-mounted fire escape ladders certified by an independent testing laboratory. Practice using them with adult supervision.
• Agree on an outside meeting place. Remember to escape first, then call for help from the nearest phone.
• In Upper Makefield Township, dial 9-1-1 to report a fire.
• Never go back into the house under any circumstances.
• One of the adults should meet the Fire Company or Police Officer upon their arrival and tell them everyone is safely outside the home and accounted for.