A well-thought-out fire escape plan can save lives in case of a fire emergency. Planning and preparation can help reduce panic, ensure that everyone knows how to escape safely, and increase the chances of survival. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a fire escape plan for your family.
- Understand the Importance of a Fire Escape Plan
Well-prepared families are more likely to escape their homes safely without panic. A fire escape plan is crucial because fires can spread rapidly, and having a clear route to safety can make all the difference. Planning allows everyone to know their role and understand how to react in a fire emergency.
- Have active and working smoke alarms
According to a fact sheet published by the National Coronial Information System Australia in 2022, there were 992 fire related deaths between 2001 – 2019, of these 43.3% of incidents occurred while sleeping or resting. You can download the fact sheet here.
These statistics highlight the importance of checking homes have working smoke alarms installed to give you and your family every chance of waking up and escape during the event of a fire.
Smoke alarms should be installed according to your local state legislative requirements, tested and approved to AS3786:2014, and should be tested and maintained at least once a year.
Homeowners and real estate agents also have responsibilities to ensure homes have adequate fire safety protection.
- Identify Two Exit Routes from Every Room
One of the key elements of a fire escape plan is knowing the two quickest ways out of each room. This is important because the primary exit could be blocked by fire or smoke, and you’ll need an alternative. If your home has a second floor, include a method of escaping from upstairs.
Tips:
- Make sure all windows and doors can be opened quickly.
- Keep exit routes free of obstructions.
- Establish an Outdoor Meeting Place
Decide on a meeting place outside your home where everyone can gather after escaping. This could be a mailbox, a tree, or the end of your driveway. It’s essential that everyone in the family knows where to meet after escaping. This way, you can quickly account for everyone and notify emergency services if someone is missing.
Important: Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.
. How to Call Triple Zero (000)
Ensure that all family members know how to call Triple Zero (000) to report the fire. This should be done from a safe place, such as a neighbour’s house, or using a mobile phone once you’re outside. When the operator answers, ask for “FIRE” and provide your home address clearly.
- Practice Fire Drills Twice a Year
It’s important to practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year. Fire drills help everyone understand the quickest ways out of the house and what to do in an emergency. It also gives you the opportunity to adjust the plan if necessary.
Tips for practicing:
- Turn the fire drill into a game by timing how quickly family members can escape.
- Practice escaping in the dark or with eyes closed to simulate heavy smoke conditions.
- Teach children their home address and how to call 000.
Special Considerations for Children and People with Disabilities
Children may not wake up to the sound of a smoke alarm, so it’s important to plan how you will reach their bedrooms if regular access is blocked by fire. Families with elderly members or those with disabilities should ensure their fire escape plan accommodates their needs.
Fire Survival Tips
During a fire, knowing the right actions can increase your chances of survival. Here are some essential tips:
- If your clothes catch fire: Stop, drop, and roll until the flames are extinguished.
- Stay low: Crawl under the smoke to avoid inhaling dangerous fumes.
- Check doors for heat: Use the back of your hand to test doors before opening them. If it’s hot, don’t open it; find another way out.
- Close doors behind you: If possible, close doors to slow the spread of fire and smoke as you exit.
Basic Treatment for Burns
If someone suffers burns during a fire, immediate first aid can help prevent further injury. Here’s what you should do:
- Remove clothing around the burn unless it’s stuck to the skin.
- Cool the burn under running water for at least 20 minutes. Never use oil, butter, or ointment.
- Cover the burn with a clean cloth or cling wrap to prevent infection.
- Seek medical attention if the burn is blistered, larger than a 20-cent coin, or located on the face, hands, feet, or genitals.
Additional Safety Tips for Parents
Parents need to be aware that fire safety should be taught to children from a young age. Here are some additional fire safety tips:
- Teach fire safety through games and activities.
- Make sure children know not to hide during a fire and instead to leave the building.
- Never lock deadlocks when you are home as it could block your escape route in an emergency.
Conclusion
Creating and practising a fire escape plan is one of the most important steps a family can take to protect themselves from fire-related emergencies. With proper planning, everyone will know how to escape quickly and safely. Make sure to review and update your fire escape plan as needed and remember that safety drills can make a significant difference when it matters most.
References and Resources:
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fires-in-the-home/escape-plans
