The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sponsors Fire Prevention Week each October. This year honors the 100 ^th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week with a campaign to promote the importance of a home fire escape plan.

A home can burn quickly. When a fire occurs, your family may have as little as two minutes to escape. A plan lets everyone in the house know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Protect your family by creating and practicing a customized fire escape plan for your home.

A fire escape plan is a specific set of actions for each household member to follow during a house fire. The plan should include steps for daytime and nighttime fires. Also, the plan should identify who will help young children, older adults, or disabled household members.

The NFPA offers a free guide to help you develop an effective plan.

Today’s building codes require homes to have working smoke detectors. However, smoke alarms expire after ten years. Replace old alarms and test existing alarms monthly.

The smoke detectors are the first defense line for a safe fire escape. Educate your family on the sound the fire alarm makes. When the alarm sounds, the action plan starts.

Develop a written plan that includes a map of your home with windows and doors highlighted. Mark a path from each home area to the nearest and safest exit. Discuss what to do if fire blocks the planned route by including alternative escape routes.

Practice the plan at least twice per year. Younger children will likely enjoy practicing the fire escape plan. Yet, it’s just as critical for teenagers and other household members to participate.

Decide where everyone will meet outside after the escape. Choose a location at a safe distance from the house. The mailbox, end of the driveway, or neighbor’s porch offer good options. Remember to include the meeting spot in your practices.

After escaping the home and heading to the meeting location, call 9-1-1. Ensure everyone knows the number and how to call for help.

At Pure Risk Advisors, we help homeowners find the right insurance solutions to protect their investments in the event of a house fire.

Contact us to learn more about fire coverage in your homeowner insurance policy.

The post Fire Prevention – Plan Your Escape appeared first on Pure Risk Advisors.