🏃‍♂️🔥 How to Create a Family Fire Escape Plan

(Includes a Printable Template to Get You Started!) — GET YOUR PRINTABLE TEMPLATE HERE

When a fire starts, you may only have two minutes to escape. That’s why having a home fire escape plan isn’t just a smart idea—it’s essential. But the plan only works if every member of the family knows it, practices it, and can follow it under stress.

As your local volunteer fire company, we’re here to help you prepare—not panic. Follow these steps to create a simple, effective fire escape plan for your household, and download our printable worksheet at the end to map it out together.

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🧩 Step 1: Draw a Map of Your Home

Start by sketching a floor plan of your home. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just include:

• All rooms
  
• Doors and windows
  
• Hallways and staircases
  

Do this for each level of the home. Your goal is to identify at least two ways out of every room, in case one is blocked by fire or smoke.

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🚪 Step 2: Identify Escape Routes

Mark all exits clearly:

• The front door and back door
  
• First-floor windows
  
• Any fire escape ladders or emergency exits
  
• Stairways (for multi-level homes)
  

For bedrooms, especially those upstairs, make sure windows are accessible and not painted shut or blocked. If upper-floor escape ladders are needed, make sure they are stored nearby and that family members know how to use them.

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📍 Step 3: Choose a Safe Meeting Place

Pick a location a safe distance from the house where everyone will meet after escaping. This could be:

• A neighbor’s mailbox
  
• A large tree
  
• The end of the driveway
  

The key is to choose a spot that’s easy to remember, easy to reach, and far enough from danger.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Step 4: Assign Responsibilities

Make sure each person knows what to do:

• Who will help young children or elderly family members?
  
• Who will grab pets (only if it’s safe)?
  
• Who will call 911 once safely outside?
  

Remember: No one should go back inside for anything once they’ve escaped.

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🧪 Step 5: Test Smoke Alarms and Practice

Before practicing the plan, test all smoke alarms in the house. Then do a fire drill—yes, just like at school!

• Start from different rooms.
  
• Practice escaping with lights off or eyes closed to simulate smoke.
  
• Time how long it takes to get out and meet at your safe spot.
  

Do this at least twice a year. Practice during the day and at night.

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🔄 Step 6: Review and Repeat

Situations change—kids grow, layouts change, and visitors come and go. Update your plan regularly and make sure babysitters, guests, or caregivers know the basics.

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✅ Download Your Printable Template

To make things easier, we’ve created a simple [Fire Escape Plan Worksheet] that your family can fill out together.

🖨️ [Click here to download the printable plan (PDF)]

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🧯 Need Help? We’re Here.

Want a second set of eyes on your plan? Have questions about safe exits or smoke detector placement? Contact us! We’re more than happy to help your family feel confident and prepared.

Remember: In a fire, every second counts. A plan is peace of mind—on paper and in practice.

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🔥 Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company Needs You

We’re your neighbors, friends, and family—100% volunteer and always ready to answer the call. But we can’t do it alone.

Whether you’re interested in firefighting or supporting behind the scenes, there’s a role for you at Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company. No experience needed—we’ll provide the training, gear, and support.

Are you ready to make a difference? [Click here to learn more and get involved]