Evacuation Plans
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In a fire, you will only have a few minutes from the sounding of the smoke alarm to when your life is seriously threatened by fire or smoke. It is very important that you prepare and practise an escape plan, and that everyone in the household knows what to do in an emergency.
You Should:
- Start with a floor diagram of the home
- Make sure that everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if a fire occurs
- Plan escape routes. Identify a primary escape room out of every room, then pick a secondary route in case the first is blocked by fire. Always plan two ways out of each room
- Select a meeting place outside the home (e.g. the letterbox). Make sure everyone in your household knows to meet there should a fire occur in your home.
- Dial triple zero (000) - the number to call in an emergency - from a neighbour’s home or mobile phone
Teach your family and friends to
- Use the back of your hand to check closed doors for excessive heat before opening.
- Crawl low as smoke and heat will build from the ceiling down.
- Close doors behind them as they exit. This helps to limit the spread of fire and smoke.
- Account for all people in house.
- If anyone is missing, tell the fire service. DO NOT return to the house.
Last updated July 2009
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