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Home Escape Plan

A home fire can spread rapidly, leaving you with as little as two minutes to escape safely once an alarm sounds. Having a well-planned and practiced home fire escape plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. By preparing ahead of time and making sure everyone in your household knows exactly what to do, you can reduce confusion and act quickly when every second counts.

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Make a plan. Practice it often. Get out fast—and stay out.




Create Your Home Escape Plan


Start by mapping out your home and identifying all possible exits. Every room should have at least two ways out, such as a door and a window. Make sure all exits are clear, easy to open, and accessible for every family member. Choose a safe outdoor meeting place in front of your home where everyone will gather after escaping.


It’s also important that everyone in the household understands how to respond when the smoke alarm sounds and knows how to get outside quickly.




Why an Escape Plan Matters


Fire moves fast, and in an emergency, there is little time to think or react. Families who have a plan are more likely to escape safely because everyone knows their role and where to go. Without preparation, people often lose valuable time trying to figure out how to get out.

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Escape Plan Tools for Download



Escape grid Safety tip sheet Safety tip sheet


Practice Your Plan Regularly


Once your plan is created, practice it with everyone in your home. Fire drills should be done at least twice a year, during both the day and at night, and from different rooms. Practicing helps build muscle memory so that everyone can respond quickly and confidently in a real emergency.



During drills, practice moving quickly, staying low under smoke, and going all the way to your meeting place.


Plan for Everyone in Your Household


Your escape plan should meet the needs of all family members, including children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Assign responsibilities so that those who need assistance will have someone to help them get out safely. Teaching children how to escape on their own is also important in case an adult cannot reach them. 

Candle Safety

What To Do During a Fire


When the alarm sounds, get outside immediately using your planned escape route.


  • Get out immediately when the alarm sounds
  • Stay low to avoid smoke
  • Check doors for heat before opening
  • Use your planned escape route
  • Close doors behind you as you leave (if possible)
  • Help others if you can, then get out
  • Go to your designated meeting spot
  • Call 911 once you are safely outside
  • Stay outside—do not go back in.

Additional Fire Safety Resources

NFPA.org

U.S. Fire Administration