Handbooks and Publications - Fire Prevention | Page 18

Fire Prevention Tips
label. When purchasing an extinguisher, look for the Underwriter’ Laboratory (UL)
or Factory Mutual (FM) label.

FIRE DRILLS AND ESCAPE PLANNING
Fire drills at home are the best type of preparation. This way everyone knows what
actions to take and what exits to use in the event of a fire. When organizing your
drills be sure to do the following:
1. Use the grid on the following page to draw a floor plan of your home with at
least two exits from each room outlined. Be sure to draw each floor and put
in all doors and windows.
2. Go over all the information necessary for reporting a fire over the phone. (See
"Reporting Fires" in FIRE PREVENTION section.) Be sure children know their
street name and number.
3. Establish a set meeting spot outside the house. This will prevent someone
from re-entering a burning house in search of a person who has already safely
escaped. Be sure your meeting spot will not interfere with the arrival of the
firefighters.
4. Practice drills over and over again until everything goes as planned. Continue
to practice drills on a regular basis, at least once every three months. When
you move to a new home, be sure to make a new escape plan.

Safety Reminders:
1. Make sure windows can be quickly opened and ladders are available when
necessary.
2. If you live in an apartment building, NEVER use an elevator in a fire or fire
drill. In a real fire the elevator could stop between floors or go to the floor
where the fire is located.
3. Check to see that all designated fire escapes are in good working condition
and that everyone knows how to use them.
4. Make sure all escape routes (hallways, stairways) are clear of anything which
could impede your quick escape.

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