Fire can be such a dangerous element! That’s why there are several national non-profit organizations who are dedicated to promoting fire safety practices to the public.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sponsors a big promotion nationwide every fall – National Fire Protection Week! It’s all about spreading the word of fire safety. This year’s campaign is the week of October 8 through 14. The theme will be “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out!” What is the aim of this message? To reinforce the reasons why it is so important for your family to have an escape plan. As the premier chimney company in the Elkton, Maryland area, Ace Chimney Sweeps places a top priority on fire safety. Now, we would like to tell you more about how to make an escape plan for your family.Fire Protection Week Home Image - Elkton MD - Ace Chimney Sweep

Draw a map of your home.

The first step you must take when making an escape plan for your family that requires the evacuation of your home? Draw a map of the inside of your house! It does not have to be drawn to scale, but it is essential that you include every window and door that is in your house.

Find two ways out of every room.

The reason why you need to include every window and door is to be able to see the possibilities of escaping every room. In addition, you will want to have at least two options for getting out of each room. Typically, the two escape routes will be through the door and through a window. To make sure everyone will be able to easily escape, you should check to see that each window and door can open without any difficulties.

Establish a meeting place outside of your home.

Depending on where the fire is burning in your home, your family may not be able to leave the house as a group. This is why you must pick a place where everyone will go to after getting out of the house. The NFPA recommends choosing a spot in front of your house as the meeting place. This is so that it will be easy to be seen by emergency responders!

Practice your plan at least twice a year.

Your family needs to know exactly what to do if an emergency situation occurs that requires all of you to leave your home. If you have children, you should teach them what they need to do during the escape plan – before you try a practice run. Practicing your escape plan can make a big difference in what could happen to your family in the unfortunate case of a house fire.

Always remember when making your escape plan that every second counts! For more information about this year’s National Fire Protection Week, contact us at Ace Chimney Sweeps. We are also here for all of your professional chimney and fireplace maintenance, repair, and installation needs.