If there is a fire in your home tonight, do you know what to do? Orangeville Fire encourages everyone to prepare a home fire escape plan. A good plan can make a difference and keep your family safe.

Make a home escape plan

Here are some tips to help you create and execute a home escape plan.

Draw a floor plan

Start by drawing a complete floor plan of your home. You should identify every possible emergency exit, including doors and windows.

Your plan should include each level in your home as well as:

  • doors
  • windows
  • stairs
  • porches
  • garages
  • nearby trees

This way it is easy to map out possible escape routes.

Find escape routes

Discuss the floor plan with your family and outline at least two escape routes for every room in your house. This way if one route is too dangerous, you will have an alternate route.

Identify who needs help

Decide who will assist young children, elderly family members and anyone with a physical disability or who may need help exiting the building.

Select a meeting place outside

Choose a meeting place outside that is a safe distance from your home. In case of a fire, everyone will meet in one location and it will be easy to account for anyone who might be missing. For example, your meeting place should be out front of your house. It can be a:

  • neighbour's house
  • tree
  • sign
  • nearby landmark

Make sure that everyone in your home knows the meeting location.

Call 911

Once you are safely outside, call 911, using a cell phone or a neighbour's phone. It is important that you wait until you are in a safe place to call the fire service. In an emergency, every moment can be the difference.

Practice your plan

Make sure that you review the escape plan with everyone in your house. You can even try walking through an escape and practising different exits. The more prepared you are, the more likely you will get to safety during an emergency. We recommend holding a fire drill twice a year.

Escaping apartment and condo buildings

If you live in an apartment or condo building there are a few things you can do to prepare for a fire. Make sure to speak with your superintendent or building manager to find out about any specific evacuation rules for the building. You should also notify them of any individuals in your unit who may require special assistance during an evacuation.

If there is a fire in your apartment or condo:

  • tell everyone to leave
  • close all doors after you exit
  • pull the fire alarm on your floor to notify everyone in the building
  • leave the building using the closest exit
  • don't use the elevator
  • if you encounter smoke, find another exit
  • call 911 when you are safely outside