Consider this: Safe Kids Worldwide states that 77% of families do not have a fire escape plan in place! My wife and I have one! We know where we’ll immediately go if the unfortunate fire engulfs our home in flames.

Fire can spread quickly through your home, leaving as little as two minutes to get everyone out. Two minutes – that’s it! But having a family fire escape plan can help make sure your family gets out safely. Watch this video:

• Create a Plan
  • Draw a floor plan for each floor of your home, including windows and doors. For each room, find two ways out, and label them on your plan.
  • Designate one adult to help get babies, young children, or family members who need extra help out safely. Have a back-up plan in case the primary person is overcome by smoke, or is not home.
  • Decide on a safe meeting place for your family. Make sure it is a safe distance away from the home.
• Explain
  • Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of a fire.
  • Test your smoke alarms once a month, and make sure your child can recognize the sound.
  • Teach your child to get low and crawl on the ground, where the air is less smoky.
  • Show your child how to use the back of his hand to check doors for heat before opening. Teach them to use a different way out if the door is hot to the touch.
  • If your child needs to use an escape ladder, show him where you keep it, and how to use it.
  • Children can become scared and confused during emergencies, so teach them to never hide from firefighters.
  • Teach children to NEVER go back inside a burning building. Once they are out, stay out!
• Practice
  • Practice your fire escape plan twice a year. Fires can start anywhere in the home and at any time, so run through the plan at different times of the day or night, and practice different ways out.
  • Use a stopwatch to time how fast everyone can get out and to the specified meeting place. The goal should be under 2 minutes.
  • Practice feeling the door and doorknob with the back of your hand for heat.
  • Explain that if they do catch fire, they need to stop, drop and roll.

Once again, the old adage applies: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Take 30 minutes with your family this weekend and map out a fire escape plan. It could save your family’s life.

As I’ve often said, we are in the insurance education business as well as the insurance product business. We insure individuals and families so that they are protected when a tragedy occurs. If we can help you, we’re always ready to earn your business. Contact our staff at info@BentonWhite.com or call us at 615.377.1212. After 37 years in this business, our goal remains the same – to protect and serve individuals and families. Let us help you!