Exit Drills In The Home (E.D.I.T.H.)

Eighty percent of fire deaths happen in the home. That's why you need working smoke alarms and a plan to get out of the home in case of fire.

 

 

 

Make a Home Escape Plan

  • A home escape plan is a plan to get out of your home quickly.
  • Get everyone in your home together. Find all doors and windows that lead outside. Make sure they open easily.
  • Windows or doors with security bars, grills, or window guards should have emergency release devices so they can be used for escape.
  • Know at least two ways out of very room, if possible. One way out will be the door and the second way out may be a window or another door.
  • Stairways and ways out should be clear of furniture or clutter.
  • Choose a meeting place a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet once they've escaped.
  • Have a plan for anyone in your home who may need assistance to escape, such as young children, older adults, or people with disabilities.

Practice Your Plan With Everyone Your Home at Least Twice a Year

  • Push the smoke alarm button to start the drill.
  • Get out fast.
  • Close doors behind you as you leave.
  • Go to your outside meeting place.
  • Practice your escape plan at night and during the day.
  • Practice using different ways out.

Have Working Smoke Alarms

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your  home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they will all sound.
  • Make sure everyone knows what your smoke alarms sound like and can hear the sound of the smoke alarm.
  • Test your smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

Make a Safe Escape

  • When a smoke alarm sounds, and there is smoke or fire, get out and stay out.
  • If there is smoke blocking your way out, use your second way. If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
  • Close all doors behind you.
  • Once outside, call the fire department from a cell phone or a neighbor's phone.
  • Once you are out of the home, stay out. Never go back into the burning building to rescue people, pets, or belongings.
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