Fire Escape Plan

Fire Escape Plan

Fire Escape Plan – Introduction

A Fire Escape Plan is a simple, practical way to prepare your household for a fire emergency. This section provides first aid and prevention information to help you create and practise a safe escape strategy at home. It is designed for the general public in Canada and does not replace professional medical training or detailed fire safety courses.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Having a clear Fire Escape Plan can save lives by ensuring everyone knows how to exit quickly and safely if a fire occurs. This plan should include:

• Identifying at least two exits from every room, if possible
• Choosing a safe meeting place outside the home
• Practising the escape route regularly with all household members
• Knowing how to call 911 or local emergency services once outside

At home, focus on keeping exits clear and teaching children how to respond calmly. Avoid using elevators during a fire and never hide inside the home. If smoke or flames block your escape, call 911 immediately and signal for help from a window.

Remember, this information helps you prepare and respond safely but does not cover firefighting or medical treatment. In any life-threatening situation, call 911 without delay. Your Fire Escape Plan is a key step in protecting your family and reducing injury risks during a fire emergency.

Key facts about your Fire Escape Plan

• A Fire Escape Plan helps everyone in your home know how to get out safely during a fire.
• Practice your Fire Escape Plan at least twice a year to ensure everyone remembers the routes and meeting place.
• Identify two ways out of every room, if possible, and keep escape routes clear of obstacles.
• Never use elevators during a fire; always use stairs or designated fire exits.
• Teach children how to recognize the sound of smoke alarms and what to do if they hear one.
• If you encounter smoke while escaping, stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number once you are safely outside and never re-enter a burning building.

Fire Escape Plan – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs during a fire emergency

Knowing how to spot symptoms and danger signs early can save lives. It is important to understand the difference between mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. This helps you decide when to manage the situation at home and When to seek urgent help.

Mild symptoms

Mild symptoms may include slight coughing, minor irritation, or mild shortness of breath. These can often be managed safely at home by resting and avoiding smoke or other irritants. Keep monitoring the person closely for any changes.

Moderate symptoms

Moderate symptoms might involve persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing that does not improve with rest. If these symptoms appear, it is best to contact a healthcare provider or visit urgent care for assessment. Do not delay if symptoms worsen.

Severe symptoms and red flags

Severe symptoms require immediate action. Call 911 or local emergency services if the person experiences:

• Severe difficulty breathing or gasping for air
• Chest pain or pressure
• Loss of consciousness or confusion
• Blue or pale lips or face
• Rapid worsening of symptoms despite rest

Having a clear Fire Escape Plan is essential in emergencies involving smoke or fire. Recognizing danger signs early and acting quickly can prevent serious harm. Always prioritise safety and seek emergency help when severe symptoms appear.

Fire Escape Plan – Immediate first aid steps during a fire emergency

When a fire occurs, having a clear Fire Escape Plan is essential. Your first priority is to get yourself and others to safety as quickly as possible. Follow these safe steps while waiting for emergency responders.

Get to a safe location

• Leave the building immediately using your planned escape route.
• If smoke is present, stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling it.
• Do not stop to collect belongings or try to fight the fire yourself.

Check for injuries

Once safe, check yourself and others for burns or breathing difficulties. For minor burns, cool the area with Running Water for at least 10 minutes. Do not apply creams or ice.

When to call 911

• If anyone has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or has severe burns, call 911 immediately.
• Call emergency services if the fire is not fully out or if you suspect someone is trapped inside.

While waiting for help

Keep calm and reassure others. Do not re-enter the building under any circumstances. Follow instructions from emergency personnel when they arrive.

What NOT to do when preparing or using your Fire Escape Plan

When preparing or reviewing your Fire Escape Plan, avoid common mistakes that can put you and your family at risk. Some unsafe actions may worsen an emergency or delay your escape.

Do NOT ignore the plan

• Do not assume everyone knows the plan without practising it regularly.
• Avoid skipping fire drills at home; practice helps identify problems early.

Do NOT use elevators during a fire

Elevators can fail or open on a floor with fire. Always use stairs to exit safely.

Do NOT open doors that feel hot

If a door is hot to the touch, do not open it. Opening it may let smoke and fire spread quickly. Instead, find another exit or stay low and signal for help.

Do NOT hide inside the house

Hiding can delay rescue and increase danger. If you cannot escape, go to a safe room with a window, close the door, and call 911 immediately.

Do NOT rely on just one exit

Always plan at least two ways out from every room. Do not block windows or doors that could serve as emergency exits.

Remember, a well-prepared Fire Escape Plan saves lives. Avoid these unsafe actions to protect yourself and your loved ones. If a fire breaks out and you cannot escape safely, call 911 or your local emergency services without delay.

Fire Escape Plan – When to call 911 or seek urgent care after a fire

Knowing when to call 911 or seek urgent care is vital for your safety and that of others. If you face a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. This includes situations such as difficulty breathing, severe burns, heavy bleeding that won’t stop, loss of consciousness, or chest pain that could signal a heart attack.

Call 911 if you experience:

• Sudden severe difficulty breathing or choking
• Uncontrolled bleeding or deep burns
• Signs of a stroke, such as weakness on one side or difficulty speaking
• Severe injuries from a fall, fire, or accident
• Loss of consciousness or seizures

When to go to the emergency department

If your condition is serious but not immediately life-threatening, visit the emergency department. Examples include moderate burns, broken bones, or worsening symptoms after a fire escape plan was used and smoke inhalation is suspected.

When to see a family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic

For minor injuries or illnesses, such as small cuts, mild burns, or minor respiratory symptoms, a family doctor or walk-in clinic is appropriate. These settings can provide care without the wait times of an emergency department.

Always follow your fire escape plan carefully. If you or someone else is unsure about the severity of an injury or illness, err on the side of caution and seek emergency help.

Fire Escape Plan – Ongoing care and follow-up after a fire emergency

After an emergency, such as a fire, it is important to monitor your condition carefully. This helps catch any delayed symptoms early and ensures your safety. A Fire Escape Plan is essential not only for escaping safely but also for managing what comes next.

What you can do at home

• Rest and avoid strenuous activities until you feel better.
• Keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the package.
• Watch for any changes in your symptoms, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, or difficulty breathing.

What to avoid

• Do not apply creams, ointments, or home remedies unless advised by a healthcare professional.
• Avoid exposing the injured area to heat or direct sunlight.
• Do not ignore worsening symptoms or new signs like fever, chills, or confusion.

When to seek medical care

Book a follow-up appointment with your doctor if you notice persistent pain, delayed healing, or any new symptoms that concern you. Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
• Severe swelling or spreading redness.
• High fever or confusion.
• Signs of shock, such as weakness, pale skin, or rapid heartbeat.

Following these steps helps ensure your recovery is safe and effective. Always keep your Fire Escape Plan updated and review it regularly with your family.

Fire Escape Plan – Prevention tips for fire safety

Creating a safe environment at home, work, school, and in the community helps reduce the risk of injuries and emergencies. Simple habits and the right safety equipment can make a big difference.

At home

• Develop and practise a Fire Escape Plan with all household members. Know two ways out of every room and a safe meeting place outside.
• Install smoke alarms on every level and test them monthly. Replace batteries yearly or as needed.
• Keep hallways and exits clear of clutter to allow quick escape.
• Store matches, lighters, and flammable materials out of children’s reach.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and unplug appliances when not in use.

At work and school

• Follow all safety rules and wear required protective equipment.
• Report hazards or unsafe conditions to supervisors immediately.
• Know the location of fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
• Participate in fire drills and emergency preparedness training.

In the community

• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid risky areas, especially at night.
• Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals to prevent injuries.
• Encourage local safety programs and support community emergency planning.

Never attempt to fight a large fire or enter a burning building. If a fire occurs, evacuate immediately and call 911. Prioritizing prevention and preparedness helps keep you and those around you safe.

FAQs about Fire Escape Plans

What is a Fire Escape Plan?

A Fire Escape Plan is a simple, clear strategy that helps you and your family leave your home quickly and safely during a fire. It includes knowing all exits, a meeting place outside, and practising the plan regularly.

How do I create a Fire Escape Plan at home?

Start by identifying two ways out of every room, if possible. Mark all exits on a floor plan. Choose a safe meeting spot outside, like a neighbour’s house or a tree. Make sure everyone in your home knows the plan and practices it twice a year.

What should I avoid when planning a Fire Escape Plan?

• Do not rely on just one exit, such as a door that might be blocked by fire.
• Avoid using elevators during a fire.
• Never hide during a fire; always try to exit quickly and safely.

When should I call 911 during a fire?

If you see smoke or fire, leave immediately and call 911 from a safe location outside. Do not try to fight a large fire yourself. If anyone is injured or trapped, call 911 right away.

Can I stay inside if the fire is small?

It is safest to leave your home as soon as you detect a fire. Even small fires can spread quickly. Only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small, you know how to use it, and you have a clear escape route.

Fire Escape Plan – Summary

Having a clear and practiced Fire Escape Plan is essential for keeping you and your family safe during a fire emergency. At home, make sure everyone knows at least two ways to exit each room and where to meet outside. Avoid going back inside once you have escaped. If you discover a fire or hear a smoke alarm, leave immediately and call 911 from a safe location.

Remember these key points:

• Practice your Fire Escape Plan regularly with all household members.
• Keep exits clear and easy to open.
• Never try to fight a large or rapidly spreading fire yourself.
• If smoke or flames block your exit, stay low to the ground and cover your nose and mouth with a cloth.
• Call 911 as soon as you are safe outside.

In any fire emergency, do not delay calling for professional help. If anyone is injured, has trouble breathing, or shows signs of smoke inhalation, seek urgent medical care immediately. Your safety and quick action can save lives.

• Health Canada – Fire Safety
• Canadian Red Cross – Fire Safety
• Mayo Clinic – First Aid for Burns
• World Health Organization – Fire Safety

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.