Getting your family to safety is the top priority if a fire breaks out in your home. That is why it’s crucial to create a reliable fire evacuation plan so your family knows where to exit and meet up. An important component of this plan is to include a reliable fire restoration service. Below are several other factors to include in your plan. 

How Can I Protect My Family in the Event of a Fire?

1. Include Everyone in the Planning Process

Schedule a family meeting for the entire household, even small kids. Go over exits points, responsibilities—such as who will grab emergency kits—and alternatives in case your original plan falls through. Encourage your family to ask questions and make recommendations of their own. Once you’ve finalized a plan, print several copies and hand them out to each family member. Additionally, tape a copy in common areas, such as the kitchen and living room, where it’s highly visible by all. 

2. Establish an Evacuation Route

There should be at least two established exits out of the home. Once outside, you and your family should follow the same route to a meeting place. The place you meet at should be in close proximity to your home, but not so close that you’re at risk of being injured by the fire. Make sure everyone knows this meeting place and how to get there. 

3. Make Sure Emergency Numbers Are Accessible

If your kids have mobile devices, emergency numbers should be stored. Older kids should also be taught to memorize important numbers, including the fire department or a trusted neighbor or family member’s cellphone digits. 

4. Practice Evacuating

In order for your plan to work, it’s essential to practice it at least a few times a year to make sure your family knows it well. Schedule practice sessions once every three or four months to coincide with testing your home’s fire alarms. This way, your children will know exactly how to take action and what to do in case a fire breaks out. 

The tips above will help keep you and your family safe during a fire. The team at SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine / St. Augustine Beach provides 24/7 fire restoration services using specialized techniques for smoke and odor removal, water damage, and any other hazards associated with a house fire. Visit them online for a complete breakdown of their fire restoration process and call (904) 429-4457 to discuss your fire plan.