Simple Family Safety Plan

By Lisa Lombardi

These days, most homes are equipped with smoke detectors, but to be truly prepared for a possible fire, every family should establish a comprehensive fire safety plan.

"The fact that fire and burns continue to be a leading cause of home injury and death is a sign that we all need to take a more proactive role in our own safety," said Meri-K Appy, president of the Home Safety Council, the only national non-profit organization solely dedicated to preventing home related injuries. Don't know where to start? Check out these tips:

Stock up on smoke alarms
You need at least one per level of your home. "We have both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, which is important since we have a gas stove and dryer," says Patty Gloeckler of New York City, who is married to a firefighter and has a two-and-a-half-year-old son. Why are multiple smoke detectors crucial? A recent study from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a federal agency that develops and promotes technology to enhance productivity and improve the quality of life, shows that you have less than three minutes to escape if a fire occurs. "So early warning from smoke alarms is critical," says Appy. And make sure to replace the batteries once you hear those telltale beeps: Alarms can't warn you if the batteries are dead.

Map out escape routes
Sketch out a floor plan of your home, including all rooms, windows, interior and exterior doors, stairways, fire escapes, and smoke alarms. Select two escape routes from each room and mark them clearly on the map.  "This ensures that every family member and guest will know the quickest escape routes," says Appy.

Post your plan
Display a copy of your floor plan in each room of the house. That way everyone -- especially babysitters who aren't completely familiar with your home -- know the best ways out.

Make exiting easy
If you have a door that sticks or a window that's been painted shut, now is the time to get them in good working order. Another tip: If you live in a multi-story apartment building or house, consider getting an escape ladder (available at most home department stores). Also, make sure you can get out of doors that normally require a key.  "We have double-locking deadbolts, meaning we need the keys to get out of the house if the door is locked," says Gloeckler, "So we have designated key-hanging places so we can find them quickly in case of an emergency."

Pick a meeting spot
 In case of a fire, pick a spot outside, a safe distance from the house, so that everyone can be accounted for.  Also, someone in the family can be assigned to go to a neighbor's to call 911, or call from a cell phone.

Practice, practice, practice
Hold family fire drills frequently and at various times of day and night until the escape plan becomes second nature to everyone. "Every second counts during a real fire," notes Appy. Teach kids that they should not stop for anything, including pets. (Reassure them that firefighters do their best to rescue animals, too.)

Finally, think prevention
Don't tempt fate. Never leave candles burning unattended; don't smoke in bed; and if you bring a Christmas tree into your home, make sure to give it plenty of water and then dispose of it right after the holidays.

Taking these few small yet important precautions can make a huge difference in your family's safety -- and there's nothing more important than that. 

Lisa Lombardi is an editor, writer and mom in New York City.

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