Emergency Exit: Developing an Evacuation Plan for Your Home
The Basics
Smoke detectors should be placed on every floor of your home. The basement and top floor should also have carbon monoxide detectors. You can purchase units that combine both functions for ease of upkeep. In addition, each bedroom should have a smoke detector.
Bedrooms on upper floors should have fire ladders for a quick exit. You should also have at least one fire extinguisher in your home. Many people place theirs near the kitchen as most house fires start there.
The Plan
Know How to Go. You should develop [at least] two escape routes from your home in the event your usual exit is blocked or inaccessible. The surest way to help your household members remember the exit routes is to create a very simple evacuation map and put it in a location that you pass by regularly. Using graph paper, draw the rooms in your home in a simple layout style. Label each room. Use a red marker to designate your escape routes and be sure to clearly label exit points.
Assigning Duties. Draw up a chart designating who is responsible for certain actions. For example, one adult should grab the cell phone and the pets while another gets the children and moves them to safety. It is imperative that you stick to your assignments so nothing is forgotten or left behind.
Pick Your Meetup Place. It may seem obvious that you'd meet in front of your home, but it is important to be more specific and to ensure you choose a spot far enough away from the structure so any collapse or debris will not harm you. In the chaos of an emergency, with family members, pets, the arrival of emergency workers and the possibility of neighbors milling about, it can be very easy to lose sight of the members of your family unless your meeting point is specific. You should also clearly label the meetup location on your evacuation map.
Practice, Practice, Practice. You should run your escape plan drill at least four times a year. Small children should be reminded more frequently in casual discussions that won't cause them alarm.
Of course, there are other kinds of emergencies that may require slightly different planning. If you live in an area prone to flooding or tornadoes, for example, your local government will provide you with recommended steps to take that will ensure you are properly prepared for those events. The most important thing to remember is to plan ahead so if an emergency situation arises you can automatically take steps to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.
Author Bio: Rob Alley earned a bachelors degree at Virginia Tech, in Blacksburg, VA in Biology. Rob Alley consults with homeowners regarding Real Estate transactions and speciliazes in listing and selling Charlottesville Real Estate. Realtor/Owner of Virginia Real Estate Solutions at RE/MAX Assured Properties
Charlottesville Real Estate Experts
Share on Facebook
Comments
Post a Comment