A smoke alarm can warn you about a fire, but everyone in the home still needs to know what to do next.
The U.S. Fire Administration warns that residents may have less than two minutes to escape after a smoke alarm sounds. A home fire escape plan turns those urgent moments into actions your family has already discussed and practiced.
Step 1: Draw a Map of Your Home
Sketch every level of the home. Mark bedrooms, doors, windows, hallways and stairs. The drawing does not need to be perfect; it needs to help everyone see possible routes outside.
Walk through each room as a family. Make sure doors and windows open and that security bars or other devices have approved quick-release mechanisms that everyone can operate.
Step 2: Find Two Ways Out of Every Room
The normal route may be blocked by smoke or fire. Identify a second way out whenever possible, such as another door or a window that leads safely outside.
Never plan for someone to jump from an upper floor. Homes with upper-level sleeping rooms may require an escape ladder designed for that purpose. Follow its instructions, store it where it can be reached and ensure capable household members know how it is intended to be used.
Keep every planned exit clear. Furniture, storage and seasonal decorations should never block a door, window, hallway or stairway.
Step 3: Choose One Outdoor Meeting Place
Select a permanent location in front of and a safe distance from the home, such as a particular tree, mailbox or neighbor's driveway. Everyone should go directly there after escaping.
The meeting place lets your household account for everyone and gives you a clear location to tell arriving firefighters if someone is missing. Never send anyone back inside to search.
Step 4: Plan for Every Person and Pet
Children, older adults and people with mobility, sensory or cognitive needs may require additional planning. Assign assistance when appropriate, but also teach children how to escape on their own in case an adult cannot reach them.
Include pets in the discussion without delaying anyone's escape. Keep leashes or carriers accessible if practical, but never go back into a burning building for an animal. Tell firefighters about pets that may remain inside.
Make sure everyone knows how to call 911 from outside and can provide the home's address. In an emergency, get out first and make the call from a safe location.
Step 5: Practice the Plan
Practice at least twice a year and whenever your household or home's layout changes. Include both daytime and nighttime drills. Use the smoke alarm test button to begin, then have everyone follow the route and meet outside.
- Move quickly without stopping for belongings.
- Stay low when practicing what to do in smoke.
- Close doors behind you when possible.
- Go to the meeting place and remain there.
- Never re-enter the home.
Keep bedroom doors closed while sleeping; our Close Before You Doze guide explains why. Confirm that your plan is supported by alarms in the right locations using our smoke alarm safety guide.
Your Plan Must Work in Real Life
A plan that exists only on paper is not enough. Practice reveals doors that stick, windows that are difficult to open, exits that are cluttered and family members who are unsure where to go.
Download additional planning guidance from the U.S. Fire Administration. A short family drill today can eliminate confusion when seconds count.