2025-Jul-26
Create a Fire Escape Plan to Keep Your Family Safe
As Canada battles one of its worst wildfire seasons on record, with over 5.5 million hectares of land burned and 561 fires currently raging, it’s clear we’re not out of the woods yet. With predictions of higher-than-normal temperatures and increased fire risk in the coming weeks, it’s essential to prioritize fire safety in our homes.
In the event of a fire, every second counts. Having a well-practiced fire escape plan can mean the difference between life and death. According to the Red Cross, 74% of families don’t have a fire escape plan in place, but creating one is easy and could save your family’s life.
Home fires can spread rapidly, with many Canadians believing they have more time to escape than they actually do. In reality, fires can spread up to 8 times faster than 50 years ago, leaving only 2 minutes or less to escape. To combat this, Kidde’s Cause For Alarm campaign offers a free augmented reality tool that simulates a home fire emergency, allowing users to practice their escape plan and learn essential fire safety skills.
How to Make a Family Fire Escape Plan
Equip Your Space: Ensure your cottage is equipped with properly installed smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
- Call a Family Meeting: Gather your family to create a fire escape plan. Identify two ways out of every room and choose a safe meeting place outside.
- Consider Family Needs: Designate someone to assist children, elderly family members, or those with mobility challenges. Inform guests about your plan and consider their needs.
- Make it Fun: Turn fire escape planning into a fun family activity. Use creative ideas like themed escape days, DIY fire safety bingo, or obstacle courses to make practicing your plan enjoyable.
Practicing Your Plan
- Practice Regularly: Run a family drill at least twice a year, both day and night, to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go.
- Stay Calm: Practice staying calm and getting out quickly. Never go back inside a burning building.
- Review and Update: Review your plan regularly and update it as needed.
Additional Resources
- Use Kidde’s Cause For Alarm escape plan worksheet to help create your plan.
- Check out resources from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for more information on fire safety and escape planning.
- Try Kidde’s augmented reality tool, Prepare. Plan. Practice., to simulate a home fire emergency and practice your escape plan.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Create a family fire escape plan today and make fire safety a priority in your home. With a little creativity and practice, you can ensure your family’s safety in the event of a fire emergency.
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