McLean County Times

Residents are being encouraged to develop and practice a home fire escape plan as part of efforts to improve household safety. Authorities recommend that every family review possible exits and ensure all members know at least two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.

Smoke alarms should be installed in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home. According to NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, interconnected smoke alarms are required throughout the home so that when one sounds, they all sound.

Families with children are advised to draw a floor plan marking escape routes and the location of each smoke alarm. During planning, it is important to check that all escape routes are clear and that doors and windows can be opened easily.

Households should choose an outside meeting place at a safe distance from the home where everyone can gather after escaping. The location should be marked on the escape plan. Visibility of house numbers from the street is also important for emergency responders; if necessary, residents should paint numbers on the curb or install visible house numbers.

Everyone in the household should memorize the emergency phone number for the fire department. If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, someone should be assigned to assist them during drills and emergencies, with a backup person designated as well.

Homes with security bars on windows or doors must have emergency release devices inside so they can be opened quickly if needed. Guests or visitors should be informed about the home's fire escape plan. When staying overnight elsewhere, individuals are encouraged to ask about their host's fire escape plan or help create one if none exists.

In case of a real fire, residents are reminded: "Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues."

Fire drills should be practiced twice a year under realistic conditions. Plans must include arrangements for anyone with disabilities. Children should practice escape procedures before holding nighttime drills while they sleep; it is important to confirm whether they wake up to smoke alarms.

For homes with two floors, all family members must know how to exit from second-floor rooms. Escape ladders may provide an additional route; families are urged to review instructions carefully and practice using them from first-story windows only under adult supervision.

When escaping during a fire drill or actual event, everyone should use the safest route—one with minimal smoke and heat—but be prepared to move under toxic smoke if necessary by staying low while exiting. Closing doors behind you can slow the spread of fire.

If smoke or fire blocks exits, people may need to seal themselves in for safety by closing doors between themselves and the fire and sealing cracks with duct tape or towels. Windows can be opened at both top and bottom for fresh air if possible; calling emergency services with your exact location is crucial.

Items blocking doors or windows could prevent safe escape during a home fire. Residents are urged to keep exits clear at all times and regularly practice their home fire escape plans.