How to Make a Home Fire Escape Plan (2 Minutes to Get Out)

When a smoke alarm goes off, you may have only a couple of minutes to get out. Fire safety experts say only about one in three households has an escape plan they've actually practiced. Here's how to make yours in ten minutes.

1. Step 1: Draw Your Home

Sketch a simple map of your home, every room, door, and window. Do it together, with everyone who lives there.

2. Step 2: Two Ways Out Of Every Room

Find two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window. Make sure windows open easily, and aren't painted or screwed shut.

3. Step 3: Pick A Meeting Spot

Choose a meeting spot outside, a safe distance in front of the house, like a mailbox, a tree, or a neighbor's porch. Mark it on your map.

4. Step 4: Get Out, Stay Out

If the alarm sounds, get out fast and go straight to the meeting spot. Never go back inside, for anything. Call nine one one from outside.

5. If There'S Smoke

If smoke blocks your first way out, use your second one. Get low, and go under the smoke. If you're trapped, close the door, put a towel along the bottom, call nine one one, and signal from a window with a flashlight or a cloth.