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First and foremost, Fire fighter Frankie recommends having interconnected smoke detectors in your
home. If your smoke detectors are not interconnected, you could have an active fire and not hear the
fire alarm going off. Installing interconnected smoke detectors is made much easier now, as the
detectors can be connected via your home wireless system.
It is critical that you think about how you are going to react before an emergency occurs. You should
think about what you and your family are going to do if a smoke detector activation occurs.
If your smoke alarm activates you should immediately take mental note as to where the closest fire
extinguisher is. If it is near you then consider grabbing it and carrying it with you. You should
immediately take action by rapidly investigating. If you have interconnected smoke detectors you may
not know what detector has activated so you need to prioritize your investigation. You want to prioritize
the areas where you or your family members are or have recently been. You are looking and smelling for
smoke. Is someone cooking, using an appliance or taking a shower? Check each room and level as
quickly as possible. Prioritize the areas or rooms that have appliances or systems that are operating. For
example, I always prioritize the kitchen over the family room or dining room. Be certain to check the
basement utility rooms and laundry rooms. Lastly, make certain that you check your attic.
If you smell smoke or something burning, check the things that you recently have used. Is the washer,
dryer, or bathroom fan on? If it is smoking or smells weird shut the power off to the device. If it is
smoking or actually burning be prepared to use an extinguisher and shut the power off. If something is
smoking or burning call 911 to get them started.
Your family should be doing something as well. They should be either investigating the area they are in
and letting you know what they have, or they should be preparing to assist you, or they should be
leaving the home.
You and any other adult in the house should have an understanding of what each person is going to do.
Maybe one will investigate while the other person is responsible for gathering the kids. Also, make
certain that the kids know what to do. Consider having older children either investigate with you or have
them assist in other ways. Teach them what to do and your expectations when you are not home.
Having An Escape Plan
Every family needs a Family Escape Plan. This is a plan that details a primary and secondary escape route
for each family members from their bedroom. The primary escape route is generally the quickest and
easiest way out of the house. The secondary route is the route that is used when the primary route is
blocked by fire or smoke. Understanding the plan before an incident occurs is critically important for all
family members. See this link for the children’s books that tell a story on how families escape a fire in
their home.
Having and Using Escape Ladders
Escape ladders should be purchased and kept in each room whereby your secondary escape route is too
high and jumping from that point would severely injure or kill. Practicing deploying an escape ladder is
necessary. Taking it out of its box is essential. Practicing on a first-floor window should be done. The
most challenging aspect is maneuvering out of the window. Practice must occur.
