Home Fire Escape Plan Checklist

A fire escape plan only works if everyone knows exactly where to go and how to get out—fast. This checklist keeps the process simple, clear, and repeatable for every home layout.

For homes with multiple floors, pair this with Two-Story Escape Strategies so your upper-level exits are realistic and usable.

1. Identify Every Exit Route

Walk room by room and confirm:

• Primary exit (door)
• Secondary exit (window)
• Windows open easily and fully
• No furniture blocks exits
• Locks are working and accessible

2. Confirm Two Ways Out of Each Room

Every sleeping area needs at least two escape routes. If any room only has one usable exit, fix the obstruction or create an alternate pathway.

Fixes include:

• Rearranging furniture
• Repairing stuck windows
• Adding a rope ladder for upper floors

3. Choose a Safe Outdoor Meeting Point

The meeting point must be:

• Far enough from the house to avoid heat or collapse
• Visible from the street
• Simple to find in darkness
• Permanent (tree, mailbox, streetlight, etc.)

This ensures responders know everyone is accounted for. If your neighborhood layout has risks, compare it with Neighborhood Risk Evaluation.

4. Practice Day and Night Drills

Fire feels very different at night—visibility drops, doors are closed, and everyone is half asleep.

• Run one daytime drill per year
• Run one nighttime drill per year
• Practice crawling low under smoke
• Ensure kids know not to hide during a fire

Nighttime drills pair well with the Nighttime Escape Planning Guide.

5. Special Considerations for Children & Seniors

Adjust your plan if someone needs help:

• Assign “assist roles” for adults
• Confirm mobility devices are accessible
• Ensure kids know how to open their windows safely

For teaching younger kids, see Teaching Kids Fire Escape Basics.

6. Keep Escape Tools Ready

• Rope ladders installed or placed near upper-floor windows
• Flashlights in bedrooms
• Paths clear from tripping hazards
• Bedroom doors shut at night to slow smoke spread

7. Quick Fire Escape Checklist

• Two exits from every room
• Meeting point established
• Windows unlock and open easily
• Doorways and hallways clear
• Escape tools accessible
• Practice drills yearly
• Kids trained not to hide

A practiced escape plan turns chaos into action. Once your family knows the path, escaping becomes automatic—even under pressure.