Meeting Point Planning: How to Choose a Safe Place to Regroup After a Fire

A fire meeting point prevents the most dangerous mistake people make during a fire: going back inside to “look for” someone who already escaped. A proper meeting point removes confusion, keeps everyone accounted for, and gives firefighters critical information. Before choosing one, make sure your exits are already mapped using the primary exits guide.

1. The Meeting Point Must Be Far Enough Away to Be Safe

Your home can fully engulf faster than people expect. Heat, flames, and collapsing structure demand distance.

• Choose a spot 25–50 feet away from the home.
• Ideally across the street or at the end of the driveway.
• Never place the meeting point behind vehicles—they may explode from heat.
• Ensure the location is safe from falling debris or radiant heat.

“Right outside the door” is not a meeting point—it’s a hazard.

2. Pick a Fixed Landmark, Not an Abstract Spot

People under panic need an obvious, unchanging target.

• A large tree, mailbox, or utility pole works well.
• Use something visible from every major exit.
• Avoid fences, bushes, or dark areas children may struggle to identify.
• Make sure nighttime visibility is adequate.

The landmark should be clear even in smoke-dimmed lighting.

3. Ensure Every Family Member Knows the Location

• Walk the household to the meeting point during drills.
• Repeat until children go there automatically.
• Assign one adult to count heads once everyone arrives.
• Teach: “If we get separated, go to the meeting point and stay there.”

This prevents anyone from wandering back toward the home.

4. Choose Backup Meeting Points for Multi-Level Homes

Secondary exits may lead to different sides of the property.

• Select a primary meeting point and one backup point.
• Backup should only be used if the primary is blocked or unsafe.
• Teach kids which side-exits or window exits lead where.
• Use the same counting process at either point.

This is especially important for homes with basement exits or second-floor window ladders.

5. Practice Using the Meeting Point in Real Drills

A meeting point is worthless unless used under fire-like conditions.

• Practice nighttime drills so kids learn the route in the dark.
• Crawl low and move as if smoke were present.
• Have adults guide younger children straight to the point.
• End every drill with a headcount at the landmark.

Combine this with the home fire drill guide for full walk-through instructions.

6. Quick Meeting Point Checklist

• 25–50 feet from home
• Visible from all major exits
• Marked by a fixed landmark
• Safe from heat, debris, and vehicles
• Backup point chosen
• Practiced during drills

Next steps: To learn how to move safely through smoky conditions on the way to the meeting point, continue to smoke crawling technique basics.