Fire Prevention & Home Safety

Ridgefield Fire Prevention Bureau

Fires in the home can be particularly devastating, resulting in the loss of personal property and, more importantly, the potential for serious injuries or fatalities.

One of the most critical components of home fire safety is having a well-planned and practiced escape plan in the event of a fire.

Escape Drills in the Home (E.D.I.T.H.)

The Escape Drills in the Home (E.D.I.T.H.) program is designed to help families develop and practice a safe and effective home fire escape plan.

It is essential that all members of the household participate in planning and practicing the escape plan.

Step 1: Draw Your Escape Plan

Draw a floor plan of each level of your residence. Clearly identify all rooms, hallways, stairways, doors, windows, and roofs that could serve as potential escape routes.

• Provide two exits from each room or area whenever possible
• Test all doors and windows to ensure they open easily and are large enough to exit

Step 2: Choose a Family Meeting Place

Select a designated family meeting place outside the home, a safe distance from the building. Mark this location on your escape plan so everyone knows where to gather.

Step 3: Smoke Detectors and Alarms

Ensure that working smoke detectors are installed on all levels of the home and outside each sleeping area. Test smoke detectors regularly and replace batteries as needed.

Make sure all family members understand how to alert others if a fire occurs. Methods may include yelling, pounding on walls, or using a whistle.

Step 4: Practice Your Fire Drill

Once your escape plan is complete, conduct a fire drill. Activate the smoke alarm by pressing the test button or simulate an alarm in another manner.

During the drill:

• Roll out of bed and stay low, crawling beneath smoke
• Follow your primary escape route
• Feel doors before opening them — if a door is hot, do not open it
• Use your secondary escape route if the primary route is unsafe

Once You Are Out — Stay Out

Do NOT attempt to re-enter the building once you have escaped. Once out, stay out.

Assemble at the designated family meeting place. When firefighters arrive, immediately inform them that everyone is out of the building, or advise them if someone may still be inside.