How to Design an Escapement
Few projects carry the consequences that designing an escapement plan does. It could, quite literally, save lives. In case of fire, a tornado or other emergency, an escapement, or escape, plan should guide your actions and get you and your family to safety quickly and without physical injury. Draft your escape plan carefully and then practice it together as a family until it becomes rote.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Assign an adult to help every other member of the family who may need it, such as young children, the elderly and any disabled members of your household.
-
2
Choose a logical escape route from your home, such as the garage. Then choose a second route, just in case the first route becomes blocked in an emergency. Keep these routes free of obstructions, such as toys and laundry baskets, that may hinder your departure. (The National Fire Protection Association provides an escape grid that you can download at Nfpa.org. To get children in on the act, see Sparky.org.)
-
-
3
Plot an escape from a second-story window as an alternative. Walk around your home and inspect all the windows for the safest and easiest descent to ground level, such as a window that leads to an adjacent roof.
-
4
Position an escape ladder next to the second-story window(s) designated as an escape route. This is one part of your plan that you may wish to forgo practicing, as the risk of falling from the ladder is a real danger. Instead, use the escape ladder only in a genuine emergency.
-
5
Select one person to be responsible for grabbing phones, car keys and garage-door openers. Ideally, keep these items in a pouch next to the escape route so that you do not waste time trying to find them in case of an emergency.
-
6
Escape from your home first, then dial an emergency number (such as 911) for help.
-
7
Help your children memorize and learn to dial for emergency help (911) and cite their full name and street address.
-
8
Designate a safe meeting place once you’ve escaped from your home. For example, meet at the end of the driveway to take an accounting of everyone in your home.
-
9
It’s time to replace the batteries in your smoke detector when it begins to “chirp” like a bird. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year – an excellent time to also test the smoke detectors in your home.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
In case of fire, crawl on your hands and knees to your planned escape route. Smoke and heat rise, which could impair your escape if you inhale smoke or become overwhelmed by heat.
Keep the stairs in your home free of debris, a normal safety precaution that could prevent injury in case of an emergency.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
