Whether you are a new homeowner or just looking to implement some more safety practices, a home evacuation plan is a very useful and important tool to have in place. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about home evacuation plans to help ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
What Is A Home Evacuation Plan?
To create a successful home evacuation plan, we must first understand what it is! A home evacuation plan is a well-thought-out evacuation route to take when your home is no longer safe. For instance, if you experience a fire or earthquake in your home, what plan do you currently have in place? Where are the safety exits in your house? Where should your family members meet once you are outside? A home evacuation plan maps out the steps to safely exit your home, if needed, and what to do afterwards. You can include multiple evacuation options or a single simple route. However you choose to establish this plan, make sure you evaluate it with your family frequently.
When Is A Home Evacuation Plan Necessary?
Let’s face it, there is nothing worse than being caught off guard. This is especially the case when it comes to natural disasters and the safety of you and those in your home. This is where a home evacuation plan is necessary.
You will need a home evacuation plan in a handful of situations. For example, during a disaster, such as a fire, residents will be required to leave the dwelling in a very short amount of time with little to no warning. Oftentimes, natural disasters or unavoidable circumstances happen unexpectedly and sometimes, when you’re sleeping. Having a pre-determined route to follow in case of these disasters can help relieve stress and panic during an overwhelming time.
What Does A Home Evacuation Plan Look Like?
A home evacuation plan is simply a map of your home with marked exit routes. The plan should have an aerial view of your home layout, with fire exits clearly marked. The plan should feature lines leading from all areas of the house, with two distinct exit routes from each room (where possible). These exits can be doors or windows, as long as everyone can safely exit and make it outside. This way, even if one of the mapped exits is blocked, there is always a second option to use to evacuate safely. Additionally, if you experience an earthquake, make sure your family knows what to do and how to protect themselves.
How Do I Know If My Plan Will Work?
The easiest way to see if your home evacuation plan works is to practice. Similar to a drill your children practice at school, run an evacuation drill when all members of your household are present. This way, everyone will understand the different routes available to them. A drill will help everyone feel at ease and, in case of a real emergency, ensure everyone evacuates safely.
What About My Belongings?
There’s insurance for that! When making your home evacuation plan, it’s important to remember safety first. Your belongings are replaceable, but you are not. Depending on the situation, you may be tempted to grab your beloved personal items. However, please prioritize pets and yourselves first. If you can grab it safely as you exit, take your cell phone (to call for help). We know not everything is replaceable, especially if an item has sentimental value. However, for those who are, you can rest assured that your insurance will cover your inventory list.
Knowing Your Neighbourhood
It’s also important to know your neighbourhood when making your home evacuation plan. After you have safely evacuated your home using this plan, there’s a chance the immediate area surrounding your home will no longer be safe. Therefore, it’s important to understand the broader layout of your neighbourhood and incorporate it into your evacuation plan. In case of an emergency, it’s also important to connect with your neighbours for support and assistance through difficult times. If your community already has an emergency plan, make sure you and your neighbours understand it. This includes pre-planned evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations. In the event of an emergency, pay attention to local radio or TV stations. They will be able to provide specific instructions for your community.
Create An Emergency Kit
Another great addition to your home evacuation plan is an emergency kit. Every house should have one, stocked with materials such as a first-aid kit, flashlights, and batteries, to name a few. Make sure everyone in your family knows where this emergency kit is kept and that it is in an accessible location. If a member of your family has special needs, ensure the emergency kit’s locations and contents are easily accessible to them.
Where Is Your Fire Extinguisher?
Finally, if your home already has a fire extinguisher, make sure both adults and older kids know where it is kept. A major emergency can be prevented if members of your household know how to use the fire extinguisher, so make sure everyone who is physically able to operate it does. If you don’t currently own a fire extinguisher or have one in your home, we highly recommend purchasing one.
Home Evacuation Plans: A Conclusion
No matter what life throws at you, being prepared is always key. This is why having a well-laid-out and practiced home evacuation plan can save you and your loved ones a lot of distress and financial hardship. When it comes to your home, another great way to ensure you and your loved ones have peace of mind is to have the correct insurance policy. If you have any questions about home insurance, please reach out to us below.
Safeguard Your Home
Get a free home insurance quote today and protect what matters most.
Whether you live alone or with a family, you should Read more
Whether you're home alone or hosting a dinner party, keep Read more
Here are some helpful earthquake safety tips to prepare your Read more
