Back to School
New teachers, new classmates, it’s the perfect time of year to make a new fire escape plan. It’s a fun family activity and it could be a literal lifesaver. Then, read our childproofing tips to help keep your kids out of harm’s way when they’re home alone this school year.
Make a Fire Escape Plan
- Draw a map of your home.
- Include all doors and windows.
- Find two ways out of each room if you can. All windows and doors should open easily.
- If there’s only one exit from a room, make sure it has a charged phone in it. That way, as a last resort, you can call for help.
- Make sure your home has working smoke alarms. Push the test button weekly.
- Pick a meeting place outside.
- Pets are part of the family! Plan who’s going to grab them on the way out.
- Practice twice a year: Once at the beginning of the school year, again at the end.
Make it a family activity. For a fun worksheet on how to create a plan, visit the NFPA:
NFPA Website >
The 2nd way out is
often the window
2-Story Escape Ladders:
If the door to your upstairs bedroom is hot and
you need another way out, just unfurl the escape
ladder and down you go. It’s safe for both kids
and adults.
Fire Safety for When Kids Are Home Alone
Fires happen fast! Teach your kids to never play with fire, and if they see matches or lighters, not to touch them, and tell an adult.
Leave snacks that don’t need to be warmed up. Kids shouldn’t ever have to use the stove or another heating appliance.
Practice an escape plan for when they’re home alone, so they know to grab any family members or pets in the house with them, get out, and call 9-1-1 from outside.
For more fire safety tips for kids, visit our Childproofing & Fire Safety for New Parents page.
*American Red Cross, Fire Escape Planning, American Red Cross, Fire Escape Planning
**U.S. Fire Administration, Smoke Alarm Outreach Materials, U.S. Fire Administration, Smoke Alarm Outreach Materials
***National Fire Protection Association, Home Fire Victims by Age and Gender, NFPA Home Fire Victims by Age and Gender
Safety Accessories from Kidde
Safety goes beyond alarms and extinguishers. Kidde provides home escape ladders, devices that emit light for the hearing-impaired, and heat alarms for when smoke detection may not be the best solution. We’re here to help make sure you have the solutions needed to protect your home in every way possible.
Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Indoor Air Quality Monitor
Two Story Fire Escape Ladder
Three Story Escape Ladder KL-3S
