Welcome to the City of Cambridge's Kids' Corner! Explore a number of kid-friendly games and activities to help teach children about how to stay safe at home and in the community.

Make a fire escape plan

Learn how to make a fire escape plan for your own home! Sparky will show you what you need to know to make your plan and to plan your escape.

Step 1: Draw a floor plan of your home
Use a grid draw a floor plan for each floor of your home.
Step 2: Include all possible emergency exits
In your plan, draw all walls, doors, windows and stairs. This will show you and your family all possible escape routes.
Step 3: Include any features that could help you escape

Doors and windows are escape exits from your home. Ask yourself:

  • Are there any other features that could help you to get out safely?
  • Can you climb out a window onto the roof of a porch or garage?
  • Is there a tree or television antenna tower that can be safely reached from a window?

These features can be useful in an emergency, however, you must make sure that all escape routes are practical and usable.
Step 4: Plan two escape routes from each room

There is a main exit from every room. Use it if there is no apparent danger. If you are unable to use the main exit because of smoke or fire, you must have an alternate exit. The second exit is usually the window. The second exit must be practical and easy to use.

Give special consideration to planning escape routes from the bedrooms as most fires occur at night when everyone is sleeping. Make sure that the occupant of that bedroom is able to use the second exit.
Step 5: Determine whom may need help to escape
Decide in advance who will help the very young, elderly or physically challenged members of your household. A few minutes of planning will save valuable seconds in an emergency.
Step 6: Choose a place outside where everyone will meet
Choose a meeting place that everyone will remember. It is a good idea to choose a spot at the front of your home or close to your neighbour's house. Everyone must know to go directly to this meeting place so he or she can be accounted for. No one should go back into a burning building for any reason.
Step 7: Call the fire department from a neighbour's home
Once at the meeting place, someone can be sent to the neighbour's home to call the fire department. Include the neighbour's name and fire department phone number on your plan. Always keep the fire department's number by your own phone in case a neighbour needs to call.
Step 8: Make sure everyone is familiar with the fire escape plan
Review the entire plan with everyone. Discuss each bedroom's primary and secondary escape routes. Ensure that all children know the plan. Walk through the escape routes for each room with the entire family. Use this walk-through exercise to check your escape routes, making sure all exits are practical and easy to use. It is important that all windows will open and that no heavy furniture blocks any escape route. If escape ladders or ropes are to be used, make sure they are accessible and that the appropriate individual is capable of using them.
Step 9: Practice your fire escape plan
After reviewing the floor plan with the members of your household, conduct a practice to ensure that everyone knows what to do. Practice your escape plan every six months. In a real fire, you must react without hesitation as your escape routes may be quickly blocked by smoke or flames. Your practice drills will ensure that everyone knows what to do when fire strikes.

Sparky's Corner

Visit Sparky's Corner to learn more about Sparky, The Great Fire Dog, and what he has to say about fire safety.

Colouring and Activity Book

Two fire trucks inside fire station