Fifth Grade
Worksheets
What Is a Fire Escape Plan?
Most home fires occur at night, many times while people are asleep. It can take less than 30 seconds for a flame to turn into a major fire. Within minutes, an entire home can be filled with smoke. Would you know what to do? It's important that you do.
Fire should be prevented in the first place if at all possible. All appliances and plugs should be checked for safety. Don't overload outlets. Cover unused outlets. Be wary of space heaters. Be careful when cooking since that's the leading cause of home fires in the United States. Fireplaces need to stay clean. Adults should never smoke in bed because that's the main cause of fire deaths in the United States. Of course, children should know not to play with matches. That's the leading cause of fire deaths for children under five. Children should wear flame-retardant sleepwear. Finally, watch lit candles and dried out Christmas trees.
Fire safety equipment helps save lives, too. A smoke alarm is essential. Most deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms. Smoke alarms need to be on each level of the home and in all bedrooms. They should be tested one time each month. The batteries should be changed each year. Fire extinguishers should be handy.
Very important, though, is having two escape routes from every home in the house or apartment. These routes should be drawn out on a piece of paper. One way should be in black for the normal, easy way out of each room, usually through a door. The other way should be drawn in red as an emergency way out in case you can't leave through the door. In the event of a fire, get out as quickly as you can. Don't worry about carrying out any property. Time is your enemy in a fire. Choose a meeting place, such as a mailbox or driveway, for your whole family to gather after escaping from a fire. Get there as quickly as possible.
