Fire Evacuation Planning for Families with Children

Children under five face roughly double the fire death rate of other age groups. They may not wake to smoke alarm sounds, may hide from strangers including firefighters, and may lack the physical coordination to escape independently. Family fire planning must account for these vulnerabilities with specific strategies for each child.

Install smoke alarms inside children's bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Consider smoke alarms with voice alerts rather than horn sounds, as children respond more readily to familiar voices. Practice the home fire drill with children regularly so the routine becomes automatic. Teach children to escape on their own if parents are not immediately available.

Teach children that firefighters are helpers, not strangers to fear. Role-play scenarios in which a firefighter in full gear approaches and the child knows to go toward that person, not away from it. Designate a trusted neighbor as the alternate contact if parents cannot be reached, and ensure children know this person's name and address.