Tip 4: Make a Plan. Share the Plan. Practice the Plan.
One of the main reasons you should have an annual sweep and inspection is to remove any creosote that may be deposited to the flue lining inside your chimney. Creosote is a highly combustible by-product of wood-burning appliances and is a frequent cause of chimney fires.
In the event that you hear the smoke alarm, or carbon monoxide detector going off you need to have an escape plan established, whether it is an actual fire or a false alarm. Make sure to get everyone out of the house.
These are five questions that need to be addressed for your personal escape plan.
1️⃣ How do we get out? There should be more than one way out. Windows and doors are your primary escape routes.
2️⃣ Where do we go once we exit the house? Everyone should meet at a specified location.
3️⃣ Does anyone in the house need additional assistance getting out? Make sure if someone in the house needs help because of a disability they are included in the plan.
4️⃣ Has anyone called 911 once they are outside? Call 911 after you get to the specified location.
5️⃣ Have we practiced the escape plan so everyone knows what to do? This needs to be rehearsed to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go.
You can create your own escape plan by drawing your house on a piece of paper so everyone can see where they need to go, or there are websites online that will allow you to print your own for free. Either way, just make sure you have one.
