How Often Should Exit Routes Be Practiced with Family?

Identifying and Creating Exit Routes

When creating an exit route plan, the first step is to identify primary and secondary escape routes from each room and floor in the household. Primary escape routes are typically the safest and most direct exits, while secondary routes are alternative paths to use in case the primary route is blocked or impassable. Consider the number of people in the household and any special needs, such as mobility limitations or medical conditions, when selecting exit routes.

Conducting Exit Route Drills

Practice exit route drills with family members at least twice a year, ideally every 6 months, to ensure everyone can navigate the routes quickly and safely. Choose a date and time when everyone is home and awake, and conduct multiple drills to account for different scenarios, such as at night, during a fire, or with a member of the household missing. When conducting drills, keep the following in mind: stay low to the ground, avoid using elevators, and designate a meeting spot outside the household where everyone can gather once they’ve exited.

Rehearsing Meeting Points

Designate a meeting point outside the household where everyone can gather once they’ve exited, and make sure it’s a safe location that’s easily accessible for all household members. Consider a spot that’s at least 100 feet away from the household and is clearly visible from the surrounding area. When rehearsing meeting points, make sure to account for different scenarios, such as a household member being separated from the group or a member having difficulty walking to the meeting point.