How Much Time Do You Have to Escape a Fire?
Forty years ago, the average time people had to safely escape a fire was 17 minutes. Today’s homes only allow for three minutes or less to evacuate. Why? Modern synthetic construction materials, lower quality components, home furnishings and contemporary layouts allow fire to spread and become toxic much faster than in the past.
But don’t panic — even three minutes is a lot of time to escape a fire if you remain calm, have a plan and close doors in your home. One way to prepare is by establishing a fire escape plan with your familyand practicing it twice a year. (It’s also a good idea to test your smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly and that everyone knows what they sound like.)
While you’re practicing your fire escape plans, remember to cover these additional safety tips:
- Roll off your bed, don’t stand up if your smoke alarm wakes you up from sleep.
- Use the back of your hand to test your door for heat (and don’t grab the doorknob – it could be HOT). If it’s cold you can open the door, but if it’s hot, you need to find another exit.
- Crawl, don’t walk, if there’s heavy smoke in your home. Heat and smoke rise, so cooler, fresher air is low to the ground.
- Never go back in for pets or other people. Your safety is the most important.
- Remember Stop, Drop and Roll if your clothes catch on fire.
One final tip: When you escape a fire, remember to close the door behind you once you exit. This will cut off the oxygen to the fire and may stop the fire’s growth.
Protect What You've Worked So Hard to Build.
When it comes to fire safety, closing your bedroom door is a simple step that can make a big difference. Learn more at CloseYourDoor.org.
At ERIE, we get how important “home” is, and we’re here to help you protect yours. A fire could mean replacing your entire home — a prospect made much less difficult with ERIE’s Guaranteed Replacement Cost1 coverage, which pays for the full cost (on a covered loss) to rebuild your home back to its previous size and specifications, at today's cost.
Learn more about homeowners insurance or talk to your local ERIE agentfor a personalized quote.
1Guaranteed Replacement Cost applies to the dwelling and requires home improvements over $5,000 to be reported within 90 days—not available with all policies and in all states. Coverage of costs to comply with laws or ordinances is subject to limits. Depreciation may be deducted until repair or replacement is made.
