An evacuation plan is something every household should have just in case of an emergency. The more prepared you are, the quicker you can react in stressful or dangerous situations. Here are some simple tips for creating your own home evacuation plan.
Disaster safety planning
There are several steps you can take to prepare for an emergency, regardless of the type of disaster. Creating an emergency preparedness kit with first aid supplies, water, non-perishable food and backup batteries is a great way to start.
Next, you'll want to decide on a safe meeting place for you and your household to gather in case you're separated. Have multiple exit routes and make sure everyone is familiar with them.
If you have pets, keep an extra leash or carrier close to the exit to conveniently get your furry friends to safety.
Fire safety planning
A home fire escape plan will feature many of the same key points as a general disaster plan. In a fire evacuation plan, a quick reaction is crucial. Even though the fire department might be on their way shortly after your smoke alarms go off, you'll need to escape quickly and safely, as both fire and smoke can spread quickly.
Identify any important documents or essential items to take with you when you evacuate. If your home has fire escape ladders, make sure everyone in your household knows how to operate them.
Key insurance reminders when making your evacuation plan for home safety
Your homeowners insurance will cover most major perils, including fires. You may be able to get discounted premiums for installing extra safety features like emergency release devices or smart smoke alarms.
Hopefully, you won't need your evacuation plan, but having one keeps you safer and calmer in case of emergency.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
