Ensure your family can exit safely if a fire occurs. Follow these steps to prepare your household for an emergency.

Creating a home fire escape plan

Draw your floor plan

Draw a plan for every storey of your home. Use this to identify all doors, windows, and stairways.

Identify 2 ways out

Include 2 escape routes for every room, if possible. The door is usually the primary exit. If the door is blocked by smoke or fire, use a window or an alternate route. Ensure:

  • windows open easily
  • everyone knows how to use them
  • security bars have a quick-release mechanism
  • features like garage or porch roofs are included as potential exit paths

Designate assistance

Identify members of your household who may need help escaping, such as:

  • young children
  • older adults
  • people with disabilities

Assign a specific person to assist them during an emergency.

Choose a meeting place

Select a safe location outside that’s a safe distance from your home and where everyone can be accounted for. Examples include:

  • a specific tree
  • a streetlight
  • a neighbour’s house

Exit first, then call for help

Do not call the fire department from inside a burning building. Once you are safely outside at your meeting place, call 9-1-1.

Practising your plan

Hold a fire drill at least twice a year.

  • Walk through: verify that all exits are practical and unobstructed.
  • Timed drill: practice reacting quickly as smoke and flames can block routes in seconds.

Apartments and condominiums

  • Instruction on procedures: building owners and property managers must provide occupants with instructions on the emergency procedures to follow when the fire alarm sounds.
  • Fire safety plans: residents should be familiar with the procedures outlined in the building’s official fire safety plan.

Learn more about high-rise fire safety.