Exit drills in the home, sometimes called “EDITH”, are an important part of your family’s safety. Just as schools practice fire drills, so should families at home. The family should preplan their home complete with two means of exit from every bedroom. Make an actual drawing of your floor plan with the exit routes clearly marked. Everyone should know how to get out and where to meet afterwards. Designate one meeting spot at a safe distance from the home so everyone can be accounted for. Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of their smoke alarms and knows to yell for family members as they make their escape. Emphasize such things as staying low in smoky and hot environments, trying doors before opening them (for heat), and not hiding in spots that can make it difficult for firefighters to find them, if they are unable to escape on their own. Emphasize the rule that no one goes back in after they are out; instead, tell the firefighters as they arrive if someone including a pet is still inside. Going back in just adds another victim to the emergency. Last but not least, practice fire drills, preferably at night after everyone is asleep to make it as realistic as possible. Time yourself and look for ways to safely improve.

For more information, contact the Lenexa Fire Department at 913-888-6380. Brochures about “EDITH” are also available.