Drawing up a home evacuation plan in case of fire

An evacuation plan is a drawing of all the floors in your home to help you escape as quickly as possible in the event of a fire.

Download and print the Grid to draw up your evacuation plan and the pictograms to cut out (PDF 334 Kb).

Drawing up an evacuation plan

Clearly indicate

  • the emergency exits (main door, windows, patio door).
  • two access ways to the emergency exits per room.
  • the meeting point outside the home, accessible in all seasons.
  • the location of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and portable fire extinguishers.

Place the evacuation plan in plain sight and conduct evacuation drills at least once a year.

Plan ways to reach 911 once you have left your residence, such as visiting a neighbour's home if you do not have a cell phone on hand.

If necessary, plan how to evacuate children, the elderly, and people with disabilities who may have difficulty hearing the smoke detector alarm and may need help getting around.

Be prepared in case your home is evacuated.

Conducting an evacuation drill

Think of a possible fire scenario.

Choose the date and time of your evacuation drill and the fictitious location in the home where the fire would start.

Check that your smoke detector alarms are working properly before conducting your evacuation drill. If they are connected to a central monitoring station, inform your provider first before testing them.

Conduct an evacuation drill at least once a year, involving everyone living in your home, following these steps:

  • Sound the smoke alarm.
  • Time your evacuation.
  • Evacuate your home, according to your evacuation plan, trying to do so in less than three minutes.
  • Once outside, proceed to the meeting point.
  • Review your evacuation and make improvements for the future.

Last update: June 8, 2023

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