An escape route is a preplanned and understood route to reach a safety zone.
What are the primary concerns in choosing an escape route?
- Select the closest, least obstructed route.
- Plan for more than one escape route.
- Avoid an uphill escape.
- Scout and clearly mark the route for visibility (aids during smoky situations or night operational periods).
- Determine escape time — consider slowest person, fatigue, and temperature factors.
- Continuously reassess the situation with regard to work progress and additional resource arrivals.
Assure all line personnel are familiar with escape routes.
For more safety tips from the Federal Fire and Aviation Safety Team, visit its Six Minutes for Safety section at www.nifc.gov.
