Make an Escape Plan. Sit down with
your family today and plan how to get out in case of fire. Then practice your escape, so that you and your family
will know what to do in a real emergency.
Know Two Ways Out. Draw a diagram of
your home. Plan two ways out of every room, especially the bedrooms.
Smoke Detectors Warn You to Get Out.
In a real fire, you may have only a very few minutes to escape safely. You need smoke detectors in your home to
warn you if a fire starts. Never play with a smoke detector or "borrow" its batteries for any reason.
To keep your smoke detectors on the job, remind an adult in your family to test them every month and change the
batteries once a year.
In an Apartment… Never use an elevator
during a fire; it may take you to the floor where the fire is burning! Use stairways to leave the building.
Get Out Fast! In case of a fire, don’t
stop for anything. Don’t try to take possessions or pets. Just get out. Call the fire department from a neighbor’s
phone after you are out. Call 911.
Choose a Meeting Place. Everyone should
go to one meeting place outside. Then one person should call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone.
Don’t Go Back, No Matter What. Once
you are out of the building, don’t go back inside for any reason, until the firefighters tell you it’s safe.
Crawl Low Under Smoke. Smoke is dangerous!
If you find smoke or flames on your way out, turn around and use your other escape route. If you must escape through
an area filled with smoke, crawl under it. Get down on your hands and knees and crawl quickly to the exit.
Practice Your Plan. At least twice
a year, have a fire drill in your home. Start the drill by going to your bedroom. Close the door and wait for an
adult to sound the alarm. Remember, a fire drill is not a race. Get out quickly but carefully!
Test Every Door. Before opening a door,
make sure there’s no fire on the other side. With the back of your hand, touch the door, the door knob, and the
space between the door and the frame. If any of these feel hot, use your second way out. If everything feels cool,
open the door carefully. Be ready to slam it shut if heat or smoke rushes in. As you leave, close all doors behind
you. They can slow down the spread of fire and smoke.
Stop, Drop, and Roll. Everyone should
know this rule: if your clothes catch fire, don’t run! Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face
with your hands to protect your face and lungs, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
