Escaping from Fire

Plan and practice your fire escape plan.

If your home catches on fire:  STAY LOW, GET OUT and STAY OUT!

If your clothes catch fire:  STOP, DROP and ROLL until the flames are out.

Tips on Home Fire Escape Plans

• Draw a floor plan of your home.
• Show two ways out of every room -- including windows. To escape from upper-story windows, buy an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible ladder.
• Practice escaping from every room in the home. Make sure everyone understands the escape plan.
• Make sure that windows and screens can be easily opened.
• Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
• Agree on a meeting place where everyone will gather after you have escaped.
• Remember to GET OUT FIRST, then call for help.
• Practice your plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved.

If you live in an apartment building

• Learn and practice your building's evacuation plan.
• If you hear the fire alarm, leave immediately.
• Use the stairs -- NEVER use elevators during a fire.

Security bars require special precautions
Security bars can trap you in a fire. Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately. Make sure everyone in the family understands and practices how to open locked or barred doors and windows.

Never open doors that are hot to the touch
To make sure that fire is not on the other side, use the back of your hand to feel a closed door. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. If heat and smoke come in, close the door and use your alternate escape route.

Smoke Alarms Can Save Lives
Having working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home dramatically increases your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be tested every month and replaced at least once a year.