Know What to do in a Fire

Plan Your Escape

  • Draw a floor plan of your home. Show two ways out of each room.
  • Agree on an outside meeting place in front of your home where everyone will gather after they've escaped.
  • Practice! Hold home fire drills. Make them realistic by pretending some exits are blocked by smoke and fire.
  • Provide alternatives for anyone with a disability.

Be Prepared

  • Can everyone in your home unlock and open windows?
  • If your windows have security bars, are they equipped with inside quick-release devices.
  • Can children reach and open all door and window locks.

Escape Tips

  • Close doors behind you as you escape to slow the spread of fire and smoke.
  • If you have to escape through smoke, crawl, keeping your head one to two feet above the floor, where the air is the cleanest.
  • Test doorknobs and spaces around the door with the back of your hand. If the door is warm, try another escape route. If it's cool, open it slowly. Slam it shut if smoke pours through.
  • Get out and stay out. Once you escape a fire, don't go back inside for any reason.