Plan for the Event of a Fire

1. Install smoke detectors and keep them in working condition.

2. Make an escape plan and practice it once every 6 months.

3. Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system.

Plan Your Escape

A fire can occur at any time.  There is no time for planning when a fire occurs.  Sit down with your family today and make a step-by-step plan for escaping a fire.

Apartment Buildings

If you live in an apartment building and a fire occurs, use the stairways to escape.  Never use an elevator to escape a fire.

Multi-story Houses

If you live is a multi-story house and you must escape from an upper story window, make sure that there is a safe way to reach the ground. You can use a fire-resistant fire escape ladder.  Be sure to have special arrangements for children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Supply them with a phone in their bedroom or room them on the ground floor.  

Be Sure To Escape Fast!!!

If a fire occurs, Do Not stop for anything.  Don't try to rescue personal possessions or pets.  Exit the house and go to your meeting place.

Things To Remember When Planning Your Escape:

• Draw a floor plan of your home.  Be sure to mark 2 ways out of every room.
  

• Agree on a meeting place outside your home where everyone will gather after escaping a fire.  Wait there until the fire department shows up.  This allows you to determine if everyone has escaped from the fire.
  

• Practice your escape plan at least every 6 months.  Have a fire drill in your home.  Remember, a fire drill is not a race.  Get out quickly, but carefully.
  

• Make your exit drill realistic.  Pretend that some exits are blocked by fire and practice alternative escape routes.
  

• Make sure that you and your family is prepared.  Be sure that everyone can unlock all doors and windows quickly, even in the dark.

If A Fire Occurs:

• If you live in an apartment building, use stairways to escape. NEVER use an elevator during a fire.  An elevator may stop between floors or it may take you to a floor that is burning.
  

• If you live in a two-story house and you must escape from a second-story window, be sure there is a safe way to reach the ground.
  

• Test all doors before you open them.  While kneeling or crouching at the door, reach up as high as you can.  With the back of your hand, touch the door, the knob, and the crack between the door and its frame.  If the door is warm, there is fire behind it, use another escape route.  If the door is cool, open it carefully.
  

• If you are trapped, close all doors between you and the fire.  Stuff the cracks around the doors to keep the smoke out.  Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or a light colored cloth.  If there is a phone in the room, call 911 and tell  them exactly where you are.