Create an evacuation plan for your family that includes two emergency exits for each room and a meeting point otside the home.
Practice a fire drill with all family members.
Tips:
- Touch the back of the door with your hand to feel if it is hot before opening.
- Walk on all fours through the smoke.
- Leave immediately through an emergency exit.
- Do not use elevators.
- Take a head count of all occupants of your dwelling once you arrive at the meeting point.
- Call 911 as soon as you have left the building.
- Do not go back inside the building for any reason.
What is an evacuation plan?
In the event of a fire, an evacuation plan indicates all possible exits for quick evacuation. You also need to determine a meeting point outside the home.
What is the purpose of an evacuation plan?
Having an evacuation plan and practicing a fire drill once a year increases your chances of leaving your home safely in the event of a fire. It prevents panic and rash gestures, because everyone knows what to do and how to exit the building. Determining a meeting point makes it easier to count heads to be sure everyone is safe once everyone has evacuated the building.
What's the best way to move through areas with lots of smoke?
During a fire, smoke rises and toxic gas falls. Crawl on all fours along walls with your head up. Always close doors behind you to keep smoke and flames from spreading as quickly.
What should I do during a fire if I cannot leave the room?
If you are in a room with a closed door, touch the door with the back of your hand to feel if it is hot. If so, don't open it. Use a sheet, towel or piece of clothing to block the bottom of the door to keep smoke from getting in.
If you have a phone, call 911. Otherwise, wave a sheet, towel or piece of clothing out the window as a signal. Wait for firefighters to come and get you.
