1. Make sure all family members know what to do in the event of a fire. Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room. Make a drawing for each floor. Dimensions do not need to be correct. Make sure the plan shows important details: stairs, hallways and windows that can be used as fire escape routes.

2. Test windows and doors—do they open easy enough? Are they wide enough, or tall enough?

3. Choose a safe meeting place outside the house.

4. Practice alerting other members. It is a good idea to keep a bell and flashlight in each bedroom.

5. Practice evacuating the building blindfolded. In a real fire situation, the amount of smoke generated by a fire most likely will make it difficult to see.

6. Practice staying low to the ground when escaping.

7. Feel all doors before opening them. If a door is hot, get out another way.

8. Learn to stop, drop to the ground, roll if clothes catch fire.

IN CASE OF FIRE: (ADULTS)

Have everyone leave the building, then call (or have someone call) the fire department (911).  Fight the fire only if it’s small and not spreading – and you have a clear escape path.

WHEN IN DOUBT, GET OUT!