Every family should have a fire escape plan and review it with all members of the family. Have 2 exits from every room. Learn how to unlock windows and pop out screens. Practice fire drills at your home. Have a special family meeting place outside your home.
When there is a fire inside, go outside.
Leave a burning building as quickly as possible. Do not stop to call the fire department from a house on fire. Call from a neighbor's house. Don't stop to get toys or pets. Get outside quickly!
Never Hide! Crawl Outside.
Do not panic and hide in a closet or under the bed. Firefighters are your friends, so do not hide from them. In a fire, you need to get out fast. The air is cleaner closer to the floor, so crawl to the nearest exit. Once outside, go to your special family meeting place.
Let the Firefighters Do Their Job.
It is very important to stay at your family meeting place until everyone at home joins you. Never go back into a burning house --even for a family member, pet or toy. Let the firefighters do their job; they are specially trained and dressed to handle dangerous flames and smoke.
Matches and lighters are for grown-ups only. If you find matches or a lighter, leave them alone or give them to a grown-up.
If Your Clothes are On Fire, STOP, DROP, and ROLL.
Never run if your clothes are on fire. Running makes the fire burn faster. Stop and shout for help. Next, drop to the ground. Cover your face with your hands. Then roll back and forth to put out the flames. Finally, cool a burn with cool water from a hose, sink, or cup.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives.
Every home should have smoke detectors. They should be near every bedroom. Their alarm will wake you and your family so you can get outside safely during a fire. Always change the batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks in the Fall.
If You See a Fire, Call 9-1-1.
If your house is on fire, leave as quickly as possible and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house. Even if you cause the fire, do not try to put it out. Leave and call for help!
Know how to give your name and address to the 9-1-1 operator.
