Preparing for a Home Fire

Make Your Home "Fire Safe"

* Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home.
* If people sleep with doors closed, install smoke alarms inside sleeping areas, too.
* Use the test button to check each smoke alarm once a month. When necessary, replace batteries immediately. Replace all batteries once a year.
* Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarms monthly.
* Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.
* Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. Get training from the fire department in how to use them.
* Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler system in your home. 

Plan Your Escape Routes

* Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home.
* Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them and store them near the window.
* Select a location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping.
* Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. 

Escape Safely

* Once you are out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
* If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.
* If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, use your second way out.
* If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are.