A home fire can leave you with less than two minutes to escape. Build a plan with two ways out of every room, practise it twice a year, and make sure every person in the home knows where to meet.
In a real house fire, smoke can make familiar rooms difficult to navigate and leave a family with less than two minutes to escape. The time to decide where to go is before there is smoke, heat, or an alarm sounding.
Make a plan, practise it twice a year, and make sure every person and every room is covered. Include children, older adults, guests, and anyone who may need assistance. Post the plan where everyone can see it and update it when the household or layout changes.
1. Know Two Ways Out
Identify two exits from every room, usually a door and a window. Make sure windows open, screens can be removed, and everyone knows how to get outside from upper levels. Keep escape routes clear of furniture, storage, and locked barriers.
2. Feel the Door
Before opening a closed door during a fire, use the back of your hand to feel it. If the door is warm, do not open it; use your second way out. If it is cool, open it slowly and be ready to close it if smoke or heat enters. Stay low under smoke as you move.
3. Get Out
Leave immediately when the alarm sounds. Do not stop for belongings, photos, or pets, and do not hide. Close doors behind you if you can do so safely, but never delay your escape or go back for anything.
4. Meet and Call
Go directly to the household meeting place, call 911, and tell responders if anyone may still be inside. Never go back into a burning or smoke-filled home, even for a person or pet. Let trained firefighters handle the search.
Practise the Plan
Practise twice a year, including at night and from different rooms. Everyone should be able to hear the alarm, identify an exit, and reach the meeting place. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and keep a suitable home extinguisher available only as a last-resort option for a small fire with a clear exit behind you.
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