Plan Ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire.

SAFETY TIPS

• MAKE a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
• Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.
•  Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year.
• Practice using different ways out. Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Close doors behind you as you leave.

IF THE ALARM SOUNDS…

• If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.
• If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your way out.
•  Call the fire department from outside your home.

Fire Facts

• According to an NFPA survey, only one of every three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
• While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 45% of those have practiced it.
• One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out!