How to Escape a House Fire

The best way to escape a house fire is to develop a Fire Escape Plan for your family in your home. This article advises on the fire plan and what to do if you are stuck in a fire.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. DEVELOP YOUR FIRE ESCAPE PLAN - Draw an escape route for your family. Include all rooms, smoke alarms and make sure everyone knows this route. Have two ways out of each room. Don't forget escape ladders for bedrooms upstairs.

2. CHECK WINDOWS - Make sure they can all open easily.

3. PRACTICE - Make a game of the Fire Escape Plan. Do it unexpectedly. Be prepared to help young and old family members. In a fire seconds save lives.
   
   If you have rooms upstairs, consider a FIRE ESCAPE LADDER so your family can escape to safety without injury.

4. DON'T FORGET YOUR PETS in the Fire Escape Plan!!!

5. If there is a fire - - -
   KNOW HOW TO GET OUT
   If the door is shut make sure there is 1) no heat or smoke coming from the crack 2) if you see smoke, DON'T open the door 3) if the doorknob is hot find another way out.

6. If there is a fire - - -
   STAY LOW to the ground. Crawl on your hands and knees to prevent less smoke inhalation.

7. If you can't get out immediately - - -
   CALL 911 and DON'T HIDE

8. If you catch on fire - - -
   STOP, DROP and ROLL. Don't run if you do, the fire will burn quicker.

9. ESTABLISH A MEETING PLACE with your family.

10. NEVER GO BACK IN A BURNING HOUSE - Nothing is worth your life.

Tips & Warnings

• House fires claim nearly 4000 deaths each year.
• It only takes 3 1/2 minutes for a fire to reach over 1100 degrees.
• Leading causes of house fires are: Faulty wiring, heating devices and cigarettes.
• Install smoke alarms and make sure the batteries are changed often.
• Fire extinguishers are good to have in the kitchen and near the furnace.
• Be safe.

Resources

• San Francisco Fire Dept. Tips
• eHow Article by Desula - 10 Minute Evacuation Plan
• eHow Article by Desula - How to Do A Home Inventory

[Lilly70]

on 5/25/2008 All great advice!
AND, call your homeowner's or rental insurance company!

[NicoleAZ]

on 5/20/2008 Lots of good information here!

[amylaine]

on 5/16/2008 Great information.

[ursaminor]

on 5/16/2008 All excellent suggestions. Also, in any disaster preparedness drill, make sure that everybody living in the house has an outside phone number to call, such as a friend or relative living outside your city. If you become separated from your housemates, everyone can check in, even if local phone lines are down or too busy to use. Thanks. You may have saved lives with this article. 5 stars.