Mark escape routes on a floor plan.

Draw a floor plan of your entire home. Show all possible exits from each room. Know two ways out of every room, especially bedrooms. If one of your escape routes is a second or third storey window, consider investing in a safety ladder.

Practice with a home fire drill.

Once you’ve sketched out your escape plan and discussed it with your family, PRACTICE. Involve every member of the household. An hour of pre-planning may save years of life. Make regular fire drills a family affair.

Get out alive.

 
1. Sleep with your bedroom door closed. A closed door will help slow the spread of fire, smoke and heat.
2. If you hear the smoke alarm, roll to the floor and crawl to your door. Stay low where the air is cleaner.
3. Touch the door. If the door feels cool, open it just a crack and check for smoke. If there’s no smoke leave by your planned escape route. Crawl and keep your head down.
4. If the door feels hot, do not open it. Do not panic. Escape out the window or use your alternate exit.
5. If you can’t leave your room, seal the cracks around the doors and vents as best you can. Use a wet towel or clothing if possible. Open a window at both the top and bottom. Stay low and breathe fresh air. Shout for help and signal your location by waving a bright cloth, towel or sheet.
6. If your clothes catch on fire: Stop, Drop and Roll to put out flames. Do not run – running will only increase the flames.