PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

Waking up in the middle of the night to a house full of thick, black smoke would disorient anyone. You may be blinded, unable to find your way without visual clues. That's why it's so important to develop an escape plan and to have fire drills.

·        Draw a floor plan. Every member of your family needs to know at least two exits, including windows, from every room in your house. Someone should be assigned to assist family members with mobility limitations, such as grandparents or infants.

·        Keep low. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100°F at floor level and 600°F at eye level. This heat can scorch your lungs and melt your clothes to your body. Smoke contains deadly fumes. Never stand up during a fire. Crawl on the floor, under the smoke.

·        Choose a meeting site. Agree on an outside meeting site where everyone can gather after they escape. Get out first, then call 911 from a neighbor's home. Never go back into a burning building.

·        Practice, practice, practice. Once everyone feels comfortable with the escape plan, hold fire drills at least twice a year. Holding fire drills at night, when the children are asleep, may be especially beneficial. It's OK to warn children about night fire drills. The objective is to practice, not frighten.

You can do it

Fire can blaze a trail of damage, destruction and death. Protecting your family against a fire may seem daunting. But a plan of prevention and preparedness can help keep you and your children safe from harm.