1. Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home and test them regularly.
2. Draw a floor plan of your home showing all possible exits from each room.
3. Where possible, plan a main exit route and an alternate exit route from each room.
4. Make certain that everyone understands that if they hear the smoke detector or hear someone shouting "FIRE", they should immediately evacuate the home.
5. Decide on a meeting place outside your home. In case of fire, go to the meeting place. Someone should be sent to phone the fire department (9-1-1).
6. Meet the firefighters when they arrive.
7. Make certain that everyone in your home knows NOT TO RE-ENTER A BURNING BUILDING. Firefighters are properly equipped and trained to perform rescue operations.
Regular practice is the way to help prevent PANIC. This is especially true for children. Be sure every family member knows what to do.
Before opening any door on the way out, feel it. If the door is hot, do not open it. Use an alternative exit. If the windows of upper story rooms can't serve as alternate exits, open the window and shout for help.
A properly installed and maintained smoke detector should provide enough warning to enable you to safely leave your home, even if there is no alternate exit available.
In a smoke filled area, the cool air is down low. Practice your escape plan by crawling on your hands and knees.
If you live in an apartment building, develop your escape plan taking into account fire escape procedures provided by the building management.
If there is anyone in your home not able to evacuate without assistance, assign someone to assist them.
Make sure your babysitter understands your fire escape plan.