Fire is fast! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. Smoke and toxic gases from a home fire kill more people than flames. Every home needs fire protection and a plan for escape.
Escape Plan
You may have less than three minutes to escape a home fire. Every second counts. Make a home escape plan here.
Talk with your family about what to do if there is a fire.
Practice your escape plan.
- Know two ways out of every room.
- A closed-door can stop the spread of gas, heat, and smoke.
- Have a meeting place outside your home.
- Know how to call 9-1-1 from outside to report a fire.
- Practice your escape plan with everyone who lives in your home at least twice a year.
Smoke Alarms
Working smoke alarms give you an early warning if there is a fire. Make sure your home is protected.
Do this today.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
- Place smoke alarms inside and outside of all the sleeping areas.
- Make sure all of your smoke alarms work. Test them each month.
- Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
Children
Children under the age of four are at a higher risk of home fire injury and death than older children.
Plan for this.
- Teach all children what the smoke alarm sounds like.
- Be aware that children may sleep through the
sound of the smoke alarm.
- Practice your escape plan with children.
- Teach older children how to get outside if there is
a fire.