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Family Escape Plan
Fires don't always happen to someone else...
Some facts about fire
Most fatal home fires occur between midnight and 8 a.m. when people are asleep.
Toxic gases and heat (over 1000 degrees) rise and can travel far ahead of the
actual flames.
When your smoke detector sounds, you may have less than 2 minutes to get out
and stay out. That's why your family needs an escape plan.
What to Do
Draw a sketch of your home. Mark at least 2 ways to get out of every room.
The first way should be the door, and the second way out might be a window. If
the window is higher than ground level, you may want to purchase an emergency
escape ladder and keep it near the window.
Decide on a meeting place outside where everyone can be accounted for.
Practice twice a year.
How to Practice
Begin with everybody in Bed. Someone should press the "test button" on the
smoke detector or yell "fire" to sound the alarm.
Everyone should roll out of bed. That way, you stay below any heat or smoke
that may be present in the room.
Don't stop to get any possessions. Don't even stop to call the fire
department. That should be done from the safety of a neighbor's house after
you get out.
Check the door to the hallway for heat. If it is hot to the touch, or if smoke
prohibits you from escaping through the door, use your second way out. If you
must escape through smoke, crawl low under it where the air is cleaner. Close
doors behind you as you leave.
Once outside, go to your designated meeting place where everyone will meet up
to make sure everyone is safe. Have someone simulate calling the fire
department.
Practice twice; the first time use the normal exit. The second time, pretend
the door is hot, and use the second way out.
Afterwards, talk about the drill. Make any changes to the plan if necessary
and rehearse them.
If It's A Real Fire
DO NOT reenter the building until the fire department says it is safe to do
so.
If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL. Stop right where you are,
Drop to the Ground Gently, and Put your Hands over your face and roll over and
over until the flames are out.
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