When a fire occurs, there's no time for planning. So sit down with your family today, and make a step-by-step plan for escaping a fire.

• Know Two Ways Out - Draw a diagram of your home, showing every door and window. Plan two ways out of every room, especially the bedrooms. Then walk through each escape route, checking for barriers or obstructions. Make sure everyone can unlock all locks and open all windows and doors quickly, even in the dark.
• In a two story house, if you must escape from a second story window, be sure you have a safe way to reach the ground. Make special arrangements for small children and people with disabilities.
• Get Out Fast! In case of a fire, don't stop for anything. Do not try to take possessions or pets. Just get out. Call the fire department from a neighbor's phone after you get out.
• Don't go back, no matter what. Make sure everyone in your family knows that once they are out, they must not go back for any reason. If people are trapped, fire fighters have the best chance of rescuing them.
• Call the fire department (911) after you escape. Everyone should gather at one meeting place outside, preferably at the front, where the fire department will arrive. Each family member should know how to call the fire department from a neighbor's home.

Most people do not realize how quickly fires can grow. A home fire can become a killer in as little as 3 minutes. Can your family get out this fast? Consider that it may take one minute for the smoke alarm to sound and for you to recognize the danger. If you have young children or you are elderly and move more slowly, you may need another minute to get ready. This leaves only 1 minute for you all to get to an exit, open it, and get out. By practicing your escape, you can make every second count.

• At least twice a year, have a fire drill in your home. Appoint someone as the monitor, to sound the alarm and make sure everyone participates.
• The majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping. So start the drill, go to your bedroom, close the door, and wait for the monitor to sound the alarm.
• Make your exit drill as realistic as possible. Practice both escape routes. Pretend that certain exits are blocked by fire, that there are no lights, and that the hallways are filling with smoke.
• Remember, a fire drill is not a race. Get out quickly, but carefully!