Fire can grow and spread through your home very quickly. It's important that you are prepared to react as soon as the smoke alarm sounds. Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan that everyone understands can mean the difference between life and death.

• Draw a floor plan of your home, showing two ways out of each room, including windows. Don't forget to mark the location of each smoke alarm
  
  
• Test all smoke alarms monthly to ensure that they work. Replace batteries as needed. (Reminder:  "Change your clocks, change your batteries.")
  
  
• Practice the escape plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved - from kids to grandparents. If there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them.
  
  
• Agree on an outside meeting place where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Get out first, then call for help. Never go back inside.
    
• Memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. 9 1 1
  
  
• Be fully prepared for a real fire: when a smoke alarm sounds, get out immediately. Once your out, stay out - leave the firefighting to the professionals!
  
  
• If you live in an apartment building, make sure you are familiar with the building's evacuation plan. In case of fire, use the stairs, never use the elevator.
  
• Inform guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan.

Make a Plan!