When It’s Not a Drill

Rely On Your Fire Emergency Plan

Feel for Heat Before Opening Doors

Opening doors without first checking them for heat can cause smoke and flames from the fire to rush into a room, overwhelming you in seconds. Before opening a door along your escape route:

• Use the back of your hand to feel for heat on the door, knob and space between the door and frame.
• If the door is warm, do not open it; use an alternate escape route.

Exiting Through Smoke

Escaping from Upper Levels

If your primary exit is impassable, and your secondary exit is above the first floor, do not drop to the ground. Try to climb down an escape ladder, balcony, porch, tree, or garage.

If you cannot escape,

• Shut the door to the room.
• Prevent smoke from entering the room by using duct tape, towels or clothes to seal cracks above, around and under the door.
• Open the window a few inches at the top and bottom to allow fresh air in at the bottom and smoke out at the top. Shut the window tightly if the airflow begins to draw smoke into the room.
• If the room has a phone, call the fire department and tell the dispatcher which room you are in.
• Wait at the window and wave a flashlight or light-colored cloth to help firefighters find you.

If Clothing Catches Fire

If your clothing catches fire, don't run. The air rushing by you can fan the fire and cause it to spread quickly. Instead:

• Drop to the ground.
• Cover your face with your hands.
• Roll back and forth to smother the flames.

If someone else's clothes catch fire, and he or she is unable to stop, drop and roll, then throw a heavy blanket or rug over the person to put out the flames.

Fight Fire Only If You Know How

Models of Fire Extinguishers

First, you must be sure that you buy the right fire extinguishers for the type of fire likely to occur in your home.

Fire extinguishers are labeled with standard symbols or letters for the classes of fire they can put out:

• A - Paper, wood and ordinary combustibles.
• B - Flammable liquids.
• C - Energized electrical equipment.

Maintaining Fire Extinguishers

• Periodically review the manufacturer's operating instructions.

Know When to Use Fire Extinguishers

If you are highly confident that you can operate fire extinguishers safety, then use one only if:

• The fire is small and confined.
• Family members and visitors have been evacuated.
• The fire department has been called.
• You have a clear escape route.

Remember PASS to Operate Fire Extinguishers

Pull the pin and release the locking mechanism.

Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the discharge lever slowly and evenly.

Sprinklers Add Protection to A Fire Emergency Plan

A recent study estimates that home fire deaths could be reduced by 82% in single-family homes equipped with automatic sprinkler systems. Many people believe that home sprinkler systems are costly, messy and unattractive. This is not the case. Modern sprinkler systems:

• Discharge water only in the immediate area of the fire.
• Can put out most home fires before the fire department arrives.
• Are unobtrusive.
• Add only 1 to 1.5% to the total building costs for new construction.
• May earn you an insurance premium discount.

If you are renovating or building a home, consider installing automatic fire sprinklers to protect your family and your property.