Step 4: Prepare for Fires
Each year the American Red Cross responds to more single family disasters than any other emergency. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, in 2004, there were over 350,000 reported home fires which left 3,190 civilian deaths and 
13,700 injuries. Many home fires can be prevented and with practiced evacuation plans, your family can learn to get out safely.
Make Your Home Fire-Safe
- Install smoke alarms on every level
- Put smoke alarms outside of sleeping areas and in your bedroom if you sleep with the door closed.
- Test the alarms once each month
- Replace batteries at least once each year
- Vacuum away cobwebs and dust from your smoke alarm
- Replace smoke alarms every ten years
- Keep electrical cords away from furniture and do not place them under rugs or carpet
- Make sure your stove area is clean-- do not have fabric or other flammable items near heat surfaces
Plan Your Escape Route
- Find two ways out of each room and practice escaping
- Consider ladders for rooms above the first floor
- Select a location outside of your home where everyone knows to meet after escaping
- Determine who will assist young children or elderly family members
Get Out Safely
- Once you are out, stay out!
- If there is smoke, crawl on the ground. Smoke rises so the best air is near the floor.
- Feel doors before opening them. If it is warm, do not open it, go to your second escape route.
- If you cannot exit, go to a window, turn on the light and hang a bright piece of fabric out of the window. Yell "Fire, help, fire" as loud as you can.
- If you have a telephone and are trapped inside, call the fire department or 911 and let them know exactly where you are.
Go to Step 5: Build a Kit
