E.D.I.T.H. (Escape Drills in the Home)

Do you know what to do if there is a fire in your home? You can survive a fire in your home if you plan and practice your escape.  Plan your escape by drawing a floor plan of your house. Show two ways out of every room and discuss these escape routes with family members. Agree on a meeting place outside where everyone will gather once you've escaped.

 

Now call the fire department from a neighbor's phone or a cell phone. Teach everyone how to unlock windows and doors. Keep stairways and exits free from clutter. Teach every family member the sound of the smoke detector. Practice!  Hold family fire drills at least twice a year. If you live in an apartment building or high-rise, learn the buildings evacuation plan. Know the locations of all fire alarms and exits. Use the stairs, never use the elevator.  Report any locked/blocked exits to the management company.  Keep a portable phone with you during the emergency. If you are trapped, seal vents and cracks with wet cloth. Call the fire department, and signal from the window with a blanket or flashlight. If you have to escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees, keeping your head one or two feet above the floor, where the air will be cleanest. Test doorknobs and spaces around the door for heat using the back of your hand. If the door is warm, try another escape route.  If it's cool, open it slowly.  Close it quickly if smoke pours in. Close doors behind you as you escape to slow the spread of smoke and fire.