Golden Gate Fire District -- Escaping Fire

Draw a map similar to this one and put it on your refrigerator for your family members to see.

Knowing what to do when fire strikes often determines whether you survive. Knowing how to exit your home is vital.

That's why your family needs an escape plan. It is a floor plan -- or map -- of your home that shows exits out of every room, along with locations of smoke alarms. But having an escape plan isn't enough. You must also practice exiting your home quickly and meeting in a designated safe meeting place if fire strikes.

Below are tips to escape fire. You can download a blank escape plan grid (PDF document) and draw your home's floor plan.

Plan Your Escape If Fire Strikes

Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark exits from every room. Ideally, you should have two ways out of each room. Determine the shortest, fastest way out of each room.
Designate a safe meeting place outside. It can be a tree, a mailbox or a neighbor's home. Keep it simple and easy to recognize.
Know where your smoke alarms are and what they sound like. Test them every month.
Replace detector batteries once each year and replace detectors every 10 years.
Know how to open your windows, doors and locks.
Keep exits free of clutter.
If you have security bars, install quick releases.
Remember to dial 9-1-1 if fire strikes. Do it from a neighbor's home.

Escaping Apartments and Condominiums

Know your building's escape plan and its instructions, locations of exits and fire alarms. An escape plan should be located on each floor.
Use the stairs, not the elevator, if fire strikes.
Report locked or blocked exits to your apartment manager or local fire department.
If you live in a second floor apartment, you can purchase fire-resistant escape ladders you can lower from second floor windows.
Newer apartments and condominiums have automatic sprinkler systems installed that can control or extinguish blazes.
Know if your home is equipped with sprinklers.

Get Out Alive

Most fire deaths are caused by smoke, not fire. Smoke is composed of deadly carbon monoxide, which is actually easier for the body to absorb than oxygen. That's why you must ensure you have working smoke detectors in your home and know how they sound. If you are alerted by your smoke detector and realize your home is on fire, here's how to escape:

Crawl low and go. Get on your hands and knees and crawl outside if smoke is billowing through your home. Keep your head one to two feet above the floor.
Use the back of your hand to feel doors before you open them. The back of your hand is more sensitive and will more easily detect the heat of a fire on the other side of a door. If you don't feel heat, slowly open the door and check for smoke. If you see thick smoke, seek another exit.
If you get trapped, stuff clothing or blankets around doors. If possible, call 9-1-1 or the fire department and let us know where you are trapped. Wait by the window and use a light or sheet to signal for help.