Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke will not awaken you. As a matter of fact, the poisonous gases actually put you into a deeper sleep. Since the majority of fatal fires happen at night, it is essential to have working smoke detectors throughout your home to awaken you in a fire emergency.

For the best protection, make sure you have at least one smoke detector on each level of your home and in or near all sleeping areas. Test the alarms each week and replace the batteries once a year. Detectors that are part of a monitored system can automatically summon the fire department. In addition to early warning systems, technology is available for fire sprinkler systems in homes and other dwellings. This technology should always be used in early warning detection systems.

When fire strikes your home, authorities say you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape. It is imperative that you have a well rehearsed Escape Plan which includes all members of the family that are old enough to understand, and provides for those that are not.

Studying and practicing a plan, such as the one recommended in this booklet, could save lives! When dealing with a fire, there is no time to gather personal belongings. The time you take trying could mean the difference between life and death. So always follow the golden rule of survival in the event of a fire, and GET OUT IMMEDIATELY!

• Smoke is Thick and Dark
  Smoke is so thick and dark that you can hardly see the flames. You may feel lost and disoriented in the thick smoke that accompanies fire, even in your own bedroom. You must know how to escape your home in the dark.
• The Heat is Intense
  At knee height, the temperature in a fire ma be about 90. At shoulder height, a burning fire can be as hot as 690. When escaping, always remember to stay as close to the floor as possible in a crawling position.
• Prearrange a Meeting Place
  Define a meeting spot that is easy to reach such as a lamppost, a neighbor’s driveway, fire hydrant, street sign, etc. The meeting spot should be safe distance from your home. The meeting place is where all family members know to go immediately after escaping. Once everyone is accounted for, a responsible family member should go to a neighbor’s home to use a cell phone to call the Fire Department. This person should return immediately to the meeting place once help has been called.
• Gather Those Who Need Assistance
  Gather children and any disabled persons that are in your home and get out. Do not waste time calling the fire department. You can do this after you are out.
• Material Objects Can Be Replaced
  Do not go back to a burning home for material object. Go back only to save a life. If at all possible, pull the door closed behind you upon escaping, to hamper the spread of the fire accelerated by a draft.
• Do Not Try to Fight the Fire
  Let the firefighters do their job. Just get out of the way of danger