Few home emergencies are as terrifying as the outbreak of a fire. Often there needs to be more warning. Is there much time to take action other than escaping quickly to safety?

Fire Emergency Guidelines

  • In the event of a fire outbreak that is not small and contained, evacuate the house immediately and do not attempt to extinguish it. Go to a neighbor’s home to make an emergency call to the local fire department or 911.
  • Map a fire evacuation plan for your home that includes two escape routes from each room: a primary route—a door—and a secondary route—a window—if the direct path is blocked. Designate a meeting spot outside the house to go to after evacuating.
  • Post your fire evacuation plan at central locations of the house where it can be readily seen by guests, visitors, and caregivers. List the telephone number of the local fire department by each telephone; note that in the event of most life-threatening emergencies, you can dial 911.
  • Keep your escape routes accessible at all times. If an escape route requires the use of a portable window ladder, have the members of your family practice setting it up and climbing down it—tryouts from a window on the ground floor are a good way to build confidence.
  • Conduct a household evacuation drill regularly to avoid panic or confusion during a fire outbreak. End each routine at the designated meeting spot outside the house.
  • When sleeping, keep the bedroom door closed and unlocked; this can provide valuable extra time to make a safe escape in the event of a fire outbreak. Avoid having anyone sleep in an isolated part of the house where flames or smoke could be a trap.
  • To minimize smoke inhalation, cover your nose and mouth with a pillowcase or towel and drop to the floor, then crawl to the door of your primary escape route. Touch the doorknob and the trim to check for heat before opening the door to continue. If you detect heat, flames, or smoke, quickly change course and evacuate by the window of your secondary escape route.
  • Never waste valuable time during a fire trying to save personal possessions—no material object is worth the possible cost of human life.
  • Under no circumstances re-enter the house during a fire. Alert firefighters to the presence of a person or pet who may be trapped inside and need urgent assistance.