Remember, the first step toward escaping a fire is to plan ahead. Practice a home fire escape plan throughout the year and be sure that if anything should change around the home, it is included in the home fire escape plan.

Most residential fires occur between 8 p.m. and 8 am
Children must understand their lives depend on them leaving the home.
Bedroom doors should be closed while sleeping
All jammed windows should be repaired.
Have a flashlight by each bed in the home.
Have fire escape ladders next to all upper floor windows. Escape ladders

USING YOUR FAMILY ESCAPE ROUTE

Practice twice a year alternating between each escape routes.
Each family member should yell "Fire" to help waken others in the home.
During practice have each child cover their nose and mouth.
During practice have each child crawl along the floor, touching each door they come to according to your family escape plan.
During practice have each child practice climbing out the window in his/her room. (you can teach this one to dogs) (make sure the child knows how to open the window or descend a ladder) (make sure the child knows how to slide out on their stomach, holding on with both hands and bending the knees when landing on the ground).

Teach each child NEVER GO BACK INSIDE THE HOME.

Have a place outside the home for the family to meet with each other.
Have the children practice the family name and street address.

Families who have practiced with an escape grid are more likely to get out of a burning home safely without panic or hiding. With each practice make the fire start in different parts of the home.

PARENTS: extra items

Figure the best way to get to babies and toddlers.
Have harness under the crib to carry babies/toddler keeping you hands free.
All family escape routes should be free of toys and other objects.