Fire

Structural fires:

• Install smoke alarms on every floor and in bedrooms.
• Purchase collapsible ladders for upper levels.
• Buy A-B-C type fire extinguishers.
• Draw a floor plan with two escape routes.
• Pre-select a meeting place outside the house.

 

When a fire happens:

• Alert other members of the household.
• Get out as quickly as possible.
• Once out, stay out. Do not re-enter the building even to rescue pets.
• If in a public building, always know where the emergency exits are located.
• Always evacuate through the nearest exit if the fire alarm sounds.
• Stay low to the floor when escaping.
• Cover your mouth with a cloth to avoid inhaling smoke.
• Close doors behind you to delay the fire from spreading.
• Feel doors before opening slowly.
• Do not open if door is hot or if there is smoke at the top or bottom.
• Open a window to escape or to be rescued.
• Call the fire department from outside the house.
• Meet the first fire truck and tell firefighters what is happening.
• If clothes catch on fire, stop, drop to the ground, and roll.

 

Wildland fires:

• Remove away from your house any items that might catch on fire.
• Close doors and windows.
• Remove drapes and curtains from windows.
• Turn off gas and pilot lights.
• Leave a light on for visibility in smoke.
• Water down flammable roofs and siding.
• Place waterproof valuables in a pool or pond.

 

If you are outside:

• Crouch in a pond or river; you cannot outrun a fire.
• Cover your head and upper body with wet clothing.
• If you are not near water, take shelter in a cleared area or on a bed of rocks. Lie flat and cover yourself with wet clothing or soil.

 

More Information

For more in-depth information, please visit the Disaster Services section of the American Red Cross website, www.redcross.org, or the Hazards section of the FEMA website.