- DO NOT JUMP UP Remember that smoke and superheated air is collecting on the ceiling and descending on you. Therefore the most breathable air will be close to the floor typically 2 to 3 feet above the floor. If you awaken and suspect a fire roll out of bed and move along the floor.
- CRAWL TO THE DOOR Crawl to your bedroom door, which should always be shut. If any part of the door is warm DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR AND DO NOT TOUCH THE DOORKNOB. Plan to use an alternate escape route.
- IF YOU OPEN THE DOOR If the door is not hot, while bracing the door with your foot open the door no more than 1 to 2 inches. Feel the air coming through the crack. If it is warm the HALLWAY CANNOT BE USED FOR ESCAPE.
- ESCAPE LADDERS Keep Fire Escape Ladders near bedroom windows that are not at ground level. Light weight collapsible ladders that can be stored under a bed can be purchased at most Home Centers.
- INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR CHILDREN Shout to your children instructing them to stay in their room with the door closed. Stay 2 to 3 feet above the floor and move to the closest window. Only open the window a small amount if necessary.
- IF THE DOOR IS HOT Do not open the door. If possible use wet towels and bed linens around the door to act as a retardant. Use a window to escape the house.
- NEVER JUMP FROM A WINDOW IN PANIC If you are injured in a fall you can no longer assist in the rescue of other family members. Use an escape ladder, mentioned earlier or tie bed linens together to form a rope you can use to lower yourself to the ground.
- OUTSIDE LADDERS TO AID IN RESCUE You should have a sturdy extension ladder accessible from outside the home to aid in the rescue of family members. Be sure to choose a location for this ladder that keeps it secure from burglars.
- HOW TO CRAWL SAFELY If you plan to use the interior of your home, hallways and other rooms as an escape route crawl along the floor with your head 2 to 3 feet above the floor. This is vital because the superheated air is collecting on the ceiling and descending towards the floor. Additionally, heavier-than-air poisonous gases produced by burning material tend to collect on the floor with a depth of 6 to 12 inches.
- MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL IS TO PLAN AHEAD Work out your escape plan, routes and alternate routes in advance with each family member. Give everyone, children included explicit instructions. Agree on a common rendezvous point that is safe and easy to reach. Common examples would be a neighbor’s driveway or a Fire Hydrant. Finally, once a family member reaches the rendezvous point NO ONE LEAVES THE RENDEZVOUS POINT UNTIL ALL THE FAMILY HAS ARRIVED.