FIRE
FACTS FOR YOU
FIRE ESCAPE PLANNING
Most fatal home fires occur between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Having an escape plan can save your life. Make sure:
Þ
Your family has drawn
out a fire escape plan for your home showing two ways out of each room, and the
family meeting place. Practice your escape plan.
Þ
Everyone sleeps with
their doors shut. This provides
initial protection from the heat and toxic smoke generated by a fire elsewhere
in the home.
Þ
If the smoke alarm
sounds, roll out of bed and crawl low in case smoke and toxic gases are
present. Make sure the main exit
is clear before you try to get out.
If it is not, proceed to your secondary exit.
Þ
Once you’re out,
stay out! Go to your
pre-determined family meeting place.
Þ
Call 911 to report the
fire from a safe location. Stay on
the phone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up. Remember that you can dial 911 free of charge from any pay
phone.
Þ
If you do become
trapped, stay calm. Place blankets
or clothing under the door to keep the smoke out. If you have a phone, call 911 to tell them your
situation. Hang a blanket or sheet
from the window, or yell and wave a flashlight, to let the firefighters know
exactly where you are. If
necessary, open the window several inches to let in fresh air.
For
more information, or to schedule a fire safety presentation, contact the
Madison Fire Department at 266-4420.