If a fire breaks out, bedroom doors should be closed to prevent flames from spreading. Always feel a door before opening it. If it is cool, brace yourself against it, turn your face away and open it slowly. Shut it immediately if any smoke or heat comes from the opening. Never open a door that is hot to your touch. Choose an alternate escape route.
Breaking Out
If it is necessary to break a window that won’t open, be sure all doors are closed. Open windows and doors cause flames to spread. Stand to the side of the window as you swing an object such as an unplugged floor lamp toward the glass. Remove all glass shards from the frame; place a thick cloth, blanket or towel over the frame and windowsill before your move through it.
If you can’t escape through a window for any reason, stand in it and wave a sheet or light colored article of clothing in the window. This draws attention. Firefighters look for people at windows of dwellings.
Jump from a window only as a last resort, especially if you are on an upper floor. If jumping is necessary, first hang by your hands from the windowsill, then let go. Bend your knees when landing to cushion the blow.
Get Rid of Clutter
Escape routes such as hallways, staircases, windows and doors should always be kept clear. Family members may need to negotiate them in the dark.
Fire Drills
Choose a meeting place outside your home and be certain that all family members are aware of what they should do once they’ve escaped from the home. Hold fire drills. Some drills should be held at night to ensure everyone knows what to do and will be able to act quickly if an emergency arises. Assign someone to help elderly family members and young children escape. If a fire does break out, never return to a burning house for pets or personal belongings.
Trapped
Firefighters are trained to rescue people who are trapped in burning buildings. If you find yourself trapped, try to get to a room that has a window. Stuff clothing, towels or bedding around doors and vents to stop gases and smoke from entering the room. Call the fire department if a phone is available. Open a window toward the top of the room to let smoke escape, if possible. Open a window that is low in the room in order to signal for help and access fresh air. If the smoke is rising from a lower floor, don’t open windows.