Take a minute to plan your fire escape

In a fire, confusion reigns. Smoke makes it hard to see or breathe. Your only chance to survive a house fire is not to delay a second and get outside.

Everyone should know that fire is a life-threatening emergency. It can happen to anyone; in fact, it happens to about one in 3,000 households.

• Every family member should know what a smoke alarm sounds like.
• Everyone should know that a chirping smoke alarm means a battery should be replaced.
• Every person should know two escape routes from every room.
• Get out immediately, and don’t go back in.
• Sleep with bedroom doors closed to stop fires.
• There should be a family meeting place away from the house at a permanent location, such as a neighbor’s house.
• As a practical precaution, everyone in the household should always have a powered-up phone and know how to call 911.
• Leave doors open for pets to escape.
• Check your windows regularly to make sure they open easily.