The first hour
- Get out, stay out, call 911 from outside.
- Crawl low under smoke.
- Feel doors with the back of your hand before opening. If hot, use your second way out.
- If your clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop and Roll.
- Go to your meeting spot outside, and never go back in for anything.
The first day
- Get help from the Red Cross if you can't go home.
- Don't go back in until firefighters say it's safe.
- Call your insurance company.
The first week and beyond
- Toss food, medicine and cosmetics exposed to heat, smoke or soot.
- Ask the fire department for a copy of the fire report.
- Replace smoke alarms and IDs.
Get ready now: checklist
Your checks save on this phone.
Common mistakes
- Taking out alarm batteries for cooking smoke.
- Going back inside for pets or things.
- Hiding under beds or in closets (kids).
Keeping kids calm
- Teach kids: never hide, always get out.
- Let kids push the alarm test button so they know the sound.
- Practice at night too; some kids sleep through alarms.
Gear that helps
- Smoke alarms (10-year battery): my pick, First Alert SCO5CN Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarm
- Fire extinguisher (ABC): my pick, First Alert HOME1 Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher, 1-A:10-B:C
- Escape ladder for upper floors
- Fire blanket
- Fireproof document box: my pick, ENGPOW Waterproof & Fireproof Document Bag, Two Pockets
- Flashlight by bed: my pick, GearLight S1000 Rechargeable LED Flashlight, 2 Pack
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