How To Survive A Fire

• If a grease fire occurs while you are cooking, do not throw water on it. Water splatters the grease and the flames. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher or cover the fire with the pan lid.
• Before opening a door, make sure there's not fire on the other side. Check the closed door for heat. If everything feels cool, brace your shoulder against the door and open it carefully. Slam it shut if heat or smoke rushes in.
• Close all doors behind you. This can slow the spread of fire and smoke.
• Crawl low under smoke. If you encounter smoke, use an alternate escape route. If you must exit through smoke, the cleanest air will be several inches off the floor. Crawl on your hands and knees to the nearest safe exit.
• Once you are outside, do not go back into the house. Go to your family's central meeting place, then have someone use a neighbor's phone to call the fire department.
• If you are trapped, close doors between you and the fire. Stuff the cracks around doors and cover vents. Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or by waving a piece of light-colored cloth. If possible, call the fire department and tell them exactly where you are.
• Everyone in your family should know the "Stop, Drop and Roll" rule. If your clothes catch fire, don't run! Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands to protect your face and lungs, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
• If you see someone on fire, quickly cover them with a blanket to smother the flames.