How to Escape From a Burning Building

Prepare for the possibility of a fire. Check fire alarms annually. Plan two escape routes from each room in the building: the door you normally use and an additional door or window.

Examine your escape route for obstacles. If your building contains security bars, the bars must be fitted with a quick release latch, requiring no tools to operate.

Crawl to the exit to prevent deadly smoke inhalation.

Touch all doors before opening them on your escape route. If a door feels hot, take an alternate route if it's available. If the hot door is your only means of escape, open it a crack and prepare to shut it if you face flames.

Include a fire escape plan for infants and young children too. If using a window exit, lower children before you lower yourself. You must emphasize to older children they should exit the building rather than hide in the closet or under the bed.

Establish a meeting place outside the building. This is especially important in home fires. You must not re-enter a burning building under any circumstances. Making special plans for those who need help exiting the building reduces the temptation to return inside to search for others.

Resist the urge to use an elevator to exit a multi-story building. The elevator could stop at the floor on fire, or could stall between floors. Familiarize yourself with the hallways, exits and lobby of the building so you can crawl to the nearest exit in the dark.