Residential Fire Safety

• Fires and burns kill hundreds of children each year and permanently scar thousands more.
• Yet more fire victims die from smoke than flames.
• Smoke can overwhelm a child or adult in minutes.

• How would you get out of your home in case of fire?
• How about your children?
• How would they escape from a second or third floor?

Plan fire escape routes and practice them.

• Draw a simple picture of your home.
• Plan two ways to get out of every room.
• Agree on an outside meeting place.
• Decide who'll take charge of each child.
• Discuss the plan with your family.
• Practice escapes at night. That's when most deadly fire occur

NOTE: Show children who live in high-rise buildings the shortest route to a safe exit. Warn them not to use the elevator.

Protect your family:

• Install smoke detectors outside all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
• Test them monthly following manufacturers' instructions.
• Change batteries at least once a year - even if they are still working.
• Caution: Never remove batteries for use in toys, a flashlight, or radio.

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