How to Escape Safely
Shout for help!
Shout for help. If a fire starts in your home or you hear a smoke alarm, yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. Smoke alarms go off because there is enough smoke and toxic gas to cause harm. Yell to let people know the emergency is real, and they should get out. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs.
Crawling Low
If you must escape through smoke, crawl low, under the smoke, to escape. Fires produce many poisonous gases. Some are heavy and will sink low to the floor; others will rise, carrying soot towards the ceiling. Crawling with your head at a level of one to two feet above the ground will temporarily provide the best air. Close doors behind you.
Feel the door
It is a natural tendency to automatically open a door, but fire may be right outside. Feeling the door will warn you of possible danger. The back of your hand is more sensitive to heat than the palm or fingers. If you are escaping through a closed door, feel the door, cracks, and doorknob with the back of your hand before opening the door. If it is cool and there is no smoke at the bottom or top, open the door slowly.
Second Way Out
If you see smoke or fire beyond the door, close it and use your second way out. If the door is at all warm, use your second way out.If your escape route is filled with smoke, use your second way out. It is very hard to find your way through thick, heavy smoke. Using your second way out will provide a safer alternative.
After you are safely outside
Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1. Never, under any circumstances, return to a burning building.
After you have escaped safely, go to a safe place or your home fire safety plan's outside meeting place and dial 9-1-1. Be sure that your children know their address so that they can better direct emergency personnel to the fire scene.