Winter Increases The Chances of Fire

Each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States. But unlike other disasters, home fires can be prevented! It's important to know this: Fire is fast! There is no time to gather anything or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire could kill you. In five minutes, a house could be swallowed in flames.

Fire is hot! Heat and smoke could be even more dangerous than the flames. Breathing in really hot air could burn your lungs, and fire produces poisonous gases that can make you sleepy and unable to escape. Fire is dark! It can be hard to find your way out of your house in a fire. Fire is deadly! Fire uses up oxygen you need to breathe and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill.

Before

Create a fire escape plan and practice it twice a year

Have smoke alarms in every bedroom and every floor of the house.
Remind your parents to test the smoke alarms in your house every month.
Find two ways to get out of each room. A window might be a second way if the door is blocked by fire or smoke.
Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Sleep with your door closed. It helps prevent fires from spreading quickly.

During

Get low and go! Crawl under smoke to an exit. Heavy smoke and deadly gases collect along the ceiling.
If you hear a smoke alarm, get out fast! You may only have a few seconds to escape.
If smoke is blocking the door, use your second way out of the room or house.
Feel the doorknob and door before opening it. If either is hot, leave the door closed and use the second way out.
If you see smoke coming around the door, use the second way out.
If you do open a door, open it slowly and be ready to shut it quick if there’s smoke.
Don’t hide from firefighters! They may look scary with all of their equipment, but they are there to help you.
Tell firefighters if there are any pets trapped in the house. Don’t try to get them yourself!
If your clothes catch on fire, stop-drop-and roll! Stop, drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands. Then roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.