Call 911 right away if:
- There is fire or smoke, or a smoke alarm is sounding and you smell or see smoke — get out first, then call 911 from outside
- Someone has burns, is coughing hard, or has trouble breathing after being near smoke
A home fire can become deadly in just a few minutes. You may have very little time to get out.
If there is a fire
- Get out fast. Yell “Fire!” to warn others. Don’t stop to grab belongings.
- Crawl low under smoke. The air is cleaner near the floor.
- Feel doors before opening them. Use the back of your hand. If the door or handle is hot, use another way out.
- Close doors behind you to slow the fire.
- Go to your outside meeting spot and call 911 from there.
- Stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets, or things. Tell firefighters if anyone is still inside.
If you are trapped: Close the door, and put towels or clothing in the gaps to block smoke. Call 911 and tell them where you are. Signal from a window with a light or a bright cloth.
If your clothes catch fire: Stop, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll until the fire is out. Then cool any burns with water.
Smoke alarms
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
- Test them every month by pushing the test button.
- Replace alarms that are 10 years old or older.
- Alarms that are connected to each other (so when one sounds, they all sound) are best.
- Alarms with flashing lights or bed shakers are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Make an escape plan
- Know two ways out of every room, if possible.
- Pick an outside meeting spot, like a mailbox or a neighbor’s tree.
- Practice your plan with everyone in your home at least twice a year, including at night.
- Plan for anyone who needs help to get out, such as young children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Prevent fires
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling. If a pan catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner. Never use water on a grease fire.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from space heaters, fireplaces, and stoves. Turn space heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Never leave candles burning unattended. Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- Don’t overload outlets or run cords under rugs.
Only try to use a fire extinguisher on a small fire, if everyone else is getting out and you have a clear way out behind you. When in doubt, just get out.
See a doctor or go to urgent care if:
- You breathed in smoke and have a cough, hoarse voice, headache, or sore throat afterward, even if you feel OK at first