• Each level of the house should have a smoke alarm. Test the batteries monthly and change them twice a year, preferable when time changes for Daylight Savings Time.
• Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street so that emergency services can see it easily.
• Try to have two or more exits from every room. Windows should open easily.
• Have a fire escape ladder in a two-story house.
• Do not store gas, propane or other flammable liquids in dwellings, including attached garages.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly.
• Keep fire extinguishers and chimney flares handy and know how to use them.
• Have a fire escape plan and stage drills to practice it. Have a designated meeting place when you get outside of the house so that you can account for everyone. This keeps firemen or others from needlessly entering a structure to look for victims who aren't in any danger.
• Sleep with bedroom doors closed to help keep smoke and fire from spreading.
• If a smoke alarm goes off, roll out of bed and stay close to the floor.
• Crawl to the door and see if it is warm to the touch. If it is warm escape through a window.
• If your clothing catches fire, DO NOT RUN! Stop, drop and roll! Cover your face with your hands. Use a blanket or a heavy coat to smother fire on another person's clothes.
• Once outside, stay outside! Do not go back inside for anything, including pets. They usually find their own way out.
• Make sure your children are familiar with fire safety and their escape routes in the event of an emergency.

Fire Facts - The Winter Months:
Source: United States Fire Administration

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