Many house fires can be prevented. The majority of fatal house fires strike at night, while people are asleep. Smoke detectors wake people up before smoke overcomes them. Be sure every level in your home is equipped with at least one smoke detector.

In case fire does start, everyone in your home should know how to escape. Plan two exits from every room of your home. The more escape routes you have, the better. Plan to have one place outside where all members of your family will meet after escaping. Once out, stay out! Call the fire department from a neighbor's house.

Practice your escape routes at least once every six months. The more times children practice a fire drill, the better chance they will react correctly to a real fire. Make the drill as realistic as possible. If you have a home with a second level, be sure to have fire escape ladders in place to evacuate from the second story.

Call 9-1-1

• Stay calm!
• Answer all questions asked by the dispatcher as thoroughly as possible.
• Follow all instructions given to you by the dispatcher.
• Do not hang up the phone until told to do so by the dispatcher.
• Keep your address and phone number posted on or near your telephone. This is especially important when you have out-of-town guests or a babysitter.