Reach up with the back of your hand to touch the door, the door handle, and the space between the door and frame. If any of these feel hot, use your alternate exit. If everything feels cool, brace your shoulder against the door and open it carefully. Be ready to slam it shut if heat or smoke rush in. As you leave, close all doors behind you.
Closed doors slow down the spread of fire and smoke.
To get out of the house immediately when they hear the sound of the smoke alarm. In an apartment, your children need to know which stairways will get them out of the building. Tell your children never to take the elevator during a fire. Decide on a planned meeting area outside the home as part of your home fire escape plan. Teach your children the Fire Department phone number.