If you must use an escape ladder from some rooms, be sure that everyone knows how to use it. Select a safe location outside your home where everyone would meet after escaping. Practice a low-crawl escape with children from their bedrooms. Try it with your eyes closed to demonstrate what it would be like in thick smoke. Conduct a home fire drill at least twice a year using a smoke detector signal to start the drill.
Fire drills are especially important for children between the ages of two and twelve.
Arrange to take your children to the local fire station where they can see a firefighter dressed in a mask, boots and heavy equipment. Young children are often afraid of firefighters in full regalia and may even hide from them in a fire. Teach your children that firefighters can help them in a fire. If you see smoke in your first escape route, use a pre-planned second way out. If you must exit through smoke, crawl close to the ground, under the smoke to escape.