Practice makes the plan a real lifesaver. Hold organized family fire drills at least twice annually, and more often if there are elderly people or children in your home. An integral element of an escape plan is a preset designated meeting place where everyone should gather once safely outside. And once everyone is out, stay out until help arrives. Children are particularly vulnerable to home fires.
Many children believe that they can hide from fire.
Teach them that they can't hide and that smoke is equally dangerous. Not so well known is the technique used to avoid smoke inhalation. Finally, designate someone to call the fire department using a cell phone or a neighbor's phone. For more information on fire safety, contact your local fire department. Appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jan. 7, 2001.