An escape plan should be created and discussed with each member of the family. This is particularly important if there are children in the family. If the smoke alarm goes off, stop and pause and assess the situation before acting. It is VERY important to emphasize to the child that they should not be scared and hide. If they smell smoke, or there is heavy smoke in the room drop to the floor.
Smoke is hot and rises, so it is less dense along the floor.
If they are in a room with a closed door, teach them to feel the door before opening it. Seek another way out of the room. Do not go back into a burning house to rescue toys or pets. If you have a two-story home, fire escape ladders should be made available in each upstairs bedroom, and everyone in the household should know how to operate them. Plan several mock fire drills each year to practice your evacuation techniques.