Make a Plan Map out a floor plan of your home-mark all windows and doors. Make sure your home has large address numbers on the front so that the fire department can see and read easily. Practice your drill at least twice a year. If smoke or fire blocks your exit, use the second exit to escape. If you must escape through smoke, stay low and crawl under the smoke to safety.
Smoke rises to the ceiling, leaving cooler, cleaner air closest to the floor.
Escape Make sure escape doors and windows can be easily opened from the inside. In a two-story home, plan your escape through a window onto an adjacent roof or porch. If you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to secure it on a window sill. If you are unable to leave, close your apartment door and cover all cracks where smoke could enter. To cover cracks, use wet towels, duct tape, linens, clothing, etc.