Have an escape route for each area of the home and a designated meeting place outside. When planning for a family with young children, be sure to teach them not to hide from fire or smoke and to go to firefighters who are there to help them. Multi-storied buildings are of special concern. Ensure that everyone is familiar with how to use an escape ladder if necessary. Make sure every sleeping room has two means of escape in the event of a fire.
Windows provide a secondary means of escape.
Ensure they are in proper working order, are not painted shut, and guards are able to be disengaged in case of fire and escape is necessary through that window. Make sure to practice your escape plan periodically. It will be easier to remember in case of an emergency. After you've planned for the family, don't forget the pets. Alert firefighters about your pets.