West Virginia Fire Safety Resource
e-Guide
e-Guide Index - Home Escape Planning
Have a Family Escape Plan > Know When to Go > After a Fire
Know When to Go - Surviving a fire
Immediately leave the building when you hear the smoke alarm.
A small fire can become dangerous in 30 seconds. A home fire can become a killer fire in 3 minutes.
Never Open Doors That Are Hot To The Touch
When you come to a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame to make sure that fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your secondary escape route.
Even if the door feels cool, open it carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route.
Close doors on your way out
By closing doors on your way out you are helping to slow down the spread of the fire.
Leave immediately - once out, stay out!
Remember to escape first, then notify the fire department using the 911 system or proper local emergency number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for any reason.
Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They are equipped to perform rescues safely.
Practice your plan so everyone in the family knows what to do in case of fire.
If you have young children, are elderly, or have a disability that could slow you down, are you prepared to identify an exit, open the door or window and get out in less than 2 minutes from when you hear the smoke alarm?
By practicing your escape, you can make every second count.
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