Fire: Safety Rules

Rules of Survival in a fire

Burning House Graphic

Most fire victims die from inhaling smoke and poisonous gases, not from burns. If you know how to recognize danger signs and how to act appropriately, you will increase your chances of getting safely out of a burning building.

  1. Sleep with the bedroom door closed if possible. The door protects you from heat and smoke and slows the fire's progress.
  2. In the event of fire, if you hear the smoke alarm, smell smoke, or wake to a smoke filled room:
    • Shout "Fire! Everyone out!" to alert others and/or awaken anyone still asleep
    • Don't stop to dress or search for valuables
  3. Never open a door without feeling it with the back of your hand to see if it is warm
    • If it's hot, use a different door if possible. A warm door may mean there is a fire on the other side.
    • Even if the door is cool, open it slowly, then crawl out of the building
    • If heat and smoke come in when you open the door, close it tightly, and find another way out
    • If you use a window for your escape, be sure the door is tightly closed or the draft from the open window may draw smoke and fire into the room
  4. Stay low and crawl below the smoke to safety. Smoke rises with the warm air and the air about 1.5 feet off the floor will be the most smoke-free. Do not crawl on your stomach because heavier toxic gases may settle in a thin layer on the floor.
  5. Close all doors behind you as you leave to slow the progress of the fire
  6. If you are unable to escape from a room because of a fire on the other side of the door, stuff clothing, towels, or blankets at the base of the door to keep the smoke out. Remember more people die of smoke inhalation than burns. Call or signal for help if possible.
  7. STOP, DROP and ROLL if your hair or clothing catch on fire
    • STOP where you are
    • DROP to the ground while covering your face with your hands to protect it
    • ROLL over and over to smother the flames
    • Get medical attention as soon as possible
  8. Do not go back into a burning structure for any reason. Go to your meeting place, planned in advance, outside the home. Family members may have already escaped and you risk death by fire or smoke inhalation.
  9. Call 911 from the safe meeting place