Does your family have a plan for what to do in case of a fire emergency? A prepared and drawn out fire drill plan that is put into practice a few times a year will keep your family safe rather than sorry.

First, work together as a family and locate two ways out of each room, even if one of the exit routes is out of a window. Draw a map and mark where all of the doors and window are, mark where the smoke alarms are located and mark a place where everyone will meet outside. Next to every phone, place emergency contact numbers so that your children have an easier time remembering 9-1-1, the home phone number and street address. All of your smoke alarms should be working properly and checked frequently.

Next, walk through your fire drill evacuation plan with every member of your family by following these steps:

• When the smoke alarm goes off crawl on the floor over to the closest door. Feel around the door a lightly touch the doorknob to feel for heat. If everything feels cool, evacuate the house and meet at the marked meeting place. If anything feels warm, escape through the secondary exit route.
• Remind your children that smoke rises and that it is safer to crawl low to the floor because the air will be cleaner and easier to breathe.
• Close all the doors behind you to prevent the fire from spreading further.
• Once outside, pretend to call 9-1-1.
• Talk about the drill and ask your children if they have any questions.
• Place your fire drill escape plan on your refrigerator.

And remember, practice makes perfect!