Leave immediately
Get everyone moving toward a safe exit. If smoke is present, stay low as you move. If a door feels hot, do not open it; use your second exit.
Know the steps. Protect the people.
Fire safety, made clear.
The right action matters most. Use this guide to prepare your household, recognize risks, and respond when a smoke alarm sounds.
BE READY
BE SAFE
BE SAFE
Step one: your life comes first
If you discover a fire or hear a smoke alarm
Do not investigate a possible fire or stop to collect possessions. Take your practiced exit route and leave.
Close doors behind you if you can
Closing a door while leaving can slow the spread of smoke and fire. Do not delay your escape to close doors.
Get outside, stay outside
Go straight to your family meeting spot. Do not go back for anything or anyone, including pets. Tell emergency responders if someone may still be inside.
Call 911 from safety
In the United States, call 911 when you are safely outside. Give the address, explain that there is a fire, and follow the dispatcher's instructions.
Can't get out safely?
Do not open a hot door or enter a blocked route. Put closed doors between you and the fire, call 911 if possible, say exactly where you are, and signal for help from a window. Follow the dispatcher's directions.
Step two: make a plan before you need it
Three ways to prepare today
Keep smoke alarms ready
Install smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, including the basement. Test them monthly and replace alarms at 10 years or as the manufacturer directs.
Know two ways out
Draw your home and identify two safe exits from each room, where possible. Make sure doors and windows can open and escape routes are clear.
Practice with everyone
Choose a safe outside meeting spot. Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year, including who will help younger children or people who need assistance.
Everyday prevention
Small habits help prevent big fires.
Adults should handle equipment, maintenance, and anything involving heat or electricity.
Cooking
Stay with food on the stove. Keep towels and paper away from burners. Turn pot handles inward and keep young children three feet away.
Warning: Never pour water on a grease fire. If a fire grows or you are unsure what to do, leave, close the door if possible, and call 911.
Heaters and fireplaces
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment. Adults should follow the manufacturer's placement and supervision instructions.
Electrical items
Replace damaged cords. Do not overload outlets or power strips. Have a qualified electrician inspect unusual heat, sparks, or recurring electrical faults.
Matches, lighters & candles
Keep matches and lighters locked away from children. Choose flameless candles when possible, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
Clear exits
Keep stairs, hallways, doors, and windows free of obstacles. Make sure everyone can open the exits they may need in an emergency.
People who need help
Plan how to assist young children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Consider accessible alerting devices for anyone who may not hear an alarm.
Special situations
Know what changes with the situation.
What if my clothes catch fire?
Stop moving. Drop to the ground. Cover your face with your hands and roll back and forth until the flames are out. This rule is only for fire on clothing, not for escaping a building fire.
What if I live in an apartment or high-rise?
Follow your building's fire safety and evacuation plan. Know the exit stairs. In a fire, use the stairs rather than the elevator unless emergency officials direct otherwise. If smoke or fire blocks an exit, follow the building's safety plan and call 911 with your location.
What if I have pets?
Include pets in your family planning, but never go back into a burning building to rescue a pet. Once outside, tell arriving firefighters if a pet may be inside.
What if a child cannot escape alone?
Plan in advance which adult will help babies, young children, and anyone who needs assistance. Practice the plan together so everyone knows their role. Do not depend on a child to rescue another person.
What if the alarm turns out to be a false alarm?
Treat a sounding alarm as real until it is safe to determine otherwise. Adults should investigate frequent nuisance alarms, maintenance issues, and equipment problems after everyone is safe. Never disable or remove batteries from a smoke alarm to stop unwanted alerts.
Step three: recovery and care
After a fire, people matter more than belongings.
Stay away from damaged structures until emergency officials tell you it is safe. Tell responders about anyone missing, injured, or needing help.
Recovering from a fire can take time. Asking trusted family members, neighbors, local officials, or the Red Cross for help is a strong step forward.
Find trusted organizations and resourcesOur goal isn't to make children afraid of fire. It's to help them feel prepared, supported, and ready to find safety.