Home and city
Building fire
You may have only 2 minutes to get out. Smoke kills more than fire.
Do this nowTap each step when done
- 1Shout "Fire!" and wake everyone.
- 2Touch the door with the back of your hand. Hot? Leave through the window.
- 3Cool? Open it slowly. If smoke comes in, close it and use the window.
- 4Stay low. Crawl if there's smoke.
- 5Close the doors behind you.
- 6Go to the meeting point and call 911 from there.
- 7If your clothes catch fire: stop, drop to the floor, and roll.
Don't
- Don't go back for anything or anyone, not even for pets.
- Don't fight a fire bigger than a trash can.
- Don't throw water on a grease fire: smother it.
- Don't remove the battery from the detector.
Have ready
- Detectors tested every month.
- ABC extinguisher in the kitchen.
- Flashlight and shoes next to every bed.
- Windows that open fully, with no furniture in front.
Key factOne person grabs each pet, only if it's within reach. Tell the firefighters where it might be.
More detail
Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 9 · Urban survival
