Planning escape routes, discussing what to do in case of a fire ahead of time will save precious seconds should the real thing ever occur. Going through what-if scenarios will not only help save time in case of fire, but will also make us aware of potential fire causing hazards and help prevent fires.

Here are a few suggestions on how to react should a fire break out in your home.

• If you smell smoke or your smoke detectors sound, get your family out immediately.  Call the fire department as soon as possible.
• Never reenter a burning house for any reason.  Leave fire fighting to the professionals.
• Never use water on electric, oil or grease fires.  Turn off the heat immediately and use a lid to smother the flames.
• If you can’t remove the fuel from a wood, paper or fabric fire, cut off its air by smothering the fire with a coat or heavy woolen blanket.  You can also cool the fire with water or a fire extinguisher.
• Even if a fire is confined to a frying pan or wastebasket, never spend more than 30 seconds fighting the fire.  Small fires can grow at a frightening speed.
• If someone’s clothes are on fire, douse the flames with water or use a heavy blanket to smother the fire.
• Check out retractable fire ladders for 2nd and 3rd story escape alternative