Health Tip: Create an Escape Plan at Home

It's important to create and practice a fire escape plan at home, and to teach it to every member of the family.

The U.S. Fire Administration offers these guidelines:

• Draw a diagram of your home, marking all doors and windows. Devise two escape routes from each room.
• Make sure all exits are clear of clutter.
• Keep your child's bedroom door closed to help keep smoke from overtaking the room.
• Talk to young children about firefighters, encouraging the children not to be afraid and explaining that firefighters will offer help in an emergency.
• Teach children how to crawl low on the floor if there is smoke. Kids should also learn to feel closed doors for heat before opening them.
• Designate a safe meeting place outside the home, and make sure children understand that they are never to go back inside.