A safe escape is only a simple plan away. Before a fire starts, every household should develop a home fire escape plan, taking into consideration the following points:

• Make sure everyone knows two ways out of each room, if possible.
• Check that all exits are unobstructed and easy to use.
• Determine who will be responsible for helping young children, older adults or anyone else that may need assistance.
• Choose a meeting place outside, such as a tree or a lamppost, where everyone can gather and where it can be determined if everyone has gotten out safely.
• Practise the home fire escape plan with everyone in the home.
• If caught in smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the nearest safe exit.
• Call the fire department from outside the home, using a cell phone or from a neighbour’s home.
• Once out, stay out. Never re-enter a burning building.