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Taking the right steps before a fire and during one can save your life and help keep property damage to a minimum. Fire Safety Pointers Home Safety: •    Each sleeping area should have a smoke alarm just outside of it as well as each additional area of your home. •    If doors must be shut in order for family members to sleep then make sure you have installed smoke detectors within the room as well. •    Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month and batteries need to be replaced at least twice a year. •    Make sure your smoke alarms are clear from dust and spider webs •    New smoke alarms should be purchased every ten years as smoke alarms become less sensitive over time. •    Have at least one working fire extinguisher in your house and equip everyone in the household with the knowledge on how to use it. The Plan: •    Think about the possibility of having an automatic fire sprinkler installed in your home; they are cheaper than you might believe and can help save all you have invested. •    Have escape routes pre-planned and always have a backup escape plan for every room in your home. •    Do not forget to provide escape ladders for second and third floor dwellings. •    Have an agreed location that all members of the family know to meet at after escaping. •    Make sure your plan is practiced and thought through, and maintain your plan with any shifts of rooms or household dynamic. When a Fire Occurs: Call 911 immediately! Get everyone awake and out of the house! •    The fire may be contained and personally manageable.  In order for a fire to be personally manageable you should have a fire extinguisher nearby and have knowledge of how to use it.  If you determine that the fire is contained then you may make an attempt to put out the fire.  If you notice that the fire is neither electrical or chemical then you may choose to use water to put it out. •    NEVER ATTEMPT TO PUT OUT A FIRE THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL.  IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION ABOUT YOUR ABILITY TO CONTROL THE FIRE, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. •    Oil and grease fires can be subdued by smothering them with either salt or baking soda, or merely placing a lid over the pan. •    If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll until the fire is extinguished. Running only makes the fire burn faster. •    If you sleep with your door closed and wake up to a fire alarm; always check the doorknob with the back side of your hand BEFORE YOU OPEN IT.  If it is cool you need to leave immediately and close the door behind you.  If it is hot utilize your other escape route. •    During a fire NEVER USE THE ELEVATORS if you are in a building. •    Always be prepared to crawl in a fire emergency as smoke and heat do rise it leaves the area close to the floor clearer and cooler. •    If all exits from your room are blocked then signal for help using some sort of bright-colored fabric by waving it at or near your window.  If there is a phone nearby do not forget to call for 911 and let them know you are still in the house and where you are located. After the fire: •    Only allow trained medical professionals to examine and treat injuries. •    Always remain calm because you may begin to take charge of other people and you need to be receptive to what firemen and EMTs will be telling you.  Do not be frantic, as frantic people are difficult to understand and do not fully explain themselves thus making an urgent situation even worse. •    Before you re-enter your home check with the fire department and make sure it is okay.  Never remove any tape that has been placed over windows or doors until your local authorities have told you to do so. For Additional Information: •    Plano Fire Dept.