• Get your family together and draw a floor plan of your home. Mark all windows and doors.
• Plan two ways out of each bedroom. The first way out should be the door, and the second way out could be a window.
• Make sure windows can be opened easily. In a two-story building, plan your escape through a window onto a roof or porch. If you must use an escape ladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it. Children should practice this with an adult present.
• Choose a meeting place for all family members outside the home and mark it on the floor plan. A good meeting place would be a tree, telephone pole, or a neighbor’s home.
• Make sure everyone understands the planned escape routes.
• Install smoke detectors outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of the home. Sleep with bedroom doors closed, but insure that the smoke detectors being used are loud enough to be heard through closed doors. If not, replace them with ones that are, or consider installing one inside each bed room. Test smoke detectors monthly.
• Practice your escape plan. Remember, if you see smoke on your way out use your second exit. If you must escape through smoke, crawl low under it where the air is cleaner. Have family members practice using their second way out as well as their primary route.
• If you live in an apartment, use the stairs – never use an elevator in case of a fire. The elevator could take you to the floor where the fire is burning. If fire blocks your exit, close your apartment door and cover all cracks where smoke could enter. Telephone 911, even if fire fighters are already at the building, and tell them where you are. Wave a sheet, or towel from the window to help fire fighters find you.

For further information and fire prevention tips go to our  Safety Page, or please phone the Yonkers Fire Prevention Division for assistance.

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