08/22/2026
HOUSE FIRE — KNOW WHAT TO DO BEFORE IT HAPPENS
A house fire can go from a small flame to a life-threatening situation in just minutes. When smoke fills your home, there may be little time to think — which is why having a plan before an emergency matters.
A few simple things can save your life:
🔥 GET OUT FAST. Modern homes and furnishings can allow fire to spread incredibly quickly.
⬇️ STAY LOW. Smoke and toxic gases can quickly fill a room from the ceiling down. Crawl low beneath the smoke when escaping.
🚪 CHECK DOORS BEFORE OPENING THEM. If a door is hot or smoke is coming through the cracks, don’t open it. Use your second way out.
🪟 KNOW TWO WAYS OUT. Make sure bedroom windows actually open and everyone in your home knows how to use them as an escape route.
🚪 CLOSE BEFORE YOU DOZE. A closed bedroom door can dramatically slow the spread of heat, smoke and fire.
🆘 IF YOU’RE TRAPPED: Close the door between you and the fire, get to a window and make yourself visible to firefighters.
📍 HAVE A MEETING PLACE. Pick a permanent location outside — a mailbox, light pole or neighbour’s property — where everyone meets.
❌ ONCE YOU’RE OUT, STAY OUT. Never go back inside for another person, a pet or belongings. Tell arriving firefighters immediately if someone may still be inside.
And most importantly, make sure your home has working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas. Test them regularly.
You may only have minutes to escape.
Have a plan. Practise it with your family. Know two ways out. Get out and stay out.
