Plan to prevent fire deaths:

Choosing an Alarm:
Be sure that the smoke alarms you buy carry the label of an independent testing laboratory.
Some run on batteries, others on household current.  All listed smoke alarms, regardless of type, will offer adequate protection provided they are installed and maintained properly.

Every home should have at least one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

A smoke detector may be purchased at most retail stores for about $10.00 - $30.00

Where to install
Smoke detectors should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall near the bedrooms.  In a room with an angled ceiling, mount the detector near the ceiling's highest point.
Don't install a smoke detector too near a window, door, or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with the detector's operation.
Change the batteries in your smoke detector when you change the clocks.  Twice a year!

Installation
Most battery-powered smoke detectors and detectors that plug into wall outlets can be installed using only a drill and a screwdriver, by following the manufacture's instructions.  Never connect a smoke detector to a circuit that can be turned off from a wall switch.

Maintenance is Important Only a functioning smoke alarm can protect you. Never disable and alarm by "borrowing" its battery for another use. If your SMOKE DETECTOR doesn't work properly the silence could be DEADLY.
TEST your smoke detector at least once a month.  Push the test button or use smoke
CLEAN your detector at least once a month.  Dust with a vacuum cleaner.
REPLACE the battery each year.  Use the battery type listed on the detector.

Plan and Practice
Make sure everyone is familiar with the sound of the detector's alarm.
Plan escape routes.  Know at least two ways out of each room.  Agree on a meeting place outside your home where all residents will gather after they escape.  Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.
Remove obstructions from doors and windows needed for escape.
Make sure everyone in the household can unlock doors and windows quickly, even in the dark.  Windows or doors with security bars should be equipped with quick-release devices and everyone in the household should know how to use them.
When an alarm sounds, leave immediately.  Go directly to your meeting place and call the fire department from a neighbor's phone.


ONCE YOU'RE OUT, STAY OUT. 
NEVER RETURN TO A BURNING BUILDING


Know How To Escape
Your smoke detector will awaken you, but you may not be thinking clearly.  You should practice escaping before an emergency strikes.  Practice allows you to test your plan before a real emergency.  You may not be able to reach your children!  It is important that they know exactly what to do.

IF FIRE STRIKES

• Sound the alarm and call the fire department, no matter how small the fire appears to be.
• Leave the area quickly, closing doors as you go to contain fire and smoke.
• Heat and smoke rise, leaving cleaner air near the floor. If you must escape through an area with smoke, crawl low, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) above the floor.
• Test doors before you open them.  Kneeling or crouching at the door, reach up as high as you can and touch the door, the knob, and the space between the door and its frame with the back of your hand.  If the door is hot, use another escape route.  If the door is cool, open it slowly.
• Follow directions from fire and security personnel.  Once outside, move away from the building, out of the way of firefighters.  Remain outside until the fire department says you may go back in.

Finally...
Go to the safe place far enough away from the building in case of collapse or explosion and perform a head count of those who were in the building with you.

DO NOT GO BACK IN AND TRY TO FIND MISSING PERSONS


If you are not going to remain in the building, make sure your property is secure.  Ensure the police are notified of the building being unattended.  Lock or board up open windows and doors.