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Media stories can save lives! A news story about a residential fire provides a valuable opportunity to give your community a safety message during a teachable moment. Drop in these prevention tips and facts, and you just might save a life.

All U.S. homes should have working smoke alarms.

Fires can be prevented. A few easy steps can save your life!

• Learn the sound of your building's smoke alarm.
• Practice your building's escape plan with your family.
• If windows or doors have security bars, know how to open them. Security bars should have quick-release latches that don't require keys.
• Never lock or prop open fire exits or stairway doors.
• Report any signs of damaged or non-working smoke alarms to your building manager.
• If you smell smoke or see fire, call the fire department right away. Do not assume someone else has called.
• Never use an elevator during a fire.
• Before you leave your apartment during a fire, feel the door with the back of your hand. If it's warm, don't open the door.
• Close all doors behind you as you leave the building.
• If you come across flames or smoke on your way out of the building, turn back to your apartment.

If You Cannot Escape

• To keep smoke out, cover vents and stuff cracks around the door with towels, bedding, or tape.
• Call the fire department to tell them where you are.
• Wait at a window and signal for help with a sheet or flashlight.
• If you can, open the window slightly, but don't break it. Close the window if smoke starts to come in.
• Do not try to escape through a window higher than the second floor.

High-Rise Home Fire Facts

• Three-quarters of highrise fires are in residential buildings.
• The leading cause of highrise fires is cooking.
• High-rise fires cause more injuries than fires in other structures.
• By design, high-rise buildings have fewer exits, making escape more difficult.