1. Smoke is Thick and Dark - You have to learn how to escape your home in the dark. Smoke is so thick and dark it blocks out all the light.
2. The Heat is Intense - At knee height, the temperature in a fire may be about 90 degrees. At shoulder height, a burning fire can be as hot as 690 degrees. When escaping, always stay as close to the floor as possible in a crawling position.
3. Prearrange a Meeting Place - It should be a spot that is easy to reach like a lamppost, neighbor's driveway or fire hydrant. The spot should be a safe distance away. Everyone has to know to meet up there.
4. Gather those who need help getting out - Gather children and any disabled persons that are in your home and get out. Don't waste time calling the fire department. You can do that from a neighbors house. Just get out quickly!
5. Material Objects Can Be Replaced - Never go back into a burning home to get a materal object. The only thing worth risking your life for is another life. When leaving a room, if possible shut the door to slow the spread of the fire.
6. Do Not Try to Fight the Fire - Let the firefighters do their job. Just get of the way of danger.
*Information taken from First Alert Professional's Fire Safety Booklet
Image above borrowed from the Washington Township Fire Department