Ahome fire escape plan is essential because when a fire breaks out, every second counts. Remember, a fire can turn life-threatening in 30 seconds. And the majority of fires break out late at night or early in the morning when everyone is asleep, so your family needs to know what to do before an emergency happens. Before the worst happens, make sure everyone in your family knows how to get out and that there’s nothing to stop that from happening.

1. Learn to Get Out of Bed

During a fire, it’s best not to jump up the way you usually do. Instead, when the fire alarm goes off, roll out of bed and crawl to the escape route.

2. Stay Low 

At eye level, air temperatures can reach 315 degrees C or hotter, which can scorch your lungs and melt your clothing. The air near the floor can be as comparatively cooler — hot but survivable. The air will also be less smokey near the floor. Crawl as low as you can on the floor to stay away from smoke. If your escape route involves going downstairs, don’t get up. Slide down the stairs on your belly or go down on your hands and knees.

3. Learn to Touch Doors Safely

Touch the door with the back of your hand or lightly touch the doorknob. If the door feels cool, use your body as a brace and open the door slightly, just enough to check for smoke. If there is no smoke, exit the room and follow your home’s escape route. If there’s smoke or fire in the hallway, close the door and leave the room through another door or window.

4. Practice Closing the Door Behind You

As you exit your home, close every door behind you. That can help slow the progression of the fire.

5. Help Others 

If you have infants, people with mobility challenges, or older adults living in your home, assign someone in your family to help them get out of the house. If they can’t get to them because of the fire, they should exit the house and immediately inform firefighters. Staying only adds more risk for rescuers when they have two people to save rather than one.

6. Make Sure Everyone Knows 999

Everyone in your family should know how to dial 999. 999 is an official emergency telephone number in Malaysia that allows the caller to contact emergency services for urgent assistance

7. Never Go Back Inside. 

Ensure everyone in your family knows they should never — under any circumstances — go back into a burning building. If someone in your household is missing, inform firefighters as soon as they arrive. They have the tools and skills to perform rescues.