When planning a home fire escape plan, draw a floor plan of your home and include all windows, doors, halls, stairs and bedrooms. Make sure all rooms, especially bedrooms, have at least two exits. Draw dark arrows on your plan to indicate normal exits. Mark emergency escape routes with lighter arrows, these alternative exits are to be used when normal exits are blocked. Test your escape route, make sure windows can be opened easily, and that screens and storm windows can be removed from the inside. If your bedrooms are on the second floor, provide folding escape ladders to safely get to the ground level. To account for everyone's safety, select and list on your plan a definite meeting place outside the house. Please do not waste time gathering valuables or getting dressed, every second counts and your safety is paramount. Assign someone to assist infants, elderly, and handicapped family members. Be prepared to call the fire department from a neighbor’s house by dialing 9-1-1. Give the 9-1-1 operator your name, address, phone number, and type of emergency. Wait to answer any questions before terminating the call. Remember, practice is the only way this plan is learned and becomes second nature during an emergency. If you need assistance in developing a home fire escape plan, call the Fire Department at 281.403.4300.