News You Can Use: How to Survive a Fire

Feb. 17, 2007 — -- Nobody expects it to happen to them, but they should. Of all the disasters that can strike a home, fire is the most common.

Although smoke detectors are now common, fire damages or destroys hundreds of thousands of homes each year.

Fires account for more than 90 percent of American Red Cross disaster responses.

"Nobody is immune to a home fire," Red Cross preparedness and response spokesperson Tara Lynch says.

But she says there are things you can do to help keep your family safe. The Red Cross advice boils down to three principles: Get a kit, make a plan, and be informed.

Every home should have smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher and an evacuation kit.

Smoke detectors should be placed outside of every sleeping area and on every floor.

Your local fire station will train you on how to use a fire extinguisher.

The evacuation kit should include a flashlight, IDs, driver's licenses and insurance papers, plus essential medication, and even leashes and pet supplies.

Families should gather to make a fire escape plan and practice that plan at least twice a year.

People in multi-story homes will need a fire ladder.

Families should also designate a place to meet after evacuation.

Even though it can be scary for children and hard for parents to consider the possibility of a fire, proper planning can make an enormous difference in the event of an emergency.

Home fires are more likely to start in a kitchen than in any other room.

Never leave a stove unattended, and be particularly careful with space heaters.