Patiseann Misiti: Everyone can get out of a fire safely if you know what to do when you hear the sound of the smoke alarm. First, make a plan. Draw a floor plan of your home with your family, and make sure you know two ways out of every room. Then, pick a meeting place somewhere away from the house where everyone knows to meet if there is a fire. Make sure your meeting place is somewhere away from the house, like a neighbor's house, or a store across the street. Having a plan for fire drills in your home is important, but practicing it is the most important. Remember, a fire drill is not a race. Leave quickly, but don't run. Make sure that everyone including children can reach, unlock, and open all windows.

If your windows have security bars, make sure they're equipped with the quick release device. There are some ways to prepare for fire if you and your family live in an apartment building. First, make sure to familiarize yourselves with your building's emergency plan. Next, make sure you understand where all the emergency exits, and fire alarms are located. When you hear the sound of a fire alarm, exit the building as quickly as possible. Remember to always take the stairs in a fire, never take the elevator. Once you've safely exited your home or building after a fire, go to the nearest phone, and call 911. Get out, and stay out. Never go back into a fire once you've exited.