Knowing what to do before a fire occurs is important, so at the Children’s School we conduct monthly fire drills.  Before our first fire drill, we explain to the children what a fire drill is and that we will have one each month.  We also walk the children through a practice fire drill to show them how to walk out of the school and where to stand on the playground by the tennis court fence.  We also practice other types of drills, such as when our standard exit is blocked or if we need to move to a secure location within the building (as in a hurricane).

Families should also have an escape plan at home.  Here are some tips for families from the United States Fire Administration:

• Have two ways to get out of each room.
• Practice fire drills each month.
• Leave the house immediately, do not waste time saving property.
• Never open doors that are hot to the touch.
• Designate a meeting place outside.
• Escape first, notify 911 second.
• Teach your children not to hide from firefighters.
• Have a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
• Change the battery in your smoke alarm twice a year when you change your clocks.

What to do if your clothes are on fire?    STOP, DROP and ROLL

• Stop, do not run, if your clothes catch on fire.
• Drop to the floor in a prone position.
• Cover your face with your hands to protect it from the flames.

Roll over and over to smother the fire. Don't stop until the flames have been extinguished.