On the average, a home fire in the US breaks out once every 52 seconds.
Unfortunately, many families are not prepared to take calm, appropriate action if a fire does happen in their home. That's why it is necessary for everyone to design and practice a fire escape plan with their family.

-Make a plan and hold regular fire drills to give every household member the confidence and knowledge to act quickly in an emergency.
- Sketch a layout of each floor, including windows, doors and stairways.
- Go over the plan with family members and post it in your home as a reminder of all possible exits.
- Keep the phone number of the Harrisburg Fire Department and other important numbers such as poison control, doctors, etc.

- Have family members practice different escape routes - at least two routes per room. Fire drills also teach children that they must escape and NOT TO HIDE from fire.
- Place one family member in charge of helping the elderly or the very young to escape.
- Agree on a meeting place outside the home and instruct everyone to go there in case of a fire. Discuss why you shouldn't go back inside once you're out.

More than 5,000 Americans dies each year from fire and more than 2.5 million fires occur each year, costing Americans $20 billion. Consider the home fire safety tips and questions outlined below to protect your home and family
Plan for a fire. Some things to consider are:
- Plan two escape routes out of each room.
- Practice fire drills at least twice a year.
- Teach family members to stay low to the ground to escape from a fire.
- Teach family members never to open doors that are hot. Feel the bottom of door with the back of your hand. If it is hot do not open the door - find another way out.