How to Escape from a Second Story Fire

Last Updated: October 31, 2022

This is dangerous question, please remember that arson is not acceptable but this article will help you if in an emergency and you need to plan a fire escape in a two story house.

Steps

1
Plan a fire escape and practice fire escape drills with your family, in preparation for a possible emergency.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
National Fire Protection Association
Nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards.
Go to source} Fire escape ladders are available, relatively inexpensively, that can be hung out the window of a two story home, and are safer than the sheet method mentioned below. The "First Alert 2-story Escape Ladder" is only about $35.00 brand new from Walmart or other retailer.
2
Place a few fire extinguishers throughout the house. However, fire extinguishers should be calibrated on a regular schedule per the instructions that come with the extinguisher.

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3
Immediately close the door and stuff a blanket/towel along the bottom so that the smoke can not get through.^{[2]
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4
If you have a phone near you, then call the fire emergency service, or if you don't then run to the window and shout "Help!"
5
Stay low on the floor for better air. There is more smoke higher up.^{[3]
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6
Get two sheets and tie them together as quickly but as tightly as possible
7
Push your bed against the wall next to the window and tie one end of the two sheets.
8
Lower yourself down the building using the sheets.
9
When you get down on the ground immediately inform emergency services.

Community Q&A

Question

Should I open a window on a second story to escape?

Community Answer

If that is your last resort, yes. The drop will just be high, and you could break something. If you are worried about it, I recommend getting a fire escape ladder for second story windows. You should be able to find those on Amazon.com.
Question

How do kids escape a fire in a two-story house?

Community Answer

Get a second-story fire-escape ladder.
Question

How can I tell if there is fire on the other side of the door?

Lilyan9073

Community Answer

Feel the doorknob. If it's hot, do not open to door. If it's cool, feel the door itself, and if that's also cool, carefully open the door. If you see fire, close the door. If you don’t see fire, you may exit the room and attempt to use the stairs to make your escape.

Warnings

Make sure the sheets are secure, and that they will reach the ground

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Be careful, and don't risk your life unnecessarily.

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Don't attempt to go back inside. Try to rescue other people from windows (like borrow a tall extension ladder from a neighbor, if you don't have one), but stay outside the burning building.

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