How to Survive a Home Fire

It’s a story all too familiar: the smoke alarm that didn’t go off, that wasn’t connected.

Although more than 90% of American homes have smoke detectors, the National Fire Safety Council estimates that as many as 20% are not working at any given time.

Without a ringing alarm, nighttime fires like the one that killed Shawn Silvers, 27, and her two young children in Orange on Friday can be particularly tragic.

Making sure a smoke detector works may be the difference between life and death, fire officials said.

An estimated 7,000 Americans will die in fires this year between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m, said Capt. Steve Ruda of the Los Angeles City Fire Department--nearly all of them from smoke or noxious gases.

Early January is one of the most dangerous times of the year for home fires--which are made more likely by dried-up Christmas trees, faulty ornamental lighting, discarded wrapping paper and improperly maintained fireplaces. In addition, cooler temperatures prompt people to use heating sources like space heaters, which also can be dangerous.

A working smoke alarm will double your chances of making it out alive, firefighters said.

Capt. Scott Brown, a spokesman for the Orange County Fire Authority, said the deaths of Silvers and her young son and daughter should be a wake-up call to all families.

Here are some tips:

* Make sure your smoke detector works and check the batteries. Have at least one of the devices mounted in each hallway of the house, as well as the kitchen.

* Plan two ways to get out of each room. Fire moves fast--so should you. Put as much distance as possible between you and the fire.

* Practice fire drills in the home.

* During a fire, test doors before opening them. Check to see if they are hot, or if smoke is seeping in. Open doors slowly but, if smoke rushes in, slam them shut immediately.

* Keep a whistle next to your bed to signal your location to rescuers. Use the phone to call the fire department and let them know which room you are trapped in, especially in an apartment building.

Most important, said firefighters, remember that fire can happen to anyone.