Tuesday morning was one of the scariest moments of my life! My family and I witnessed the 3-Alarm Fire at my apartment complex across from Cal Expo that damaged 16 units and displaced many people. Hearing my neighbors scream “FIRE, FIRE” woke me up at 2 am and I saw MASSIVE flames from my balcony – it looked like a scene out of a movie!

I started to panic as I saw the fire grow from one building to the next, my family and I got dressed quickly and we left before the fire got closer to my apartment. Over an hour later, the Sacramento Fire Department contained the flames to two buildings and we returned to see SO much damage. So many families were left with nothing and even lost their pets in the fire. Talking to my neighbors who were affected by the fire, no one had a fire evacuation plan in place or even thought about creating one. After what we experienced, now I know it’s VERY important to take time to create a fire evacuation plan for your home and family. Here’s how:

1. Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
2. Visit each room. Find two ways out.
3. All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
4. Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working.
5. Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the meeting place.
6. Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street.
7. Talk about your plan with everyone in your home.
8. Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department.
9. Practice your home fire drill!
10. Make your own home fire escape plan using the grid provided HERE!

For more tips and info from the National Fire Protection Association, visit their website HERE!