Escaping a fire is a serious matter. Knowing what to do before a fire breaks out can save a life. For example, people should know the safety measures to take before opening a hall door during a fire. Also, make sure everyone knows how to unlock doors that may be in the escape path. At times, a key is needed to unlock a door from the inside. So, keep the key in the lock, or, you can put the key on a key ring and put it where it can be found easily. If you live in an apartment, know the ways you can use to get out. Show everyone in the family these routes. Stress the importance of using stairways or fire escapes, not elevators. From most homes and the lower floors of apartment buildings, escape through windows is possible. Learn the best way of leaving by a window with the least chance of serious injury. In a home fire, windows are often the only means of escape. The second floor window sill is usually not more than 13 feet from the ground. An average person, hanging by the fingertips, will have a drop of about six to the ground. Of course, it is after to jump a short way than to stay in a burning building. Rolling away from the building when you land. Windows are also useful when you are waiting for help. Often you'll be able to stay in the room for several minutes if you keep the door closed and the windows open. Keep your head low in the window to be sure you get fresh air rather than smoke that may have leaked into the room. On a second or third floor, the best windows for escape are those which open onto a roof or balcony. From the roof or balcony, a person can either drop to the ground or await rescuer. Dropping onto cement or pavement might end in injury. Bushes, soft earth, and grass can help to break a fall. A rope ladder should be considered when the drop is too great. In a town where the fire department acts quickly, it may be best to wait for rescuer. Close the doors and wait by an open window for help. Shout for help. Be sure to close the door before opening a window. Otherwise, smoke and fire may be drawn into the room by the draft. From most homes you can escape a fire through the ______.