Staying safe in a high-rise fire: have a plan

Would you know what to do in case of a high-rise fire?

At least 12 people died in London early Wednesday morning when a 24 floor building went up in flames.

Tampa Fire Rescue says step one is to have a plan ready ahead of time.

"You want to know where emergency exits are, you want to know what the fire alarm sounds like, and have a plan in place," said District Chief Mark Bogush. 

If a fire breaks out, he says evacuate swiftly using the stairs, not the elevator, where you could be trapped.  Also, don't put yourself in any more danger by going back inside.

Local fire rescue teams train tirelessly to prepare for building fires and high-wire rescues.

"We believe we can jump something that's of a natural state before it gets out of our hands," said Bogush.

But remember, before it's in their hands, it's in yours, so avoid doing anything that could start a fire in the first place.

"You have to follow common sense rules, you have to be familiar with exit routes, [and] when a fire alarm goes off, take action and evacuate," Bogush said.