What to do If Fire Strikes

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Fire grows rapidly and it is hot and deadly. There are certain things you can do to be safer and to minimize damage.

During a fire, adhering to guidelines could be the difference between surviving a fire with only a bad scare or having a true crisis on your hands. There are so many things to consider once a home fire begins. Fire grows rapidly and it is hot and deadly. There are certain things you can do to be safer and to minimize damage. 

Consider the following:

Fire is Fast

It can take as little as 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire. Be decisive in your actions. Take a direct, unhindered route to the nearest exit. If the primary exit is blocked, make use of the alternative exit.

Fire is Hot and Deadly

Fire generates a lot of heat. Fire produces smoke and other toxic fumes. Asphyxiation and disorientation are real dangers.

• This hot air can cause a lot of damage to the lungs if inhaled. Crawl to the exit to avoid the heat, as well as smoke and toxic gases that collect closer to the ceiling.
• Cover the nose with a wet piece of cloth to prevent inhaling toxic fumes.
• The heat can also cause damage to the skin as well. If you cannot get out fast enough, dampen your cloth.
• Before grasping a door handle/ knob, briefly touch it to test how hot it is. Be ready to shut the door quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
• If your clothes catch fire - stop, drop, and roll. Stop right away and drop to the ground covering your face with your hands. Once You do so, roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out.

Other Guidelines

If all means of exiting are inaccessible; close the door, cover vents and cracks around the outside of your doors with cloth or tape to keep smoke out. Call the fire department and describe where you are.

• At the sound of available help, signal for help at a window with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.
• If you can't get to someone or a pet needing assistance, leave the home and call the fire department.
• Make necessary adjustments to facilitate emergency escape for adults and people with accessibility needs.