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What To Do in Case of Fire

When a fire unexpectedly breaks out, knowing exactly what to do can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy; here's a comprehensive guide on how to respond effectively during a fire incident.

Alert Others

Firstly, upon detecting a fire, you immediately should alert everyone around you. Shout, bang on doors, or use any other method to warn people of the impending danger. Remember, every second counts in a fire situation, and your quick action can save lives.

Check the Door Temperature

Before opening any doors during a fire, it’s crucial to check the door’s temperature. You can do this by lightly touching the door, the doorknob, and the space between the door and frame with your hand. The fire may be directly on the other side if any areas feel hot.

Avoid opening a hot door, as it can lead to a sudden rush of flames or smoke into the room due to the backdraft effect. Instead, look for another escape route, such as a window or a different door that leads to safety. If there is no other way out, stay in the room, seal the door with towels or clothes to prevent smoke from coming in, and signal for help from a window if possible.

Remember to remain vigilant and prioritize your safety during a fire.

Trigger the Emergency Alarm

After alerting others, activate the fire alarm. Ensuring everyone in the building becomes aware of the situation is crucial. Even if you’ve verbally alerted those close to you, the alarm will warn others who may be farther away.

Don’t Use the Elevator – Use the Stairs

Under no circumstances should you use the elevator during a fire. Smoke and heat can cause elevators to malfunction, potentially trapping you inside. The elevator shaft can also act like a chimney, funneling smoke upwards, which can be lethal. Instead of the elevator, always opt for the stairs. Before opening the stairwell door, touch it to ensure it’s not hot. If it is, the fire could be on the other side, and opening the door could worsen the situation. Look for another exit if the door is hot.

Crawl Below the Smoke

Smoke inhalation is a significant cause of death in fires. To avoid this, stay as low to the ground as possible, preferably crawling, since cleaner air is found closer to the floor. Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth to filter out some smoke.

Grab a Fire Extinguisher

If safe to do so, grab a fire extinguisher. Remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep side to side. Be aware fire extinguishers are most effective for small, contained fires. If the fire spreads rapidly, it’s best to focus on evacuation.

Don’t Waste Time

While it’s natural to want to grab valuable items, wasting time can be deadly in a fire. Your priority should always be to get yourself and others out of the building as quickly and safely as possible. Items can be replaced; lives can’t.

Call Emergency Services

Once you’re safely outside and away from the fire, call the European emergency number, that is 112. Provide them with all the necessary information: your location, the size of the fire, and whether anyone is trapped inside.

Remember, understanding and practicing these steps can make all the difference in a fire. Prioritize safety over everything else and stay calm to navigate this dire situation effectively.

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