What to Do in Case of a Fire: Essential Skills for Safety
Fire incidents often lead to serious accidents, mainly because people do not know how to escape from the blaze.
1. Find Ways to Extinguish the Fire
When you detect a fire, the most important thing is to stay calm and address the situation. If the fire is small, you can try to put it out immediately using tools like a fire extinguisher, CO2 extinguisher, sand, a blanket, or water. However, if the fire is too large and cannot be extinguished, you need to quickly find a way to escape. Alert everyone in the house by shouting and immediately call hotline for assistance.
2. Identify Escape Routes
Identifying escape routes is crucial for helping all family members get out safely. Remember that smoke from the fire can reduce visibility, so knowing the escape routes and having a clear plan is essential. Create an escape plan map and regularly check the routes to ensure easy movement.
3. Important Things to Remember When Escaping
- Do not carry unnecessary items: Avoid taking valuable or heavy items, as they can slow down the escape process.
- Move low: Smoke and toxic gases usually rise, so if there is smoke, stay low near the floor to inhale less smoke. Crawl on your hands and knees to reduce the risk of suffocation.
- Check doors before opening: Before opening a door, place the back of your hand on the door. If it feels warm, the other side may be on fire. Use the back of your hand instead of your palm to test, as burns on your palm could hinder your escape.
- Stay together: If possible, move with other family members.
- Find alternative escape routes: If the primary escape route is blocked or smoky, know alternative routes. For residents of high-rise buildings, be familiar with how to reach stairwells or other escape routes.
- Be cautious with windows: Windows can be an escape route in emergencies, especially if you need help from firefighters.
- Leave all belongings behind: Do not go back for items or pets. Your safety is the top priority.
4. Do Not Re-enter the Fire
Once you have escaped safely, find a safe place near the house and wait for the fire department. Do not go back into the fire, as this can delay rescue efforts and put you at risk. Instead, provide information to the firefighters about any people still trapped so they can assist in locating them.
