Some Steps for Fire Safety

Fires can spread quickly and fill the home with smoke that makes it hard to see and breath. Below are some important steps for any fire escape plan. Identify your exits. If you are staying away from home, be sure you know where the closest exit is. If you live in an apartment building, the apartment should have access to both the main stairwell and a fire escape. If you live in a two-story home, consider buying fire escape ladders for the bedrooms. Get out fast. Don’t stop to call the fire department or take time to get dressed or grab any belongings. If you already smell smoke or see flames, you need to escape quickly. Check doors for heat before opening. If the door is hot, find another exit. The fire may be right on the other side and opening the door can give it the oxygen it needs to spread. Stay low to the ground to avoid breathing smoke. The leading cause of death or injury in fires is actually lack of oxygen caused by smoke. Since smoke rises during a fire, staying close to the ground can make it easier to see and breathe. If anything on your person catches fire, Stop, Drop and Roll. The fastest way to put out a fire is to deprive it of what it needs — oxygen. If your hair or clothing starts to smoke or flame, drop to the ground and roll. Don’t use elevators during a fire. Elevators can stop or break during fires, trapping you inside. All buildings with elevators are required to have separate exits by stairs. If you live or work in a building with an elevator and are physically disabled, tell the owners and fire department about your emergency needs. If you can’t get out, secure your room and yourself. Place wet towels, blankets or clothing under the door to keep out the smoke. If possible, move to the bathroom and fill the bathtub with water. Don’t go back inside! Once you have escaped a burning building, don’t go back in for anything. Even if the fire doesn’t seem bad from outside, the smoke and heat inside may be overwhelming. Practice your escape plan regularly. The more familiar you are with your escape plan, the less likely you’ll be to panic during a real emergency.