Here are some things to think about so you are as prepared for a fire should the event ever occur;
It is a good idea whether within your home or business, that there is a discussion about what to do in the event of a fire.
Key areas to discus, plan and know in the event of a fire are:
- First thing to do in event of a fire is to raise the alarm to everybody else within the building by shouting or manually setting off the fire alarm.
- Know your way out, plan your escape route keeping in mind to get out quickly and safely. Smoke from fires can make it difficult to see so it’s important to learn and remember different ways out of the building. Sometimes escape routes can be blocked by fires so you will want to discuss all possible ways of exiting. Exiting through a door that leads to outside should be your fist escape route, then discuss possibility of exiting through windows etc.
- If exiting through an upstairs window – throw down as much soft bedding and clothes you can to soften your fall. Hang out of the window arms length and drop down, do not jump. Lower children as low as you can to the ground and get an adult to break their fall if you can.
- While exiting the building, close doors behind you if you can.
- Do not try and investigate the fire.
- If you are in a room and the door is closed there are a few things you can check before opening door; 1. If smoke is coming under door don’t open door, 2. Touch the door, if it feels hot don’t open door, 3. Lightly touch the doorknob, if this is hot - don’t open door. If none of these signs are present take care in opening door to assess situation. If a burst of heat or smoke pours into the room, shut the door and go to your escape route.
- Stay as low to the ground as possible while exiting. Smoke kills more than flames do and smoke naturally rises, so by staying low to the ground you will inhale the least amount of smoke.
- Once you have exited the building, do not go back in for anything.
- If you cannot exit fast or are trapped by fire go to your nearest window, open it and call Emergency Services. After you have called for help, block cracks around door with sheets/blankets/clothing. If possible place a towel or clothing over your mouth to prevent inhaling smoke, if towel is wet even better!
- If your clothes catch fire, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll until flames are put out.
- If someone is left inside do not go back into the fire to try and save them. Call the fire brigade and let them do it, they are properly trained.
