Prepare an escape plan, use a fire extinguisher, and check exits for safety. After every fire, there are many opinions circulating on social media about how to survive. However, not all recommendations are correct and safe.
Understanding Fire
First of all, to survive a fire, you need to understand the nature of fire. Fire occurs when three elements are present: heat, oxygen, and fuel. To reduce the fire, you need to remove one of these three elements. For example, firefighters use water and foam to extinguish fires by removing oxygen and heat.
Expert Tony Coffey presents the mechanism of fire.
Below are the most basic and important steps for you and your family to survive a fire in a building.
Survive a Fire
1. Smoke Is The Main Hazard
Smoke is the cause of most deaths in fires. Smoke is very toxic and contains many chemicals, including carbon monoxide, which can make you unconscious after just a few breaths and can even kill you before the flames even touch you. So always keep an eye out for smoke when a fire starts.
2. Extinguish the Fire
However, don’t spend too much time trying to put out the fire as you have very little time before the entire building can be engulfed in flames. However, don’t spend too much time trying to put out the fire as you have very little time before the entire building can be engulfed in flames.
3. Move close to the floor
Kneel low to the floor, make sure you stay below the smoke and move away from the building.
If you have time, use a wet cloth or towel and place it over your mouth and nose to filter out the smoke. This will not protect you from CO but will make it easier to breathe in smoky environments.
If you must open a door to escape, you should check the temperature of the door handle with the back of your hand. If the door or door handle is hot, never open the door.
4. Close the Door and Block the Gap
If you cannot escape immediately, close the door and block the spaces below and around the door with wet towels or blankets to prevent smoke from entering.
Always be ready before a fire breaks out
1. Make an escape plan today
Make sure you and your family know the building’s emergency exits. Each room should have at least two exits if possible. Practice escaping in the dark to prepare for a real emergency.
Don’t leave it until tomorrow. Make an escape plan with your family today. When a fire starts, it’s not time to plan.
Experts around the world agree that if we take these measures, it will maximize our chances of survival in a building fire. Make sure you and your family know the plan so you can stay safe in the event of a fire.
2. Check the Exit
Make sure that doors leading to emergency exits can actually be opened and are not blocked or obstructed. Fire doors should close automatically to prevent smoke from spreading.
In an emergency situation such as a fire, always stay calm, find a safe escape route and follow the instructions of the fire department. Remember that preparation and knowledge are the keys to protecting ourselves and those around us from the dangers of fire.
Expert Tony Coffey provides detailed instructions on how to escape from a fire as well as first aid for other fire-related health problems such as burns, cardiac arrest, respiratory arrest, etc. at SSVN Survival Skills’ first aid courses. Please refer to free courses and in-depth learning content at: https://elearning.survivalskills.vn/
Please share this article so everyone knows and is better prepared for emergencies. Your safety and that of your family comes first!
