Fire Safety Tips
It’s better to be safe than sorry and we should never underestimate the importance of a fire drill. There are some fire safety tips that can minimize any impact and that can end up saving lives in times of danger.
Fire can be so unpredictable and you should know how to automatically react when dangerous situations arise. Your response should be instantaneous and you should follow the instructions and exit the place you’re in as quickly as possible.
An Escape Plan
Always check a new location for signs that indicate an escape plan. Look for exit signs, too and try (particularly if you’re at a concert or any formal event) to position yourself closer to the exit doors. You should also think of some fire drills for you and your loved ones. A strategy is important even when it comes to your home because fire will always be unpredictable and you never know what can go wrong…
Analyze the Surroundings
Check the ceiling, the walls, everything. Are the walls fire resistant? Is the ceiling made of wood or any other flammable material? Is the carpet on the floor fire resistant? Are there things that can easily burn and harm you? Try to stay far away from these things and think of the escape plan that was mentioned above. It will only take you five minutes or so, but these five minutes can prove to be important.
Stay Closer to the Floor
If a fire breaks out, try to walk towards the nearest exit and make sure you keep your body as close to the floor as possible. If the fire is too violent, you will have to crawl on your hands and knees.
A Harsh Decision
Don’t go back looking for things you want to grab or save. Your life is more important than an object. Try to grab your pets the moment the fire breaks out and run towards the nearest exist. If you can’t find your pets, even if it’s a harsh decision, run for your life. Let the firemen find and rescue your pets. They have specialized training and equipment and they can maybe find your pet alive and rescue it.
Don’t Panic
Whatever you do, don’t panic. If you are stuck somewhere, don’t hide in closed spaces where people can’t find you easily. Try to block the fire or smoke from entering the room by using different things that surround you, from sheets to other objects. Cover the door cracks or places where the fire can sneak in.
Roll Over
If your clothes catch fire, lie on the ground and roll. It will put out the fire.
Invest in Smoke Alarms
Invest in sprinklers and smoke alarms. They can really make the difference between life and death, as dramatic as it may sound. Don’t forget to change the batteries of the smoke alarms from time to time.
First Aid Classes
The Red Cross and similar organizations offer exhaustive classes on first aid. You will learn what to do in dangerous situations, how to give first aid and how to think clearly even if your life is in danger.