Safety during a building fire:

  1. When hearing the fire alarm or seeing a fire, immediately move towards the nearest fire escape exit. Do not use elevators during a fire.
  2.  Before opening any doors, feel to make sure that it is not hot. If it is hot, do not open the door. If it is not hot, then slowly open the door. If there is heavy smoke, try an alternate exit.
  3. After leaving, if possible, close door and windows to slow the spread of the fire.
  4. Activate the fire alarm, if not already activated.
  5. After exiting the building call 911. Do not call until you have left the building.
  6. Alert others of the fire danger.
  7. Do not go back into the building until officials say that it is safe. Make sure everyone is out safely and alert officials of anyone who has not evacuated the building.

If you are trapped in a room:

  • Place a wet cloth around or under door to prevent smoke from entering the room.
  • Close as many doors as possible between you and the fire. Be prepared to signal to someone outside.

If you are caught in smoke:

  • Drop to your hands and knees. Crawl toward an exit.
  • Stay low, as smoke rises to ceiling level.
  • Hold your breath as much as possible.
  • Breathe shallowly through your nose and use a filter such as a shirt or a towel.

Using a fire extinguisher:

If you have been trained and it is safe to do so, you may fight small, contained fires with a fire extinguisher. Be sure you are using the proper extinguisher for the type of fire you are fighting. For large fires evacuate immediately. Do not try to extinguish a large fire with a fire extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher Instructions:

                P – PULL safety pin from handle

                A – AIM at the base of the fire.

                S – SQUEEZE the trigger handle.

                S – SWEEP from side to side at the base of the fire.

 

Precautions before a fire:

  1. Know where the nearest fire escape is located.
  2. Know the location of the nearest fire alarm.
  3. Have an established meeting spot outside the buildings with others who share the building.
  4. Know where a fire extinguisher is located and how to use it.
  5. If you are disabled, discuss with those who share the building your needs for evacuating (unable to manage stairs, unable to hear a fire alarm, etc.).