Fire emergencies are a terrifying reality that can strike anytime, anywhere. Its suddenness and intensity can leave individuals feeling helpless and overwhelmed.
However, being prepared and knowing what to do when it happens can significantly increase your chances of escaping and minimise potential injuries and damages. In this guide, we’ll go over the seven best safety tips to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate a fire emergency safely and decisively.
1. Have a Clear Escape Plan
A well-practised fire escape plan is your lifeline in a fire emergency. It’s not merely a set of instructions but a roadmap that can guide you and your loved ones to safety amid chaos, smoke-filled corridors, and unfamiliar surroundings.
Start making your own escape plan. Here are tips to help you get started:
- Identify two escape routes from each room in your home or workplace. Consider all possible exits, including windows, doors, and fire escapes.
- If you live in a multi-story building, ensure you have access to a fire escape or a safe way to descend to the ground floor.
- Consider the specific needs of individuals in your household, such as young children, elderly individuals, or those with disabilities.
- Familiarise yourselves with the building layout and the location of fire extinguishers and alarms.
- Designate a meeting point outside for everyone.
- Ensure backup routes are available in case the fire blocks or damages your first two escape routes.
Once you have created an escape plan, practise it regularly with everyone in your household or workplace to ensure everyone knows where to go. Also, make sure to do dry runs at night, as navigating in the dark during a fire can disorient and hinder your ability to navigate.
2. Stay Low and Crawl Under Smoke
Smoke inhalation is one of the leading causes of fire-related deaths. With its toxic gases and particles, harmful smoke can impair your vision, irritate your lungs, and cause disorientation.
In case you encounter smoke during a fire, stay low and crawl to an exit. Doing so will help you prevent inhaling harmful gases and increase your chances of reaching safety because smoke tends to rise and create a layer of cleaner air near the floor. Also, cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth, if possible, to further filter the air you breathe.
3. Use Fire Extinguishers Early and Safely
Fire extinguishers offer a crucial first line of defence against small fires, provided they are used appropriately and with caution.
Before attempting to use a fire extinguisher, always assess the situation and make sure you are maintaining a safe distance from the fire. Then, once ready to use, follow the PASS acronym to guide you:
- Pull the pin.
- Aim at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the trigger.
- Sweep from side to side.
Also Read – Why Should You Buy a Fire Extinguisher for Your Home?
4. Know When to Evacuate
Knowing when to evacuate is critical when caught in a fire emergency. Don’t hesitate to leave the building if you can’t extinguish the fire quickly, the smoke is overwhelming, or you feel unsafe. Your life is more important than any possessions.
After evacuating, proceed to the designated meeting point. Don’t re-enter the building until the firefighters have given the all-clear.
5. Check Doors Before Opening
Before opening any doors during a fire, feel them with the back of your hand. If they are cool to the touch, proceed cautiously by checking the door handle for heat before attempting to exit.
But if the door is hot, don’t open it as there may be fire on the other side. Instead, use an alternative escape route based on your escape or backup plan. If there is no other exit available and you need to open the door, do so cautiously and be prepared to close it quickly if you encounter smoke or flames.
6. Stop, Drop, and Roll
Remember the “stop, drop, and roll” technique if your clothes catch fire. Stop moving, drop to the ground, and roll over to smother the flames. Cover your face with your hands to protect yourself from burns.
Once the flames are extinguished, whether you’re injured or not, seek medical attention immediately. Burns can be deceptive and may worsen over time, so it’s best to get them checked to prevent potential injuries.
7. Call Emergency Services Immediately
Once you are safely out of the building, call emergency services immediately. Firefighters are trained professionals equipped with the specialised knowledge, skills, and equipment to tackle the blaze effectively and safely. Their swift arrival can make all the difference in mitigating the fire’s impact and ensuring the safety of those involved.
During the call, provide the emergency operator with your exact location and any pertinent details about the fire, such as the size of the blaze, the number of people potentially trapped, and any potential hazards like gas leaks or chemical spills. Such crucial information helps the authorities to respond effectively and deploy the necessary resources to combat the fire and save anyone trapped in the area.
Afterwards, stay at the designated meeting point and await further instructions from the authorities. Your cooperation and adherence to their guidance are essential in ensuring a safe and efficient resolution to the emergency.
Preparedness is Key to Fire Safety
Fire safety is not just about reacting to an emergency; it’s about proactively safeguarding yourself and your loved ones when it happens. Taking preventative measures and practising these fire emergency tips can drastically lower the chances of fire-related injuries and tragedies.
Alongside individual vigilance, comprehensive fire protection services in Singapore are also crucial in safeguarding lives and properties. King Fire’s expertise lies in designing, installing, and maintaining cutting-edge fire protection systems customised to your specific needs, guaranteeing you meet fire safety regulations in Singapore. Partnering with us adds an invaluable shield to your home or business, significantly mitigating the risk of fire-related incidents and their devastating consequences.
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