If you become aware of a fire or hear a fire alarm, the first priority is getting out safely. Once clear of the building and in a safe location, call the fire, police or Hitec.
Keep a fire extinguisher easily available, ideally a 4.5kg cylinder, if two storeys have one on each level.
- Have a family meeting and plan the safest and quickest escape method. Here are some points to mention:
- Stay low to the ground when escaping
- Feel all doors when trying to escape. If the door feels hot, DO NOT open it.
- If you see smoke coming from underneath the door, DO NOT open it.
- Keep stairways and exits clear of clutter and storage.
- Agree on a meeting place outside of your home to make sure everyone is safe and accounted for.
- When escaping a fire, close all doors behind you. It keeps the fire from spreading.
- Prepare an emergency kit for your home.
- Do a home safety inspection. Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Also, remove and eliminate anything that can cause a fire hazard.
- Always sleep with your bedroom door closed, it keeps smoke out of your room and in case of a fire, you have more time to escape.
- Use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. If the source of the fire is not electrical or chemical, water can also be used to extinguish it.
- Do not try to put out a fire that is getting out of control. If you’re not sure you can control it, get everyone out of the house and phone for help.
- Smother oil and grease fires by putting a lid over the flame if it is burning in a pan.
- If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll until the fire is extinguished. Running will only make the fire burn faster.
- If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window, alerting firefighters to your presence.
- If you’re cooking, keep paper towels and drying cloths far from the oven/ stove. And, don’t leave anything unattended.
- Cool a burn by running cold water on it for 10 to 15 minutes. Never put butter or grease on a burn. If the burned skin blisters or is charred, see a doctor asap. Never use ice.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone including doctors and other family members you can go to in times of distress.
- Place matchboxes and lighters in a safe place away from children.
- Place candles at least four feet away from curtains, drapes, and blinds. In case of a power outage, be very careful where and how you place candles. Use a flashlight instead if possible.
- When the holidays come around, watch out for plugging too many light cords into one extension cord.
- Lastly, don’t waste time getting dressed or collecting valuables. Your life is the most valuable thing. If there is ever a fire in your home—just get out as quickly and as safely as you can.
