What to do in Case of a Fire

Fire outbreaks are becoming increasingly common today. So, what can you do to protect yourself and those around you?

 There are a few tips that could come in handy to save your life and those of others.

Get out as fast as possible
You need to save your life before property. You are worth more than any valuables.
Stay low to the ground so as not to breathe smoke. Make sure you close the doors after you, but do not lock them.

This is because you prevent formation of a fire draft but still allow the firefighters to get through.
 If you notice you cannot escape through the doors or windows, you can still stay safe by blocking the door(s) with moist towels, rags, etc. Do not forget to close the window(s) if smoke and flames are entering your room from a lower floor.

A must have is smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home. Most of the fatal fires happen at night. A smoke detector would set off the alarm that will wake you up. If not, smoke and gas in a fire could kill you.

If you smell smoke in your room and you find out it is from an outside source, check to see if the door is hot. If it is, DO NOT OPEN IT. Instead, use a different exit. This is why it is lifesaving to have two exits in each room- a window and a door.

Have regular fire drills
These drills prepare you and your loved ones on how to escape through different exit routes for different situations.
Always have flashlights ready in a fixed place should the light cables burn out.

Have assembly points outside the house- in this way, a check can be made on the whole household. DO NOT try to go back inside!

Have the fire department's telephone number posted for immediate reference
Always know where the nearest fire alarm or public phone is located.
Call the fire station even if the call has been made by someone else. Do not assume it has been made by another person.
Two or three calls to the station are better than one.

Purchase fire extinguishers and learn how to use them
As outlined earlier, have fire extinguishers. Be aware of how they are in the house and how they function.
Use them ONLY for minor fires. If the fire is already major, do not waste your time and endanger your life trying to put out the fire yourself. Get out of the building and call the fire department.

Put off electrical appliances when not in use
I have seen and heard instances where houses where razed down and peoples were either hurt badly or killed because they ignored this warning.
Electrical appliances should be put off when they are not needed as a sudden drop or raise in the electric current can destroy in minutes, what has been built for years.

Prevention, they say, is better than cure.
Try your best to prevent fire-hazard situations in your home. Some wise precautions are:
No matches, cigarette lighters or fire should be in the reach of children.
Do not overload electrical cables
Do not put cables under carpets
No flammable liquids or materials should be near ignition sources.

Conclusion

• Get out of the burning building as fast as you can.

• Do not open a hot door in the case of a fire. Instead, find another exit.

• Have smoke detectors detectors and fire extinguishers in your homes.

• Use fire extinguishers ONLY in minor fires.

• Have regular fire drills with your household.

Know (if possible memorize) the numbers of the fire department in your area to call in times of emergency.

Designate a safe place outside your home as an assembly point.

Prevent household fires by not overloading sockets or cables, etc,.

What other practical ways or experiences do you know about that could help in a fire incident?