Life-Saving Fire Safety Tips You Need to Know

The very thought of experiencing a house fire is scary. The thought of going through one without having a plan or ever practicing what to do is even more terrifying. Below are some fire safety tips we’ve put together that can save your life and the lives of your family members.

For those living in apartments

If you live in an apartment, you need to be aware of the stairway and fire exit locations. Elevators should never be used during a fire as they can break down or take you right to the source of the fire, so knowing how to get to stairway and exit locations is crucial. 

Depending on your location within the building, the safest thing may be to stay in your apartment when the alarm goes off. Focus on protecting yourself from smoke until the fire department arrives. 

Also, consider the following:

• Seal all doors and vents with duct tape or towels to prevent smoke from entering the room
• Let fresh air in the room by opening a window at the top and bottom
• Call 911 to let the fire department know you’re still inside
• Help the authorities find you by waving a flashlight or light-colored towel/cloth at the window
• Create and practice a detailed fire escape plan that includes multiple scenarios

Remember the following:

• Smoke is thick and dark, which means you might not be able to see the flames. When attempting to escape, you will likely be disoriented, even in your own bedroom. You need to be able to know how to escape in the dark.
• The heat fire produces is intense. If the fire is knee height, it may be around 90 degrees. Once it reaches shoulder height it can be as hot as 690 degrees! 
• Stay as close to the floor as you can, even if you have to crawl.
• Determine your meeting place ahead of time. Whether it’s a lamppost, the neighbor’s driveway, the stop sign, or the fire hydrant, make sure everyone knows. Pick one that’s a safe distance from the home so everyone can get there quickly after escaping. 
• Once everyone has reconvened outside, a responsible family member should go to the neighbor’s to call the fire department or use a cell phone if they grabbed it on their way out.

Help those who need assistance

If any of your family members are disabled or you have young children, be sure to help them out first. Don’t waste valuable time calling the fire department first as you can do that once you’re outside.

Don’t waste time with material items

Objects can be replaced, so don’t go back into the home to retrieve anything. If you need to go back into the home, it should be to save a life. If possible, pull the door shut behind you after escaping so the flames or embers can’t be spread by a draft.

Don’t take on the fire

The firefighters are trained to take on the fire, you’re not. Just get yourself and family members to safety.

Stop, drop, and roll

This is a phrase we’ve all been taught and it still rings true. Should any of your clothing catch fire, be sure to stop what you’re doing, drop to the ground, and roll to put out the flames. This can save your life and lessen burn injuries. If someone else’s clothing catches fire, help them to do the same. If necessary, use a heavy blanket or rug if it can be done safely.