Structure Fire

Each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States, with direct property loss due to home fires estimated at $7.3 billion annually.Ìý Home fires can be prevented!

To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire. Fire spreads quickly; there is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the super-hot air can sear your lungs. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home or work quickly.

  • Find two ways to get out of each room.Ìý If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out.
  • Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
  • Practice feeling your way out of the building in the dark or with your eyes closed.
  • Windows and doors with security bars must have quick release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an emergency. Make sure everyone understands and practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred doors and windows.
  • Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

If You Hear a Fire Alarm

  • Immediately evacuate the building via the shortest and safest route. Do not use elevators.
  • If you notice smoke, use the alternative escape route.
  • Test doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If the door is warm or if you notice smoke, use an alternative escape route. Check paths for safety before proceeding and close doors behind you.
  • Crawl low if you have to go through smoke.
  • Go to a safe area or to a pre-assigned exterior area for your building.
  • If you suspect that someone is missing or trapped, contact the emergency personnel outside the building.
  • If you are trapped during a fire emergency, close all doors between you and the fire. Stuff cracks around the doors to keep out smoke. Wait at a safe window and signal/call for help. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department or911and tell them exactly where you are.
  • Stop, Drop and Roll if you clothing catches fire.

If You Discover a Fire

  • Leave the fire area and close the door to the area.
  • Sound the fire alarm.
  • Immediately evacuate the building via the shortest and safest route. (Proper use of fire extinguishers within extinguisher limits and by trained individuals is optional but should not be attempted until building alarm is actuated and people are evacuated.
  • Do not use elevators. A fire can disrupt the operation of elevators and trap occupants inside.
  • If you notice smoke, use the alternate escape route.
  • Test doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If the door is warm or if you notice smoke, use an alternative escape route. Check paths for safety before proceeding and close doors behind you.
  • Crawl low if you have to go through smoke.
  • Go to a safe area or to a pre-assigned exterior area for your building.
  • From the nearest phone in a safe area, call 911.
  • Await emergency response personnel at safe location and direct them to the scene.
  • If you suspect that someone is missing or trapped, contact the emergency personnel outside the building.
  • If you are trapped during a fire emergency, close all doors between you and the fire and stuff cracks around the doors to keep out smoke. Wait at a safe window and signal/call for help. If there is a phone in the room, call 911and tell them exactly where you are.
  • Stop, Drop and Roll if your clothing catches fire.

Once You Have Evacuated

  • From the nearest phone in the safe area, call 911.
  • If you suspect that someone is missing or trapped, contact firefighters on scene or at the fire engine, police officers, or ambulance personnel.
  • Await emergency response personnel at a safe location and direct them to the scene. Report the fire to the hall office or the nearest available resident advisor. Do not reenter the building until instructed to do so by the fire department.
  • Follow directions of fire and police personnel and the housing staff.
  • Report to the person who is taking roll.
  • Never reenter the building to save your personal belongings.
  • Stay calm.

, including smoke alarms, residential fire sprinklers, fire prevention, and practicing a fire escape plan or visit the .

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