On Building/House Fire

Before

• Install smoke detectors. Check them once a month and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Develop and practice an escape plan. Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room.
• Choose a safe meeting place outside the house. It is a good idea to keep a bell and a flashlight in each bedroom for this purpose.
• Practice evacuating the building blindfolded. In a real fire situation, the amount of smoke generated by a fire will most likely make it impossible to see.
• Practice staying low to the ground when escaping.
• Feel all doors before opening them. If the door is hot, get out another way.
• Learn to stop, drop to the ground, and roll if clothes catch fire.
• Post emergency numbers near telephones. However, be aware that if a fire threatens your home or building, you should not place the call to your emergency services from inside. It is better to get out first and place the call from somewhere else.
• Purchase collapsible ladders at hardware stores and practice using them.
• Install A-B-C type fire extinguishers and teach household members or tenants how to use them.
• Do not store combustible materials in closed areas or near a heat source.
• In the kitchen: Keep the stove area clean and clear of combustibles such as bags, boxes, and other appliances. If a fire starts, put a lid over the burning pan or use a fire extinguisher. Be careful. Moving the pan can cause the fire to spread. Never pour water on grease fires.
• Check electrical wiring. Replace wiring if frayed or cracked. Make sure wiring is not under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas. Do not overload outlets or extension cords.

During

• Get out as quickly and as safely as possible.
• Use the stairs to escape.
• When evacuating, stay low to the ground. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth to avoid inhaling smoke and gases.
• Close doors in each room after escaping to delay the spread of the fire.
• If smoke is pouring in around the bottom of the door or it feels hot, keep the door closed. Open a window to escape or for fresh air while awaiting rescue. If there is no smoke at the bottom or top and the door is not hot, then open the door slowly. If there is too much smoke or fire in the hall, slam the door shut.

After

• Give first aid where appropriate. Seriously injured or burned victims should be transported to professional medical help immediately.
• Stay out of damaged buildings. Return home only when local fire authorities say it is safe.
• Look for structural damage.
• Discard food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot.
• Contact insurance agent. Don't discard damaged goods until after an inventory has been taken. Save receipts for money relating to fire loss.

Source:
www.nsc.org/library/facts.htm