1 Alert the family
2Evacuate building
3Dial 911 or call the fire department
FIRES IN THE HOME
181
ESCAPING FROM A HOUSE FIRE
1 Alert the family
• A smoke alarm may warn you of smoke or fire, or you may see a fire start. Check that everyone in the home is aware of the fire and is leaving quickly.
• Follow the escape route chosen in your evacuation plan( p. 173).
Close doors behind you
Guide children to safety
! If you are trapped upstairs
• Move into a room where rescuers will be able to see you.
• Close the door and wedge a blanket at its base to prevent smoke from
entering.
• Open a window and shout for help.
• Use a fire ladder( see box below).
USING
!
FIRE LADDERS
• Following the instructions, extend and attach the ladder to the building’ s facade. If possible,
attach the ladder so that it does not pass over lower windows; otherwise, there is a risk that you might climb down into flames.
DO’ S AND DON’ TS
DO
• Feel doors and door handles with the back of your hand before opening them.
• Close doors and windows behind you.
• Keep keys by all locked windows.
DON’ T
• Use elevators.
• Jump from upstairs windows unless forced or told( by the fire department) to do so.
• Underestimate the speed at which a fire can spread.
2Evacuate building
• If possible, close internal doors and windows as you go, to confine
the spread of smoke and fire.
• Do not open a door without first touching the door or its knob with
the back of your hand to see if it is hot. Heat indicates fire within that room, so choose another route.
• If there is thick smoke, place a handkerchief over your mouth and
nose, and crawl as low as possible.
• If fire or smoke blocks your escape route, find another way out.
• Once you are out of the building, meet at your agreed assembly point
and check that no one is missing.
3Dial 911 or call the fire department
• Tell the dispatcher your address, if anyone is still inside the building,
and if anyone is injured.
• Help the elderly and children get onto the ladder and climb down safely. Reassure them
and tell them not to look down.
• Use the children’ s harness that accompanies the fire ladder for a baby or young child.