Most people learned the basics of fire safety as children. There’s “stop, drop and roll” if your clothes catch on fire and “get out and stay out” if the building you’re in is set ablaze. What about deciding to fight the fire or evacuate? Or how to use a fire extinguisher?
Accurately assessing risk can save your life or the life of someone close to you, but it’s not always easy to decide what to do when a fire breaks out. When seconds count, acting quickly and correctly matters deeply.
Here’s how to know whether to fight the fire or evacuate the premises.
When to evacuate
If there’s a fire, should you fight the fire or evacuate? A good rule of thumb is “when in doubt, get out.” Also, always call 911, even if the fire is small and you attempt to fight it. If you have any concerns or misgivings about being able to adequately fight the fire, your best course of action is to get out of the room and/or the building as quickly as possible. There are some steps you can take to ensure the safety of others in the building as well.
How to evacuate
If the fire is raging all around you, you needn’t worry about these steps. Simply call 911, and get out. If you see a fire and you have the time, take these steps before you leave the building.
The first step is to pull the fire alarm if you’re in a building that has one. This will alert the other occupants of the fire and let them get out too. If there’s no alarm, you can knock on doors and yell on your way out of the building to let people know that there’s a fire.
If it’s possible when you’re leaving, try to close windows and doors behind you. This may prevent or slow the spread of the fire, which could end up saving lives or property, as it gives the fire department more time to get there and fight the blaze.
When to fight the fire
Only fight the fire if you know what is burning, you have an adequate and appropriate method to fight the fire and you personally feel comfortable attempting to do so. You should call 911 even if you elect to fight the fire. You should avoid fighting the fire if you don’t know what’s burning or if the fire has already spread rapidly away from its origin point.
How to use a fire extinguisher
Remember the P.A.S.S. method to know how to use a fire extinguisher. Make sure it’s the right type of fire extinguisher before using it. To use a fire extinguisher, pull the pin; aim the nozzle at the base of the fire; squeeze the handle to spray the extinguishing agent; and sweep the nozzle back and forth along the base of the fire until it’s out. If the fire flashes up again, repeat the process, beginning with aiming the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Call for your fire safety needs today
Having the appropriate fire safety knowledge and equipment can save people’s lives. For fire safety training, call us at Raider Fire Protection. We understand the importance of having employees properly trained in fire safety, and we offer OSHA-approved (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) fire safety training that could someday save property and lives.