2. If a fire occurs:

Facts to Know

Breathing smoke will be toxic and not only makes seeing nearly impossible, but can also render you quickly unconscious from toxins and carbon monoxide. Exposing yourself to flames will lead to a burn.

Also, exposing the flames to air, e.g., by opening doors can accelerate the flames.

If a Fire occurs and the door is CLOSED

• Get to the floor and keep low to avoid the smoke.

• Crawl to the door.

• Feel the door with your palm, the upper, middle and lower parts.

• If the door is HOT, DO NOT OPEN to avoid smoke and fire entering the room and use another escape method, e.g., the window.

• Once you are out, STAY OUT.

• If the door is NOT HOT, OPEN SLOWLY.

• If smoke and heat rushes in, close the door QUICKLY and seek another escape route.

• If it is safe to leave the room, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth and crawl beneath the smoke and escape by the quickest but safest route.

If a Fire occurs and the door is OPEN

• Get to the floor and keep low.

• Check for smoke and fire.

• If safe to leave, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth, get low and get out.

• If there is smoke or fire, close the door and use an alternate escape route.

• Once you are out, STAY OUT.

Alternate Escape Routes

• Windows

• Escape Ladder

• A rope

• An existing fire escape

• NEVER USE AN ELEVATOR AS YOU CAN GET TRAPPED INSIDE.

If you are trapped

If you should find yourself trapped in a building during a fire, there are several steps you can take to protect your safety.

• Keep doors closed to keep out smoke and fire. Block off the smoke with moist towels, throw rugs or other fabrics. You can also use wide duct tape to seal openings between the door and the door frame.
• Close as many doors as possible between yourself and the fire. Stay by the windows and watch for the fire department.
• Put a damp cloth over your nose and mouth to make it easier to breathe. Any available water will do.
• Be very careful when opening windows. Open them only enough to let in some fresh air or to attract attention to your location. Too much air can increase the fire.
• If smoke starts to enter the room through the window, from around the closed door or through the vent, immediately CLOSE the window.
• Don't break the window. Once the window is broken, there may be no way to keep smoke, hot gases or fire out.
• If there is a telephone in the room, call for help. If not, yell out to attract attention.
• If it is safe to have the window opened, wave a sheet, a large piece of cloth or another bright object outside the window to attract attention.
• Wait for rescue.