What to do if a fire breaks out?
Unfortunately, people often only think about safety when it's too late. Statistics show that not only socially disadvantaged individuals who drink are affected by fires. Ordinary citizens also lose property, and sometimes their lives, in fires. That is why firefighters recommend knowing the basic rules of action during a fire.
A small fire can be extinguished manually using a blanket or a towel made of non-synthetic materials: cover the flames, cutting off oxygen supply, and the fire will go out. A small fire can also be extinguished with water, but you must remember not to pour water on electrical appliances connected to the mains or on burning oil under any circumstances.
1. Call emergency services at "101" or "112" if you cannot extinguish the fire within 2-3 minutes, as further delay will lead to its spread.
Tell the dispatcher the address, the location of the fire, and inform them about the presence of people in the building and the threat to nearby structures.
2. Immediately leave the apartment or house. If possible, close the door to the burning room tightly – this will prevent the fire from spreading.
3. Evacuate residents and neighbors. Help the elderly and minors.
4. If possible, de-energize the house and turn off the gas if you live in a private sector.
5. Meet the EMERCOM units and inform them if there are still people in the building, what is burning, and where it is burning.
If:
- you cannot leave your home – go to the balcony and attract the attention of passers-by;
- it is impossible to leave due to heavy smoke – stuff the door cracks with wet rags, preferably around the perimeter of the door – this will prevent smoke and high temperatures from spreading quickly throughout your apartment.
A wet rag, by the way, is a very effective improvised tool for combating smoke, especially when there is time to find and wet it. If you cover your face (mouth and nose) with it, you can breathe quite freely even in smoke, although not very dense. This can be useful if your apartment is nevertheless filled with smoke. With the help of a simple wet rag, you can hold out until the firefighters arrive. In extreme cases, lie down on the floor: there is usually a so-called neutral zone there, where there is practically no smoke, as it rises mainly upwards.
During a fire, you should not:
- panic;
- use the elevator (it may stop and turn into a death trap);
- open windows (the influx of oxygen will make the fire burn even more);
- return to the building (no matter how valuable you left in your home, life is more precious);
- run; if clothes catch fire, it is necessary to throw a blanket over the person on fire
Inspector of SPIVO Miory ROChS O.M. Girzha