What to do if a fire breaks out?

Unfortunately, people very often think about safety only when it's too late. Statistics show that it's not just disadvantaged citizens leading an antisocial lifestyle or heavy drinkers who become victims of fires. Ordinary residents also lose property, and sometimes their lives, in fires. That is why fire rescuers recommend knowing the basic rules of conduct during a fire.

A small fire can be simply extinguished manually using a blanket or a towel made of non-synthetic materials: cover the flame, cutting off the oxygen supply, and the fire will go out. A small fire can also be extinguished with water, but you must remember that under no circumstances should you pour water on electrical appliances or burning oil.

1. Call rescuers by dialing "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 report if there are people in the building and any 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, turn off the gas if you live in a private sector.

5. Meet the EMERCOM units, report if there are people left in the building, what is burning, where it is burning.

If:

 - it was not possible to leave the dwelling – go to the balcony, attract the attention of passers-by;

 - it is impossible to get out due to heavy smoke – block the door cracks with wet rags, preferably around the perimeter of the door, - this will prevent smoke and high temperature from spreading quickly throughout your apartment.

A wet rag, by the way, is a very effective improvised means of 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 may be useful if your apartment is still smoked. With the help of a simple wet rag, you can hold on until the firefighters arrive. In extreme cases, lie on the floor: there is usually a so-called neutral zone where there is practically no smoke, as it rises mainly upwards.

During a fire, you cannot:

- panic;

- use the elevator (it may stop and become a death trap);

- open windows (the influx of oxygen will make the fire burn even more);

- return to the house (no matter how valuable you left in the dwelling, life is more precious);

- run; if clothes catch fire, it is necessary to throw a blanket over the burning person.

Inspector of Fire Safety and Rescue Department of Miory District Department for Emergency Situations                      O.M. Girzhda