More than 4,000 people in the United States die each year from fires that could have been prevented. Additionally more than 25,000 Americans are injured each year because of fires.
In case a person finds himself the victim of a fire, there are certain pieces of information he should remember to prevent the situation or reduce the chances of getting hurt in a fire.
The La Verne Fire Department suggests these important tips to help possible victims.
These suggestions are guidelines and are not guaranteed to work all the time.
To prevent fires:
• Regularly check the batteries in the smoke detectors to make sure they are properly working. Try to place one smoke detector in each room.
• Have a fire extinguisher in the residence.
• Do not overload electrical outlets and make sure extension cords are used properly.
• As obvious as it seems, do not play with fire, matches and lighters.
If a person is caught in a fire, one should:
• Follow the escape plan that one has planned to get outside quickly and safely, whether it’s using the emergency exits or windows.
• Before going to the next room, check to see if there is smoke coming from under the door. If there is, it is most likely the fire has reached that room. Find a different way out.
• If there is no sign of smoke under the doors, carefully touch the door to check if it is either hot or warm. If it is hot or warm, don’t open the door. If it is cool, check to see if the doorknob is cool. If it is, slowly open the door and exit.
• Always stay low. Crawl on one’s hands and knees. Smoke is the leading cause in fire deaths. Smoke generally rises, so by staying low one will inhale less smoke.
• Stop, drop and roll if one has caught on fire.
• Never hide under a bed or in a closet. It will be much harder for a firefighter to find the person. If one is stuck in that room, cover the cracks under the door with sheets, blankets or clothing until help can arrive.
The first thing to do is to call 911 immediately.
If one cannot reach the phone, scream “fire” out the window so someone can else can call.
If the fire is too big, do not attempt to put it out. Call 911.
Finally, have an escape plan so one is prepared in such emergencies.
Nila Priyambodo can be reached at npriyambodo@ulv.edu.
