Getting Out in a Fire
If you get caught in a fire situation, survival is your top priority. You should:
Feel the Door Handle
- If the door handle is hot, don’t open it
- Go to a window and call for help
- If the handle is not hot, open cautiously
- Check for smoke or fire before going out
Get Out of the Building Before Phoning for Help
- Don’t take time to phone before leaving
- Get out and find a phone
Pull the Fire Alarm on Your Way Out
Don’t Look for Other People or Gather up Your Stuff
- Knock on doors as you leave
- Yell "FIRE!" as you leave
- Don’t hesitate or stray from your path as you leave
Crawl Low to the Floor
- Thick smoke can make it impossible to see
- Toxic chemicals in smoke can be deadly in minutes
Close the Door Behind You
- You may help keep the fire from spreading
- You may protect your possessions from fire and smoke damage
If You Can’t Get Out, Get Someone’s ATTENTION
- Yell and scream
- Hang a sheet from the window
- Stay low, there are less smoke and poisonous gases close to the floor