What Steps to Take During A Fire

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

United States fire departments respond to roughly 360,000 house fires per year which results in injuries and destruction. Using the steps from our previous fire damage blogs will help prepare and prevent you and your family from a house fire. The American Red Cross recommends that you teach your family two ways of escape, along with a predetermined meeting point outside the home. Once set in place, you should review the routes as well as a backup plan at least once a year. But when one occurs, take immediate action with these steps from SERVPRO of East Arlington shared below:

1. Use a fire extinguisher. If the fire is small and you know how to use a fire extinguisher, put your skills to use. Extinguishing the fire reduces structural damages and the risk of injuries. DO NOT pour water on a grease fire! Since water and oil don’t mix, when you dump water on a grease fire it sinks to the bottom of the pan and evaporates instantly, increasing the intensity of the heat.
2. Leave the home. If you don’t know how to use a fire extinguisher or have no way of getting to it, leave your home immediately. There is always less time than you think to get out of a burning structure safely.
3. Protect your hands and lungs. If a closed-door or its doorknob feels warm, leave it closed. And, if smoke fills the home, get low to the ground, and stay low until you are safely out of the building. Inhaling the smoke can cause people to become disoriented and render a person unconscious. Placing a shirt or rag over your nose and mouth will help to filter out combustion particles while you escape.
4. Stay out. Once you escape your home, do not attempt to re-enter. Going back inside only puts yourself and others in danger.
5. Call for help. When you get outside your home, immediately call 911. The fire department has the necessary gear and training to enter your home and rescue people or pets that may be stuck inside within minutes.

Have smoke or fire damage? Call SERVPRO of East Arlington today!