The discovery of the fire was an enormous milestone for the humankind. It gave them protection from the hungry predators, helped them survive the cold nights, and allowed them to cook their food.
However, whenever this divine entity got angry or out of control, it did much more damage than any predator or cold weather.
It intimidated the humans so much that the early ones started to worship it.
In modern days, the fire has become an integral part of our lives.
We use it in our industries to produce goods, fuels, jewellery, and much more. Likewise, we use it in our houses to cook food, to get warmth during winters, and to lighten up our parties.
However, as mentioned before, whenever it gets out of control, it destroys everything that comes in contact with its flames.
It causes nearly 360,000 residential house fires per year in the United States alone, and millions of death worldwide.
Hence, to protect ourselves and our loved ones, we should be aware of how to deal with a fire situation.
So, in this post, we have decided to share some easy to follow and practical guidelines that will help you prepare for any fire situation!
What are the Causes of House-fire?
According to the NFPA, the most common causes of house fires are:
- Cooking (49 %)
- Heating (14%)
- Electrical Distribution (10%)
- Intentional (8%)
- Smoking Material (5%)
How to Be Ready For a Fire Situation?
The best way to deal with a fire situation is to prepare for it in advance.
To be ready for such a hazard, you need:
- A fire alarm in your kitchen and drawing room
- One or more fire extinguishers
- Knowledge of how to use a fire extinguisher
- An exit route and plan in case of such an emergency
- Practice
How to Deal With a Fire Situation?
We can deal with a fire hazard by following a step by step fire safety timeline. For your convenience, we have added a time approximation of each step.
Smoke Alarm (1 minute)
A good quality smoke alarm can detect smoke or carbon monoxide within seconds.
In addition, some of the detectors also have a phone notification system, so if fire starts while you are away then you’ll receive a notification on your phone.
With this timely alert, you can extinguish the fire before it gets out of control.
For further information, check out our reviews on the best smoke detectors.
Decision Making (2-3 minute)
After getting the fire alert, the next step is to decide the best thing to do.
First of all, a panicked mind is a blurred mind, so try to keep yourself calm and analyze the situation.
Now, depending upon the intensity and dispersion of the fire, you can either choose to extinguish it or evacuate your house.
If you are confused, the best choice is evacuation.
Evacuation (3-5 minutes)
If you have decided to evacuate the house, staying calm is the key.
Some safety tips while evacuating include:
- Choose the nearest exit point; any door or window.
- Check the doorknobs or handles before opening the door. A heated doorknob is an indication that there is a fire behind the door.
- If possible, keep a fire extinguisher with you
- Do not wait to break the door or window if you cannot open them.
Remember, evacuation practises can help you deal with this situation much better!
Extinguishing the Fire (3-5 minutes)
If you think the fire is controllable, you can extinguish the fire rather than evacuating the house.
In general, the recommended way to use an extinguisher is the P.A.S.S method, which stands fro:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the handle
- Sweep side to side at the base of the fire as you slowly move closer
Also, keep in mind that there are multiple types of extinguishers for different causes of fire.
If you are not sure of which type to buy, go for an ABC class fire extinguisher or check out our guide on how to buy a fire extinguisher.
Like evacuation, make sure to have some proper training of using a fire extinguisher in your spare time.
What to Do After Evacuation (6-30 minutes)
Call 911
Yes, right after you get out of your house, call 911.
It generally takes 6-20 minutes for the fire department to reach your house.
So, the sooner you call, the better!
Hydrate Yourself
Dehydration and suffocation are two of the main effects of the fire that can kill you even if you manage to get out of its range.
After evacuating, move away from your house to breathe in some smoke-free air.
Likewise, drink plenty of water to compensate for dehydration.
Get Back to Your House
Once the fire department is satisfied that there is no more fire, you can return to your home.
However, make sure to scrutinize the house at least once after getting in, to confirm that they have not missed any place.
Also, be extra careful while going into your kitchen or from where the fire started in the first place.
Fire Prevention Safety Tips
Some important fire prevention tips include:
- Have a proper fire alarm system installed in your house
- Always be present inside the kitchen while cooking
- Keep your electrical wires and boards in check
- Properly dispose off your cigarettes, candles, and match sticks after use
- Never let your kids play with fire or anything that can cause it
- Never let a suspicious person inside your house
- If you are stocking wool or any such item, make sure it is well protected
In conclusion, surviving a fire, once it gets out of control, is not an easy task. If you are not careful enough, your houses might turn into ashes within minutes
However, with practice, proper tools, and knowledge, we can deal with this situation and protect our family and property.
All in all, the best way to fight fire is its prevention and early detection!