Discovering a fire initiates a sequence of events where every second impacts survivability. Modern construction materials and furnishings mean a fire can become deadly in less than three minutes. Having a pre-established plan and acting swiftly is paramount because the window for safe evacuation is extremely narrow. Understanding the correct order of priorities ensures a successful escape from rapidly developing hazardous conditions.
The Immediate Priority: Activating the Alarm
The first action upon discovering a fire, regardless of its size, must be to alert everyone else in the building. This priority supersedes all other considerations, including attempting to extinguish the flames. In a multi-unit building, quickly pull the nearest manual fire alarm station, which activates the notification system and signals the fire department.
In residential homes, yell “Fire!” repeatedly and loudly as you move toward your exit to rouse sleeping occupants. Since a closed bedroom door can cut the smoke alarm’s decibel level in half, a human alert is necessary. Alerting others provides precious seconds for them to begin their escape sequence.
Evaluating the Escape Route
Once the alarm is raised, rapidly assess the environment to identify the safest path out. The primary danger is smoke, which contains toxic gases capable of causing disorientation and unconsciousness. Since hot air and smoke rise, immediately drop to a low level and crawl beneath the smoke layer, where the air is cleaner and cooler, toward an exit.
Before opening any door, check it for heat, which indicates fire is present on the other side. Use the back of your hand to feel the door’s surface, the doorknob, and the space around the frame, as the back of the hand is more sensitive to heat than the palm. If the door or doorknob is warm, do not open it; instead, use a secondary escape route, such as a window. Opening a hot door can feed the fire with oxygen, causing a dangerous burst of flames.
Safe Exit Strategy
With a clear escape path confirmed, the exit must be swift, prioritizing human life over all material possessions. As you exit any room, close the door behind you to slow the spread of fire and smoke. This action limits the oxygen supply, starving the combustion process and slowing the fire’s growth.
Research has shown that a closed door can keep temperatures significantly lower than an open door, extending the survivability profile by several minutes. Proceed quickly to the pre-designated outdoor meeting place established in your fire plan. Do not stop to retrieve personal items or valuables, as this delays your escape and increases the risk of smoke inhalation.
Actions Once Outside
Upon reaching the safety of the outdoors, ensure you are a safe distance from the burning structure and contact emergency services immediately. Use a cell phone to call 911 or the local emergency number. Never assume that someone else has already called, and do not hang up with the dispatcher until they tell you that you may do so.
When speaking to the dispatcher, provide your exact location, including the street address and building details, along with a description of what is on fire. Gather at the predetermined outside meeting spot to account for everyone who was inside, and immediately inform the fire department personnel if anyone is missing or trapped. Under no circumstances should you re-enter the building for any reason, as the conditions inside are rapidly deteriorating and are unsafe for an unprotected individual.