When it comes to fires, the wrong split-second decision can get users in a life-threatening situation. Below are some of the most common mistakes people make in the event of a fire and tips on how to avoid them.
Remembering and applying these tips could help users escape from a potential life-threatening situation. These basic home fire safety tips are not exhaustive but give users a good foundation for fire safety for their family.
Life-threatening situation
Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 1: Don't Try Salvaging Precious Items
A common trap people fall into when a fire starts in their home is to try to grab items they are emotionally connected to. It is, of course, difficult leaving things we hold dear behind, especially if they are irreplaceable (such as an heirloom). However, users must remember that their life is more important than these items. The time it takes users to gather these items could be the difference between getting out and getting trapped.
Toxic gas inhalation
Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 2: Don't Underestimate the Danger of Smoke
People are often so focused on escaping the flames of a fire that they don't think of smoke as being a threat to their life. Most victims of fires have died as a result of smoke and toxic gas inhalation. If users cannot avoid smoke when exiting a building, stay low, cover their mouth and nose and crawl to the nearest exit.
Causing confusion and panic
Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 3: Don't Panic - Panicking can lead to bad mistakes. If users are sleeping and an alarm goes off this can cause confusion and panic. If this happens to them, remain as calm as possible and check doors before moving out of the room users are in. Feel the door with the back of their hand. If the door is hot, look for an alternate route users may have to make their way to a window.
Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 4: Ensure Smoke Alarms Are Maintained - Users should at least have one smoke alarms outside of each sleeping area in their home. Users should also ensure that all smoke detectors are tested monthly and the batteries changed twice a year.
Well versed in the evacuation plan
Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 5: Priorities Life - It is easy to panic and does things in the wrong order. Remember the priority during a fire is to get out of the building as quickly as possible. Once users are safely away from the house, then users should call the fire brigade, do not try to make any calls before they leave the house.
Basic Home Fire Safety Tip 6: Have An Evacuation Plan - Have an evacuation plan and review this plan a couple of times a year. The more users know the plan the better. Make sure the whole family knows the plan and if they are an employer, make sure the employees are well versed in the evacuation plan.
