In the last Survival Smarts, we talked about preventing
fires and minimising risks. This issue looks at evacuating
safely during a fire.
In A fire, it is not only the flames that kill – smoke,
too, is extremely lethal, and its killing ability is often
underestimated.
It’s sometimes highly toxic and invisible. A single breath
into your lungs, and it could knock you out or kill you. Smoke
also chokes victims to death by depriving them of oxygen. Most
victims of fire succumb to the smoke and toxic gases, and not
to burns.
In a fire, time is critical. Don't waste time getting
dressed, don't search for pets or valuables. Just get out.
Roll out of bed and stay low to avoid breathing in smoke or
gas. You might have to get out by crawling. Though it may seem
slower, it might be the only way out alive.
According to the US Fire Administration (USFA, www.usfa.fema.gov), fire produces poisonous gases that
can spread rapidly and far from the fire itself to claim
victims who are asleep and not even aware of the fire. Even if
residents awaken, the effects of exposure to these gases can
cloud their thinking and slow their reaction so that they
cannot make their escape.
When escaping your home or other premises, carefully touch
doors before opening them as a fire could be raging outside
and waiting to come in. If the door is warm, try another exit.
If none exist, seal the cracks around the doors and vents with
anything available. The best air is close to the floor, so
crawl if necessary.
If breathing is difficult, try to ventilate the room by
opening windows. Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth
to help you breathe. If trapped, try and call the fire
department, giving them your exact location.
If you are forced to run through a burning area to safety,
the SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman suggests
covering yourself (including your head) with a blanket,
curtain or overcoat (preferably wet), then taking a deep
breath and go.
Always sleep with the bedroom doors closed. This will keep
deadly smoke and heat out, giving you additional time to
escape. Keep a flashlight in every room. If somebody catches
fire, smother flames by grabbing a blanket, rug, curtain or
carpet and wrapping the person up like a tortilla. This could
save them from serious burns or even death.
If you are on fire, remember this – stop, drop and roll;
preferably wrap yourself in something too. Running all over
the place won’t save you – this will only get you cooked
faster.
Safe evacuation
When in a relatively safe room and awaiting rescue, ensure
all doors are closed (not locked) to contain the spread of
fire. The SAS guide says you should go to a room or a floor
“as far as possible from the fire (but not to a higher level
unless you are certain that rescuers with ladders or other
equipment are very close). If there is a choice, pick a room
with the softest ground outside, no railings below and no
grills, or where there are beddings or curtains which you can
knot into a rope.”
It adds that if no rescue is forthcoming, do not jump –
drop. Tie material together to make a rope – even if it does
not reach the ground it reduces the distance you’ll drop. If
there’s nothing to use as a rope, lower yourself out of the
window and hang from the sill before dropping. A car roof
makes a good cushion to drop on as it will give slightly to
your weight.
Protect your head by wrapping with a cloth or towel.
“Before you land, protect the sides of your head with your
arms, bend your knees and then roll over to one side, carrying
the roll onto your back. This helps spread the impact over a
larger area and increases your chances,” says the guide.
Know the layout of the floor where you work or live. You
have to know where the stairs and exits are, as well as the
extinguishers and the fire alarms.
The Malaysian Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association says
that a fire in a high-rise residential building usually can be
confined to the apartment where it starts. However, smoke and
heat can travel throughout the building, especially upwards.
Among the many tips it provides on its website
(www.mvfra.org):
If the fire is NOT in your apartment:
