How to Survive a Fire
Your Escape
Don't Panic, Don't Waste Time
• Panic causes confusion and disorientation.
• Many people die from it.
• Don't stop to get dressed.
• Grab a woollen blanket and move quickly.
Crawl low in Smoke
• The freshest air remains just above the floor while toxic smoke and superheated air rises to the ceiling.
Avoid Hot Doors
• Feel every door before opening it.
• If it is hot or there is smoke do not open it and find another exit.
Opening and Closing Doors
• Stay low;
• Turn your head away from the door and open it carefully and slowly;
• Opening a door gives fire oxygen; and
• Close it behind you on your way out.
Surviving Burns
Stop, drop, rock and roll
- Teach your children to Stop, Drop, Rock and Roll in the event their clothes catch fire.
• Stop - put your hands over your face
• Drop - gently drop to the ground
• Rock n Roll - rock and roll back and forth on the ground until clothes stop burning - This will smother the flames while protecting their face and respratory tract from flames and rising heat.
Relieving Burns
• Run cold water over any burns for at least 10 minutes;
• Do not use butter, ice or ointments or cover the burn with cotton wool; and
• Burnt clothes should be removed by medical staff.
