Hot Topics. Would you know what to do in the event of a fire?

What to do if you come across a fire

If you come across a fire for instance in a public building, raise the alarm as quickly as possible.

• Close all windows and doors if time permits.
• Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
• Leave the building by the nearest available exit.
• Go directly to the fire assembly point… and stay there until told it’s safe to re-enter the building.

Remember, be calm and sensible… it has been known for some people to stay in a building, even when they know there’s a fire. For example, two elderly couples died because they wanted to finish their meals before leaving the burning building.

What to do if you suspect a fire is in a room

• You may become aware of a fire in a closed room.
• Feel the top of the door with the back of your hand.
• Do not use the door handle when testing for heat as it could be extremely hot and burn your skin away.
• If the door is warm, do not open it.
• By opening it you may cause a flashover. A flashover works by providing more oxygen to aggravate the fire.
• The hot air and gases from a flashover can pass into your lungs and will probably kill you.

Tackling a small fire

In some situations it may be possible to safely tackle a small fire…

…though really, you should never tackle a fire, no matter how small, unless you have been trained to do so. If you do, you may be rendered unconscious by inhaling smoke. If you see a fire, you must always contact the emergency services.

You should really only attempt to extinguish a fire if it is your last resort. And only if it is safe to do so and you are confident that you know how to do it.

• Always make sure you raise the alarm first.
• Remember to keep between the fire and the door and never fight a fire alone.

Otherwise, if you can’t put the fire out, make sure everyone gets out of the room and that the door to the room is closed.