It’s probably the most useful invention of man; however, it also causes the most destruction when it is out of control. Fire destroys not just lives, but livelihoods as well – it takes your home, your belongings and everything else in its path. However, you must remember that it is important to save your life and that of your family first before trying to safeguard your possessions, so in the event of a fire, here are a few simple safety measures that could mean the difference between life and death:

• Follow your fire drill: If you live in an area that’s prone to fires, you would have gone through fire drills. So when you hear the alarm, automatically head towards the nearest exit without panicking. Even if you don’t have a drill, it’s best to be prepared by being aware of the fire exits and knowing the nearest ways out in case of a fire.
• Stop and roll when on fire: If you see that your clothes are on fire, don’t panic and run helter-skelter; instead, cover your face with your hands, drop to the ground, and roll on the floor. This cuts off oxygen to the flames and they go out. Seek immediate medical attention for any burn wounds, even if they appear superficial.
• Pay attention to doors: You don’t want to run right into the fire when you’re trying to get out of a burning building, so always check doors before you open them to see if they’re warm or if there is smoke billowing from underneath them to indicate the presence of fire on the other side. Also, when leaving a room that is on fire, close the door behind you to slow down the fire.
• Stay down: When you’re getting out of (or confined to) a room that is full of smoke, stay as close to the floor as you can. This way, you prevent smoke inhalation and its associated complications.
• Stay visible: If, for any reason, you cannot get out of your building, don’t hide under your bed or anyplace else where firefighters and rescuers cannot find you. Go to an open window if you can and shout for help if the room is not smoky and there is no risk of smoke inhalation. Wait for the firefighters to get to you as calmly as you can.

Remember, it’s always easier to prevent a fire than try to control or beat it; so ensure that you follow safety measures when you use matches, light fireworks, or handle fire in any other way.

Article Credits:

This guest post is contributed by Sally Davison, she writes on the topic of fire science degrees . She welcomes your comments at her email id: sally.davison091@gmail.com.

Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.