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PROGRAM TWO: What to do when you are caught in a fire
Activities: To introduce the techniques for surviving a fire. Invite a dispatcher into the lodge to explain the proper procedures for use when calling in an emergency. This can be used as a culminating event for any part of this unit. INTRODUCTION: Whenever a smoke detector is activated exit the home. Even if you are sure it's a false alarm, everyone should leave the home. This helps present a good example of how serious the alarm is to your family, and presents an opportunity to practice and prepare everyone if a fire occurs. Never try to put out a fire, no matter how small unless you are sure you can do so safely and you're between the fire and an exit. Never let this delay hinder getting your family out safely. Never try to leave through an exit that is engulfed in fire, unless there is no other option. If you walk into a room where a fire is located you'll have no idea how much poisonous fumes have built up in that room, even if it is a small fire. You also will not know how quickly the room may suddenly burst into flames due to high temperatures that occur from the different types of materials that are burning. Close and seal doors and windows to keep the fire and smoke from spreading whenever possible. Don't run out of a burning building. |
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Stay low even if the fire isn't close to you. Get on your knees and crawl. Staying low helps keep you safe from toxic smoke as well as the heat. Once you are out of the house, stay out! Don't go back in for any reason. Wait for the firefighters to arrive. They have the training and equipment to properly enter the home and to get people out alive. Be sure to have a prearranged meeting place for your family to meet once everyone is out. When considering this place make sure it is far enough away from the house, not under any power lines, and
out of the way of the arriving firefighters. If your clothes catch fire, don't run. Stop where you are, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
Running gives the fire more oxygen and keeps it going. If you see someone whose clothes are on fire, tell them to stop, drop, and roll. While the person is rolling, cover the person with a thick blanket or rug to help smother the fire. If you are properly trained apply first aid then seek medical help. TIPS FOR TRAVELING Fire prevention and survival rules apply to all types of buildings, including hotels and motels you may stay in while traveling. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security just because the building is said to be fire-proof. This simply means that in the event of a fire the building itself won't be damaged much during the fire. The furniture, carpet, and other materials within the building will burn, usually emitting highly toxic fumes. Familiarize yourself with the building's fire safety rules. In many hotels you'll find the rules posted on the back of the door. Make sure you know which fire exits are recommended for your use and walk through two different escape routes the first day you stay in the room. Don't use any elevator during a fire. In many cases elevator call buttons are heat sensitive, and you could find yourself being taken straight to the floor where the fire is burning. Elevator shafts can also act as chimneys during a fire and fill up with heat and smoke. If you decide to try to exit the building, use the stairs. Be sure to feel the door for heat before opening and when you open the door do so slowly standing clear of the opening. Some doors are insulated and may not feel warm even if there is fire present on the other side. Be sure to leave the building whenever you hear the fire alarm sound even if there have been false alarms before. Another important tip to remember is to take your car keys with you when you leave the building. If there is a fire, you will need them to be able to go home. |
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: National Fire Protection Association Pennsylvania Affiliate American Heart Association Susquehanna Emergency Health Services Council Robert Stackhouse Copyright© 2000, The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania | Credits |