Do's and Dont's DURING a fire

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Fire happens quickly and gives you precious few moments to escape. SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank can help with the cleanup and deodorization.

Stay low!  Stop, drop, and roll!

We teach our kids these principles early on, for what to do if involved in a fire.  But, do you know WHY you should stay low in a fire?

As the fire rages, extremely hot temperatures and toxic gases flow up towards the ceilings.  These temperatures can reach several hundred degrees very quickly and burn your lungs, making it impossible to breathe.  And toxic gases, coming from the combustion of burning materials and structure, can damage your lungs in a matter of a few breaths.  Further, the fire is also consuming oxygen, an element you cannot live without.

In preparation of the possibility of fire, you should know at least 2 ways of of the building, in case one exit is blocked due to fire.  Know where fire extinguishers are located, as they may be your lifeline out.  And check smoke detectors regularly.

Here are a few of the do's and don'ts for a fire:

• Evacuate the building as quickly and calmly as possible.
• Meet at the rally point outside that has already been predetermined to be safe.
• Use the fire extinguisher only to help you evacuate.  Do NOT try to be a hero and fight the fire.
• Do not go for personal items, such as collectibles or keepsakes, as it wastes time and you may lose your escape route.  If you are dependent on medications daily, have a bag ready to grab in cases such as this.
• Wait until you are safe outside before calling the fire department.

If you were unfortunately involved with a fire, call the fire cleanup experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can salvage structure and contents that can be salvaged, deodorize and clean smoke and soot damage, and get you back to living as normal a life as possible quickly.