What to Do if There is a Fire

A fire is a sure-fire way to put a crimp in your vacation. Here’s what to do if it happens to you.

The best place to start is to make a complete plan before you have a fire. It only takes a few minutes to map out a strategy, identify escape routes, and set up a few procedures to help everyone escape and rendezvous.

In-Building Fires

Whether you’re staying in a hotel or motel or renting a vacation rental, if you’re dealing with a fire in your building swift and decisive action is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle a fire within your building:

  1. Prepare in Advance
  • Map Out all of the Exits: Know the best and alternate ways out.
  • Check Windows: Check to make sure windows open and that they are large enough to escape through. If you are on a second floor or higher, make sure there is an escape ladder for the outside of the window.
  • Discover Emergency Tools: Find the fire extinguishers and flashlights.
  • Have a Group Meeting: Ensure that everyone knows what to do. Spend a few minutes pointing out things to everyone.
  1. Have a Fire Plan
  • Create a Fire Escape Plan: Ensure everyone in your household knows the plan and practice fire drills.
  • Designate a Meeting Spot: Choose a safe location outside where everyone can gather after escaping.
  1. Stay Calm and Alert
  • Recognize the Signs: Be aware of smoke, heat, or flames. If you detect any of these, act immediately.
  • Do Not Panic: Stay calm to make clear decisions and avoid reckless actions. Follow your plan.
  1. Alert Others
  • Sound the Alarm: Use your smoke alarm to alert others. If it’s a small fire and you feel confident, you might attempt to put it out, but your first priority should be alerting everyone.
  1. Evacuate the Premises
  • Use the Nearest Exit: Leave the building through the closest exit. If the fire blocks your primary route, use an alternative escape route.
  • Avoid Elevators: Use stairs instead of elevators, which might become inoperative during a fire.
  • Stay Low: Smoke rises, so stay close to the floor where the air is clearer.
  • Check Closed Doors: Check doors before opening them with the back of your hand. If they are hot then it’s probably not a good idea to open them; there may be flames on the other side.
  • Close Doors: Close doors behind you as you leave to help contain the fire.
  1. Call Emergency Services
  • Dial 911: Timing can vary here. For a small kitchen fire you may want to call immediately. For larger fires you may want to escape first and once you’re at a safe distance, call 911 to report the fire. If you don’t know what to do, call 911. First responders can help you with guidance and assistance for special circumstances such as injuries. Provide your location and details about the fire.
  1. Do Not Re-Enter
  • Wait for the All-Clear: Do not go back inside the house until the fire department has declared it safe.
  1. Consider Fire Extinguishers
  • Small Fires Only: If the fire is small and you have a fire extinguisher, use it. Remember the PASS method—Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
  • Know When to Retreat: If the fire is too large, evacuate immediately.

Forest Fires

Forest fires, or wildfires, pose different challenges compared to in-building fires. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in a forest fire situation:

  1. Be Prepared
  • Know the Risks: Stay informed about fire risks in your area, especially during dry seasons.
  • Have an Emergency Kit: Prepare a kit with essentials such as water, food, medications, a flashlight, N95 respirator masks, and important documents.
  • Prepare for Loss of Contact: Many areas of the Adirondacks have poor or no cell coverage. If you are staying in a location such as this and relying on wifi access this may be gone before you are aware that there is even a problem. Even if you do have cell coverage, cell towers can be quickly overloading during an emergency and cell service may go down. Plan for this beforehand and learn about nearby places to shelter such as lakes, ponds, and rivers.
  1. Evacuate Early
  • Follow Orders: Adhere to evacuation orders from local authorities. Delaying can put you at greater risk.
  • Plan Your Route: Know your evacuation routes in advance and have alternate routes in case the primary route is blocked.
  • Travel Safely: Use vehicles to evacuate if possible, but do not drive through smoke or flames. If you are on foot, move quickly to safety.
  1. Shelter in Place (If Necessary)
  • Contact Authorities: Call 911 to report the fire and find out what to do.
  • Find Shelter: If you cannot evacuate in time and you cannot reach authorities, look for a safe location to shelter. This could be a lake, pond or river, or flat low-lying area with little vegetation.
  • Protect Yourself: Lie down and cover yourself with a blanket, wet clothing, dirt, or mud.Wool blankets are better than synthetic blankets.
  • Protect Your Lungs: Cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth or a mask to reduce smoke inhalation and breath air close to the ground to reduce heat and smoke.
  1. Stay Informed
  • Monitor Updates: Keep track of fire updates through local news, radio, or emergency services.
  • Use Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications for your area.
  1. Post-Fire Safety
  • Wait for the All-Clear: Do not return to the area until officials have declared it safe.
  • Check for Hazards: Be cautious of potential hazards such as downed power lines or unstable structures.

Conclusion

Whether dealing with a fire in a building or a forest fire, your primary focus should be on ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you. Preparation, awareness, and swift action are key to managing fire emergencies effectively. Stay informed, have a plan, and prioritize safety above all else.

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