Fire Education 101

Prevent Fire at Home

• When feeling drowsy, put your cigarette out especially after drinking
• Do not smoke in bed
• In case you cannot resist; Use ashtrays with tight-fitting holders
• Before retiring at night, empty ashtrays, sprinkling them with water is not bad
• Do not smoke anywhere where there are flammable materials
• Use barbeque grill away from combustible materials
• Avoid overloading an electrical outlet
• A hair dryer, lighted cigarette and a hair spray is one set of perfect danger
• Educate children the danger of playing matches

Stay Out of Fire

• Feel the door for its heat
• Open door slowly
• Check hallway for smoke; use secondary exit like window if possible
• If no other escape route, crawl under smoke to the nearest exit
• Use stairs only; never use elevators
• Once safe outside the fire scene; Do not re-enter for any reason
• Do not try to save pets; it is the job of the firefighters
• Do not try to save valuables, life is more precious
• Do not worry about how you look

If No Other Recourse

• Call the nearest neighbor, a friend, and the fire department
• Seal doors and ducts
• Use any available water to dampen the seal
• Ventilate the room to the area without smoke
• Stay low and cover your mouth and nose
• Wait, keep your cool and do not panic
• You will be rescued momentarily

Classes of Fire

• Class A - trash, wood, paper, cloth, some plastics, non-electrical materials
• Class B - grease, flammable liquids
• Class C - electric motors, appliance and equipments
• Mixed Class - combustibles

Early Warning Devices and Protection

• Smoke Detector
• Sprinkler systems
• Ventilator cutoffs
• Fire doors
• Fire extinguishers
• Other Home Alarms
• Do a Fire Drill occasionally

Types of Fire Extinguishers

• Class A - Contains water or weak water chemical solutions
• Class B - Contains foam, dry chemicals or carbon dioxide
• Class C - Contains dry chemicals

Operating Fire Extinguishers

• Keep and exit available
• Remove safety mechanism
• Face the fire with caution and protective shield
• Aim at base fire
• Spray in sweeping motions
• Operate extinguisher with several short bursts
• If unable to extinguish a fire - get out at once

Consider These When Buying Fire Extinguisher

• Manageable weight
• Convenience size
• Safety mechanism
• Ease of operation
• Check the pressure gauge
• Must have bracket for hanging

Where to place Extinguishers

• Near escape routes and signage
• Unobstructed areas reachable by everyone

Go Ahead Fight a Fire if Necessary But…

• Check if you have an escape route
• See if the fire is containable
• Do you have the capabilities and means to fight it?
• Ask if your fire fighters will be delayed and will only avoid spreading fire
• Be sure you are not endangering your own life and that of others
• When fighting with an extinguisher, stand with your back to the door
• Simply place a lid or cover to a burning pots or pans
• If you are in doubt of your ability to fight fire, call the experts

Hotels and Buildings Fire Safety

• Ask for a room on a lower floor or level
• Look for the fire exit map
• Locate at least two escape routes from your room
• Check the nearest alarm box or bell switch
• Put your key on a bedside table
• If you suspect fire or smoke, report it immediately
• Fill the bathtub; Turn on the exhaust fan
• If the corridor is clear, get out at once
• Wait for the rescue team if you cannot come out safely

After the Fire Has Gone

• Feel, observe and examine the fire site
• Take all the necessary remains of the fire outside
• Ventilate the area
• Ask authorities around for information

The Common Fire Codes

• First Alarm to Fifth Alarm - rescue and firefighters from within the city
• Task Force Alpha to Task Force India - help from the nearest city is a must
• General Alarm - joined forces of all units available from any cities or states