Blog

Fire doesn’t wait; it spreads fast and causes devastating damage to valuables and people. In the blink of an eye, your home could go from a haven to a horror story if you are unprepared. Read on to discover how to handle fire emergencies in your household.

Preparation to Prevent Fires at Home

Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke is usually the first sign of a fire, and smoke detectors are your first line of defence. Install them in every bedroom, hallway, and the kitchen. These devices can give you an important head start to ensure you are safe in case of a fire. Test them once a month, and change the batteries twice a year, even if they seem to be working fine.

Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy

The general rule is you should have a small fire extinguisher in the kitchen because this is where most home fires start. Consider placing another near the garage or main exit. Ensure you learn how to use it correctly and teach everyone at home how to operate it confidently.

When using a fire extinguisher, you should remember the PASS method:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim low at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle.
• Sweep side to side.

Create and Practise an Escape Plan

It’s one thing to talk about fire safety and another to know how to act under pressure. Sit down with your family and draw up a simple escape plan that details emergency exits, usually a door and a window. When everyone is safely outside, a designated safe meeting spot should be away from the fire.

Practise your escape plan at least twice a year and run through it with anyone else who stays with you or visits regularly. Moreover, know and save emergency fire rescue numbers in your phone and write them down where everyone can see them, like on the fridge. You can also download the FREE-to-use iER App from the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or the Huawei App Gallery for immediate access to emergency responders nationwide in case of a fire.

Step 2: What to Do During a Fire

Get Low and Stay Calm

Smoke inhalation is one of the leading causes of fire-related deaths. Since smoke rises, you must crawl low to avoid toxic fumes entering and constricting your lungs. If possible, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth and move quickly but calmly toward the nearest exit.

Check Doors Before Opening

Fire can be lurking on the other side of closed doors. Before opening one, use the back of your hand to feel the door handle or the door itself. If it’s hot, do not open it, as it might signal that you are about to enter a room with flames.  Instead, use another exit route, such as a window or door.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

If your clothing catches fire, running will only fuel the flames. Instead, stop immediately, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll back and forth until the flames are out. Teaching your children this technique is important because it could save their lives.

Close Doors Behind You

As you exit, close the doors behind you if it’s safe. This helps contain the fire and limits its spread. Most importantly, it buys enough time for others to escape and for firefighters to arrive before the fire worsens.

Never Go Back Inside

No matter what you have forgotten inside the house, whether it’s a wallet, phone, or priceless item, do not re-enter a burning building. The fire can become aggressive, the structure can weaken, and you might become trapped. Firefighters are the ones who are trained and equipped to handle rescues and are the only ones who know how to navigate a burning home.

Step 3: After the Fire

Ensure Help is on the Way

If you haven’t called emergency services yet, do so as soon as you’re safe. Use the FREE-to-use iER App to connect to 24/7 response units wherever you are in the country. Stay on the line until help arrives, and ensure you provide precise details when asked about the incident so rescue teams are aware.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get checked out for smoke inhalation or burns. The effects of smoke may not be immediately apparent but can worsen quickly, especially in children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions. Medical assessments can reduce the risks caused by excessive smoke inhalation.

Contact Your Insurance and Support Services

If your home has suffered damage, contact your insurer immediately to start the claim process. The FREE-to-use iER App also allows you to access disaster relief assistance, trauma counselling, and related emergency support you may require. A fire can lead to devastating consequences for you and your family, so you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.

Fire emergencies are terrifying, unpredictable, and potentially life-threatening. However, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of surviving the ordeal. You should equip your home, educate your family, and, most importantly, download the FREE-to-use iER App to ensure you stay prepared and access immediate emergency response 24/7 nationwide.