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Finding yourself trapped in a burning building is one of the most terrifying experiences you can face. Panic is usual if you see the fire spreading, toxic smoke, and not being able to find the exit, which can lead to fatalities if you are not prepared. Read on to learn more about what to do if you’re trapped in a burning building.

The Nature of the Fire Can Become Critical

Fires can spread quickly and double in size within seconds, making a small flame potentially very dangerous before you realise you’re dealing with a life-threatening situation. However, the smoke inhaled is what causes most deaths instead of burns. If there’s thick smoke, it can impair visibility and cause disorientation because it contains different poisonous gasses such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which are responsible for rendering you unconscious.

Immediate Actions to Take If You’re Trapped

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Panic can cloud your judgment and affect how you navigate a crisis. You should try to stay calm while you quickly assess your surroundings. Think about whether you’re noticing any visible flames or if there’s just smoke.

Other factors to consider include:

• If you’re exposed to breathable air.
• Can you feel heat through doors or walls?

2. Call for Help Immediately

If you have access to a mobile phone, use the FREE-to-use iER App to connect to emergency fire rescue services. You should ensure that you have enabled your location-sharing settings for the emergency contact centre to dispatch the appropriate response teams to you. If you can’t speak, you could also leave the line open so dispatchers can trace the call.

3. Feel the Door and Handle for Heat

Before opening any door, feel it with the back of your hand and not your palm. If the door or handle feels hot, do not open it because there may be large flames burning on the other side. If it’s cool, you can open it slowly and be prepared to shut it quickly if smoke or flames rush in.

4. Block Smoke Entry

If escaping is impossible, you should seal yourself in to reduce exposure to toxic fumes and buy yourself time until help arrives. Since smoke rises, staying low by crawling or lying flat on the floor can help decrease the risk. Other ways to prevent the life-threatening effects of inhaling smoke include:

• Using wet towels, clothing, or bedding to block gaps under doors.
• Taping or stuffing cracks around the door frame to keep the smoke out.
• If possible, move to a room with a window that you can open and close, and ensure the door can be closed behind you.

5. Go to a Window

If you can find a room with a window, try to open it to let in fresh air and to signal people who can help you alert fire rescuers. If you’re in a high-rise building, waving or shouting from the window can help others locate you. However, avoid breaking the window unless it’s necessary because it can let smoke and fire in, and you won’t be able to close it again to protect yourself from being exposed to flames or fumes.

What If Fire Enters the Room?

If flames breach your area, consider finding another space with less fire or smoke to move to until emergency responders arrive. You can use a heavy blanket to shield yourself and stay low while moving to the next room. Moreover, protect your airways as much as possible by placing a wet cloth over your nose and mouth to avoid inhaling toxic fumes, which can lead to long-term health complications.

Never Use Elevators During a Fire

If you live in a multi-story building and a fire breaks out, you should avoid using the elevator to try to escape. It may stop working during a fire or open onto a burning floor, which can expose you to different risks. Always use stairwells if they are accessible and free of smoke.

How Prevention and Preparedness Can Save Your Life

No one ever expects to be trapped in a burning building, but preparation can mean the difference between survival and loss of life. It can also ensure that you don’t panic and cause more harm to yourself and your loved ones. To prevent risks and prepare yourself in case you’re trapped in a burning building, you should:

• Know the emergency exit routes in your home, school, or workplace.
• Download the FREE-to-use iER App from the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or the Huawei App Gallery to stay prepared.
• Regularly test smoke alarms and ensure fire extinguishers are available and usable.
• Teach your children how to crawl low under smoke and how to call for help.
• Keep a torch near your bedside in case of nighttime fires.
• Store emergency contact numbers in your phone and memorise important ones.

Being trapped in a burning building can be a nightmare for anyone who might have to experience it. However, with preparation by using these safety tips, it can be easier to manage. Having the FREE-to-use iER App as your safety companion can ensure nationwide access to fire rescue response teams and ambulance services.