If you don't have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, garage, or office, you're missing out on a lot of protection. You might think that because your building is fireproof, you don't need one. But even if your building is made of concrete and steel, fires can still happen—and when they do, you'll wish that you'd been better prepared.
When you're in the middle of a fire, it's hard to think about anything other than getting out safely. But if you have time to spare, here are some things you can do before calling the fire station:
1. Shut off power sources
Your first goal should be to shut off any source of ignition, like electrical outlets and space heaters. If the fire is small enough, you might be able to smother it with a blanket or wet towels.
If you don't have a fire extinguisher, there are other ways to put out small fires:
-Sweep up ashes and embers with a broom or vacuum cleaner and toss them outside
-Wet down rags or towels with water and place them over small flames
-Use baking soda or salt to smother small fires
TIPS: Make sure there's nothing nearby that could catch on fire during this process! Always remember if you're not sure whether or not you should put out the fire yourself, it's better to be safe than sorry: just call 911 and let professionals handle it!
2. Get out of the house immediately
Get everyone out of the house and away from the fire. This sounds like an obvious step, but it's important! Stay calm and move as far away as possible from the source of the fire. Remember:
- Stay low: If there's smoke or heat coming from your home, get down on your hands and knees as low as possible with your head between your knees. You'll be able to breathe easier this way.
- Cover your mouth: Cover your mouth with a shirt or blanket if the air is thick with smoke—this will help you breathe better and also protect you from harmful chemicals released by burning plastic.
If you can't leave immediately, find a safe room in your home that does not contain anything flammable. Close all doors and windows except for one exit door to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and stay low on the ground as you move away from the fire.
3. Call 911 or your local fire call
When you call 911, the dispatcher will ask you a few questions to assess the situation:
- How many people are injured? If they are unconscious or unable to communicate, tell them how many people are in the building and how many were involved in the fire.
- Tell them where you are located. If you're not sure of your exact address, give them an intersection or landmark near your location.
- Tell them what may have caused the fire, so they can send firefighters with the right equipment to put it out safely.
So there you have it! If you're ever faced with a situation where you don't have a fire extinguisher on hand, keep these tips in mind. As long as you follow them carefully and take extra precautions, you'll be able to get out of any sticky situation! If you DO have a fire extinguisher, please make sure to use it correctly and prevent the fire from spreading. Otherwise, just get out of there! Feel free to leave us any questions or comments below!