1. Whenever you stay at a hotel or congregate at a venue, it’s always good to know your options in case of a fire. Check for emergency exits, escape routes, evacuation points and layout plans.
2. If caught in a room with fire, Never attempt to break open a window. Fresh air brings more oxygen and causes the fire to spread!
3. If fire is outside your room, soak your furniture and all combustible material with water (if available) to slow down fire from spreading. Keep the door closed and block the door openings.
4. Put a wet towel around your nose and mouth to prevent smoke from entering your system.
5. If you can’t approach the emergency exit due to fire/smoke, stay low on the ground, as smoke tends to rise, and keep close to the wall so that you know where you are going
6. Never use lifts. Lifts can stop functioning if power is cut during a fire or if fire damages the power supply system. Always use the stairs.
7. Never jump out of the building — you won’t survive. Approach the windows to attract attention if you can’t find an exit.
8. Always move to the ground level and not to the roof to exit. Fire can spread to the top and get you stuck with no way out.
ALL ABOUT FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
We all see fire extinguishers somewhere or the other. They all seem to be red cylinders that can extinguish fires, but there is much more to it. Improper use of a
fire cylinder can cause fires to spread and be life-threatening for the user.
Following are some of the basics that everyone should know about fire extinguishers:
Using fire extinguishers – PASS:
P Pull the pin
A Aim at the base of the fire (always check wind direction. Never aim against
wind direction and stand at a safe distance)
S Squeeze the lever (slowly)
S Sweep from side to side.
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Classes of Extinguishers |
Types Of Fires |
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Class A |
For fires of ordinary materials; wood, paper and plastics. Numerical ratings specify the amount of water and area that can be extinguished |
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Class B |
Fires caused by combustible liquids: petrol, grease, oil, etc. Ratings specify the square feet of the area that can be extinguished |
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Class C |
For fire involving electrical equipment: electric wirings, switchboards and electronic equipment. These extinguishers do not have a rating |
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Class D |
Fires involving chemicals, basic combustible elements like sodium, potassium and magnesium, etc. |
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Types Of Extinguishers |
Classes Applicable |
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Water extinguishers |
For Class A fires only. Not for any other fires. Can cause Electrocution if used in electric fires or cause fires to spread if used on class B fires |
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Dry chemical |
Can be used on A, B and C class fires. Class B and C — sodium or potassium bicarbonate based. Leaves behind a mild corrosive residue |
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Carbon Dioxide |
Class B and C fires. Contain highly pressurised CO2 gas. Suitable for electronic appliances as no harmful residue is left behind |
