Breaking windows Breaking open windows allows the fire to gain more access to oxygen which helps the fire grow, which would greatly decrease your chances of escape. By keeping the windows closed you are starving the fire as much as possible.
If there's a fire, escaping out a window can save your life. In just 3 minutes, the heat from a small fire can: cause everything in the room to catch on fire (called a flashover) create clouds of thick, black smoke.
Windows should be opened rather than broken out, and it may be better to remove a window to relieve heat and smoke rather than leave them in place for positive pressure ventilation, especially when there is a known rescue. Double hung windows should be opened one-half down from the top and one-third up from the bottom.
It can also provide one of the most effective barriers to temporarily inhibit the spread of flames and smoke, giving firefighters crucial time to respond. “Closing the door limits smoke spread and limits the oxygen that is available for combustion,” Dr. Madrzykowski said.
Fires need oxygen to sustain itself and opening the door provides oxygen flow [which] exposes people to dangerous heat levels and toxic carbon-monoxide gas," Steve Kerber, director of the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute, told INSIDER.
If you can grab a piece of clothing or a towel, place it over your mouth to keep from breathing in the smoke. This works even better if you wet the cloth first.
The closed doors will slow the spread of the fire and give firefighters time to find you and help you escape. In addition, as you leave your home, and if it is safe to do so, always close the doors behind you.
Hit the window in the lower corners with a heavy object, such as a stool or ornament. Knock off the sharp edges and place blankets or thick clothing over the bottom of the window to protect you from any remaining glass.
The majority of fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation of the toxic gases produced by fires.
If you're trapped inside
If you end up trapped, cover the cracks around the door with whatever you can find: blankets, jackets, towels, etc. If you can wet the fabric down, do so. Cover vents with wet blankets as well, to keep smoke from seeping into the room, and call 911 if you have access to a phone.
If you are wrapped up in a wet blanket, the fire can have no effect on you until it's got rid of all the water. Assuming the water is tap water (generally cold), the fire could warm that up to bath temperature with no harmful effects on you. At that point, it's time to get a fresh supply of water.
Know two ways out of every room
Smoke and heat rise. Crawl on the floor to avoid high heat and toxic fumes. If smoke or fire block an exit, use a window or another route. If you have burglar bars, make sure they have a quick-release mechanism.
Keep it closed at all times.
A fire door is a safety device. The door itself, the frame, hinges, lock, seals - they all work together to form a protective barrier against fire and smoke. If you wedge a fire door open, you make it useless and you put your life and the lives of others in danger.
The window should have an unobstructed openable area that is at least 0.33m² and at least 450mm high and 450mm wide (the route through the window may be at an angle rather than straight through).
For instance, standard window glass will break when the temperature reaches approximately 250° F. Tempered glass can last until about 500°F. In contrast, fire-rated glass can typically survive heat in excess of 1600° F.
Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number. Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.
To Prevent Other Break-ins
Leaving your door unlocked overnight can potentially give access to those wishing to do more than steal things. So, it's very important that you not only make sure your door is locked at night, but also adding some extra security to your door, such as a door chain.
Pour on Baking Soda - Baking soda will extinguish grease fires, but only if they're small. It takes a lot of baking soda to do the job. Spray the Pot with a Class B Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher - This is your last resort, as fire extinguishers will contaminate your kitchen.
According to sex educator and therapist, Shirley Zussman, the answer's pretty simple: Lock your doors. Zussman advises, "In my opinion, parents' bedroom doors should always be closed, not just for lovemaking. Even at an early age, children can be taught to respect privacy and to knock before entering a room."
The best way to put out an electrical fire is with a fire extinguisher. If you don't have one, remember these tips. 1. You should never throw water on an electrical fire because water conducts electricity and you could be electrocuted.
The freshest air is near the floor. Keep a wet cloth over your nose and mouth; breathe through your nose only. Signal for help. Call 9-1-1 (510-642-3333 if using a cell phone), or hang something out the window.
Throwing water on the fire can cause burning grease to splash, which can make the fire spread and potentially harm bystanders. It is dangerous to move a pan or pot of burning oil for the same reasons.
Do these things to safely escape a fire. Get down, get low, get out – smoke is poisonous, get underneath it on your hands and knees, and crawl to the nearest safe exit. Shut the doors behind you to stop the spread of fire and smoke.
If In Doubt, Get Out. When considering whether to tackle a small fire yourself if you discover one, always bear in mind the golden rule of fire safety; If in doubt, get out, stay out and call the Fire Brigade immediately.