6 Rules that will save your life in case of fire in a public place

Believing that nothing bad will happen to a person can prevent them from being prepared to face problems. However, it is better to replace the hope of always counting on luck with knowledge about what to do in emergency situations.

We, from awesome.club, we are aware of the instructions given by the authorities that are part of the security systems, such as the Fire Department. That’s why we decided to share with you guidelines on how to act in emergency situations in crowded public places.

If you notice the presence of flames or smoke, smell burning, hear the fire alarm sound or see that people are leaving the place, proceed immediately to the main exit. Exit through the parking lot or any other exit, as long as you’re sure it’s open. It is better not to use the stairs, the exits of which are usually locked. Also, a lot of people might have the same idea as you, causing chaos on the stairs and preventing escape.

If panic sets in and you are unable to leave immediately, try to get away from the crowd and go to any free space. From there, watch how people are looking for an exit. If there is no confusion at the door and it is open, follow the other people.

Pay attention to the parking area, which is usually well prepared for fire, as vehicle and emergency exits lead directly to the street. In addition, in most of the buildings, the parking lot is separated from the main part of the property. Do not try to leave by car, prefer to escape on foot.

Under no circumstances use the elevators.

If you’re in a crowd, go with the flow of most people. Cross your arms over your chest, keep your elbows forward. and grab your shoulders with your hands: that way you’ll have a chance to breathe in the midst of the stampede.

If you have a baby, hold him in your lap. Here, the best position is that of the “reserve parachute”: the child’s arms should be around your neck, and the legs, around your waist. If you are with another adult, he should lean on your back, holding your belt or putting his arms around your waist. In extreme cases, stand arm in arm. If they get lost, do not stop or try to resist the flow of people. It’s best to meet outside.

Be careful to avoid obstacles such as columns and pilasters, trying to identify them in advance.

If you fall, grab the nearest person firmly by their legs or clothes and get up off the ground as quickly as possible.

Couldn’t get out? Go to the bathroom. Leave an item of clothing on the front door handle, from the outside: tie a scarf or jacket, for example. Firefighters will interpret this as a sign that there’s someone inside🇧🇷

Then turn on the faucets, wet the other pieces of clothing and use them to cover the gaps in the door. Wet your clothes non-stop and wait for help.

It only makes sense to use windows as output if you is not higher than the third floor of a building with a ceiling height of up to 3 meters, or if it is on the second floor of an establishment such as a shopping center, for example. A jump from a height of 5 meters is very dangerous. But, considering that you will be in an extreme risk situation, a jump of up to 9 meters can still give you chances to survive. If it’s higher than that, the chances are zero.

It’s worth jumping out of a third-story window (or second, in the case of malls) if you’re an adult and healthy. The chances of breaking a leg will be high, but you will remain alive. Children, the elderly and pregnant women will hardly survive.

If you’re going to jump, the best thing to do is shorten the distance to the ground. Hang with arms outstretched from the windowsill, keep your legs semi-flexed and try to land sideways when you touch the ground. If rescuers have laid fabric down below, do your best to land on your back, not your feet.

Note if there are ventilation ducts below where you are. If so, change locations so your falling path doesn’t bump into them.

If you are on the third floor (second floor in the case of shopping malls):

Try to get first responders’ attention by waving a light colored piece of clothing. Do not open the window if it is impossible to breathe inside, as an open window increases air suction, making the room full of smoke and combustion residues. The flames expand rapidly towards open spaces; In a smoke-filled environment, it’s best to get as close to the window as possible. If it doesn’t have a wide ledge, sit facing outside and wait for help.

In most cases, during fires, people do not die from fire, but from smoke, full of poisonous gases resulting from combustion🇧🇷 The first rule of thumb to get out of a room on fire or filled with smoke is to put a damp cloth on your face, which will act as a filter. If water is not available, urinate on a piece of clothing (scarf, T-shirt, blouse) and breathe through it. Teach the children that there is nothing shameful about this attitude, as it can save lives.

Being in a smoky place, go to the exit following the wallsso as not to run the risk of losing orientation. Move crouching or crawling, since hot air always rises. This way, you will be able to breathe easier.

If your clothes are on fire, don’t run! Otherwise, the fire will spread faster. don’t forget the rule “stop, drop, roll”🇧🇷 The horizontal position will keep your head and hair safe, while rolling on the ground will help put out the flames in no time. If someone else’s clothes are burning, throw something thick over them, like a rug or heavy coat.

Do you know how to act in emergency situations? And what about your children? Are they prepared for cases like this? Comment!