Your home is the place where you rest, have fun, work or struggle to control your kiddos. Most people never imagine their home erupting in flames. However, a house or apartment fire can happen, so it is important to know what to do in that situation.
Ready.gov reports these sobering statistics:
- A small fire can turn into a major one in 30 seconds or less.
- A home can be fully engulfed in flames in only minutes.
- A fire can make a room temperature go up to 600 degrees.
- Most people who die as the result of a fire die from smoke and toxic gas instead of flames.
The Start of a Fire
If a fire starts, exit the home and call 911 immediately so the fire department can come. Tell the emergency operator about any people or pets that may still be in the building.
Do not worry about bringing belongings with you. Use stairs instead of an elevator if your building has multiple floors, and yell “Fire!” so others will know about the fire.
If you encounter a door or a door handle that is warm or hot, or if smoke is filling an area you are trying to enter, use a backup way to leave the home. Do not open a warm door since the fire could be on the other side. If you have no choice but to enter a smoke-filled area, crawl on the ground under the smoke.
Once you have exited the home, go to a safe meeting place. Do not go back in the home.
If you are trapped by fire, smoke or heat, do not leave the room, but still call 911. Keep the doors closed and, if you can, put a wet towel or washcloth under the door. Open a window and signal for help by using a flashlight or waving a bright cloth.
If you or your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll:
- Stop everything you are doing.
- Drop to the ground.
- Roll over on the ground until the flames are extinguished. Do not run, as running generates wind that can make the fire stronger.
If it is not possible to stop, drop and roll, you can smother the flames with a towel or blanket.
Should I Use My Fire Extinguisher Instead of Leaving My Home?
Until the fire department arrives, using a fire extinguisher could be one option to help control the fire. According to the American Red Cross, if you have a fire extinguisher in your home, you can use it if:
- The room is not filled with smoke
- An exit you can quickly and safely use is behind you
- The fire is contained – not spreading to another area
- You have called 911
- Everyone else is exiting or has exited the home
When using a fire extinguisher, remember the PASS acronym:
- Pull out the pin that prevents the fire extinguisher from working.
- Aim low at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the lever evenly and slowly.
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
The Aftermath of the Fire
The aftermath of a fire can still be a scary time but following these tips can make navigating it easier.
If you were burned, follow these tips to care for your burn.
If you need medicine, food, housing or other resources, the American Red Cross can help. Find your local chapter here.
Do not enter your home unless the fire department says it is safe to do so. The fire department will also let you know if your utilities are safe to use or ensure that the utilities are disconnected.
Notify your home or renter’s insurance company, as well as your landlord or mortgage company, as applicable, about the fire.
You may need to replace any vital documents that were lost in the fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, these documents could include:
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Deeds and titles
- Insurance cards and policies
- Passports
- Birth, marriage and death certificates
- Divorce papers
- Social Security cards
- Credit or debit cards
- Wills
- Income tax records
- Warranties
- Citizenship papers
- Any other important records
Do not throw any damaged objects away until you have made a list of all the items and property that was damaged. Save your receipts showing the money you spend related to fire loss, because these receipts may be needed by your home or renter’s insurance company or for tax purposes.
You or loved ones may develop mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. If so, don’t be afraid to seek help, which can include therapy, support groups or medication. Also, make sure to spend time with friends, loved ones and pets, stay active and practice self-care.
Make sure you and your loved ones know how to prevent a fire and will be safe if a fire ever happens again:
- Follow these kitchen safety tips.
- Follow these tips to prevent electrical fires and burns.
- Follow these tips to have safe summer celebrations.
- Inspect and clean chimneys and woodstove pipes each year.
- Keep flammable objects three or more feet away from portable space heaters.
- Tell children that fire is not a toy.
- Never use an oven or stove to heat your home.
- Make sure you have well-maintained smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Make sure you know how to safely use a fire extinguisher.
- Have a safe exit plan and a safe meeting place.
UofL Health is Here for You
UofL Health – UofL Hospital is home to the first and only verified Burn Center in Kentucky. Our staff works as a multidisciplinary team to care for patients with inhalation, chemical, electrical, flame/thermal and scald burns or complex wounds or skin conditions. Call us at 502-562-BURN (2876).
UofL Hospital also has an Outpatient Burn Clinic that offers up-to-date, evidence-based treatment options, long-term burn care, scar management devices, telehealth and connection to UofL Hospital outpatient rehabilitation services. Call us at 502-588-0425.
