What To Do In a House Fires

​Being aware of the basics of what to do during emergencies like house fires can help save yours or another person’s life. Of course, prevention is always better than cure, but it’s still vital to know the precautionary measures on what to do during a fire.

Extinguish the Fire If Possible
If the fire has only just started, such as a candle that fell on your clothes, you can still contain it. Grab a fire extinguisher and remember the instructions: pull the pin before aiming it towards the flames, squeeze the handle while sweeping the extinguisher from side to side until the fire is entirely out.

If the flames are uncontainable, crouch as low as you can and head towards the nearest exit. Fire and the materials it burned can produce gases that may be poisonous and can cause unconsciousness if consistently inhaled, making it difficult to get out of the building. Crawling will prevent you from inhaling toxic gases.

Check Doors and Door Knobs for Heat
Before you enter a room to get to the exit, always touch the handle or door knobs first. If it’s warm, there is a possibility of a raging fire on the other side of the door. Do not push through, especially if smoke is coming out of the spaces of the door frame. Immediately head towards a second exit or another route.

Run to Safety
After you have finally made it outside, create a safe distance from the building right away. The roof might be crumbling and will possibly topple over, or there might be explosions from gas ranges or stoves. If bystanders are near the perimeter, warn them to stay away and keep a safe distance.

Call for Help
Once you’ve made it out, call the fire department or 911, if bystanders haven’t already. If you weren’t able to bring a phone with you, borrow a phone from a neighbor or anyone walking by. This is an emergency that cannot be delayed. Try not to put the phone down right away after stating your address; the receiver might have additional information for you, such as extra precautions.

What to Do If You Are Trapped Inside
If you are trapped inside a room with blazing fire at the other side of the room, do what you can to cover the crack under the door. Use blankets, clothes, towels, or any fabric and dampen them up. This will keep the smoke from entering the room. If you happen to get stuck in an upper floor, wave any wide fabrics out the window to get a fireman’s attention. As much as possible, do not try to weave your way through the fire.

You can prevent fires from happening by switching to LED candles, taking notice of frayed wires, and teaching your kids about the importance of fire protection and warning them about lighters and matches. Another way to protect your home is by getting home insurance. All the losses and damages acquired during the fie are covered by the company, helping you restore the home you worked hard to build.

At All Things Insurance, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (763) 645-5450. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.