Richard Smith
Msc, Lecturer, CISPS
Recently, many families have lost their homes to fires. This article informs about must-know characteristics of fires, and importantly, what to do before and during home fires.
Fires can strike anywhere and at any time, from buildings, automobiles and even outdoors. Fires that affect our homes are often the most tragic and sometimes the most preventable. Whilst loss of possessions are upsetting, far more devastating are the physical and psychological injuries which may arise. It is a somewhat sad fact, but nearly three quarters of all civilian fire injuries occur as a result of fires in the home.
Are you aware that if a fire starts in your home you may just have two minutes to escape? In order to be in a state of preparedness, here are some basic facts about the nature and behaviour of a fire:
Fire is fast
In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. Within minutes, thick, black smoke can fill a house or cause it to be engulfed in flames. Most deadly fires occur when people are asleep. If you awake to a fire, there is only time to escape as fire spreads quickly accompanied by thick smoke. Leave all valuables behind, there is little time!
Fire is hot
The heat produced by a fire alone can kill and it is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can range from 100 degrees Celsius at floor level to 600 degrees Celsius at eye level. Scorching of the lung can occur if this super-hot air is inhaled and the heat can cause the clothes to melt to your skin. Within five minutes, a room can get so hot that everything in it can ignite at once.
Fire is dark
Fire initially starts bright but then quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you awake to a fire you may be blinded, disorientated and unable to find your way around the home which you have inhabited for years.
Fire is deadly
Fire uses up oxygen and produces smoke as well as toxic and poisonous gases that can kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and these gases can easily render one drowsy, disoriented and produce shortness of breath. Some of these gases can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door hindering you from waking up to escape in time.Having now such a basic awareness of the nature of a fire, one can make ample preparations in the homes through the following measures:
Before a fire: plan
In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of the home quickly.Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year. When preparing your plan, ensure that at least two routes of escape have been established. Windows, screens and security bars are functional and can be easily opened or removed. Conduct your escape plan by practising to feel your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Most importantly, ensure every family member understands what to do in event of a fire emergency and teach children not to hide from firefighters. Ensure appropriate fire extinguishers, smoke and heat detectors are placed at strategic points in the home and are fully functional.
During a fire: Act
During a fire, try as much as possible not to panic and ensure safety of oneself and family as quickly as possible.This is where the actions come into practice from the planning phase. Always remember to crawl as low as possible under any smoke to your exit point as the smoke and heat rises.If you have reached a door and the doorknob is hot, leave the door closed and look for your second exit point.If you are to open the door, ensure it is opened slowly and be prepared to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
If for any reason you cannot get out, close the doors ensuring the vents and cracks around the door are covered with cloth or tape to keep out the smoke.Stay where you are and signal at a window with a light-coloured cloth or flash light.If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll. Stop immediately, drop to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth until the fire is out. If you or someone else cannot stop, drop and roll, smother the flames with a blanket or towel.
Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process. When fire strikes lives are suddenly turned around. Often, the hardest part is not knowing where to begin.By being aware, tragedy can be avoided.
A wide range of courses on fire safety, first aid, first responders and other occupational health and safety topics are available at the Caribbean Institute for Security and Public Safety for individuals, small groups and institutions. Also, there is a full range of security, law enforcement and public safety programmes readily available. Contact us at 223-6999, info@caribbeansecurityinstitute.com or www.caribbeansecurityinstitute.com for more information.