by George Stranz

Created on: May 06, 2009

A house fire can strike at anytime. With that in mind, everyone should know what to do if they are caught in the middle of a house fire. By reading the following tips, you'll be prepared in case disaster strikes.

Heed the Alarm

If you ever hear a fire alarm, take caution. Do not sit back, relax, and assume that it is a false alarm. Each and every second is precious since a fire can spread quickly. Once you hear an alarm, drop whatever you are doing and attend to the emergency. Do not attempt to gather your belongings or call 911 from inside the house.

Don't Panic

If there is a fire, it's important to keep your calm. You'll need your wits to get yourself and others out of harm's way. The first thing you should do is determine the threat level. If it is a small fire that just broke out, you may attempt to put out the fire if you have a working fire extinguisher nearby. If you do not have a fire extinguisher handy, don't attempt to put out the fire.

Don't Stop Moving

If you are in the midst of a fire, just get yourself out. Get low to the ground, cover your mouth, and head for the closest available exit. Feel doors with the back of your hand to check for heat. If the door is hot, find another exit.

Don't stop moving at any cost. Do not barricade yourself under a bed, in a clear room, or in a closet. Fire spreads quickly and your safe haven may soon become engulfed in flames and smoke.

Drop and Roll

If you happen to catch on fire, do not run. Running will only fan the flames. Instead, immediately stop moving, drop to the ground, cover your face and roll around repeatedly. Once you are no longer on fire, advance to the exit.

Get Help

Once you are out of the house, move away from the property. Do not make an attempt to re-enter the home. Go across the street to use a neighbor's telephone to call 911. When you are on the phone with the operator, stay calm and speak slowly and clearly. Be sure to give all vital information. Provide your address, describe the situation, and alert the operator if there are any people injured or unaccounted for.

Meet Up

Once you have escaped the burning building and made the 911 call, head to your designated meeting spot. Account for any other people that were in the house. If anyone is missing, alert the firemen when they arrive.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you did not sustain any injuries or inhale any smoke, seek medical attention.

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