House fires cause great devastation. They can happen to anyone at any time. Nearly 11,000 residential fires happen every year in the US alone. While just thinking about a house fire can be a scary prospect, it’s important to prepare yourself in the event the unimaginable happens to you.<\/p>\n
Here you will learn what you should do in case of a house fire in order to remain safe.<\/p>\n
Most deaths in case of a residential fire occur not due to the fire, but because of the smoke. Asphyxiation or death by suffocation is the biggest threat in case of a house fire.<\/p>\n
Breathing too much smoke results in death. That is the reason why it’s important that you keep your mouth covered at all times in the event of a house fire. Putting a wet shirt around the mouth and nose will reduce the risk of inhaling deadly gases. You should use your hands if it’s required to cover your face.<\/p>\n
Another important tip when it comes to house fires is to stay low. Smoke from fires generally rises up. So, staying low on the ground will make you less likely to inhale deadly fire smoke. Consider getting down on your knees and crawling to avoid the risk of asphyxiation.<\/p>\n
Every house should have an emergency exit. You should first feel the door handle to ensure that it’s not too hot. In case, you are not able to pass through the emergency exit door due to heavy smoke, you should escape through the window.<\/p>\n
Everyone should evacuate a burning house. Once outside, you should not try to go back inside. Even if there is a person inside the house, you should avoid entering the house. It’s important to leave the rescuing work to professional firefighters. Once they arrive, you should immediately inform them if someone is trapped inside.<\/p>\n
Following the above tips is important to remain safe in the event of a house fire. Also, it’s important to take safety precautions to prevent a house fire. Invest in a quality fire alarm. You should regularly check the alarm to ensure that it’s working properly. In addition, never leave pots or microwave unattended, and keep the oven and stove clean. You should avoid overloading electrical outlets and have a fire extinguisher readily available to extinguish a fire before it spreads.<\/p>\n