If your trying to escape a fire, never open a closed door without
feeling it first. Use the back of your hand to prevent burning your palm. If the door is
hot, try another exit. If none exists, seal the cracks around the doors and vents with
anything available. Use wet towels to seal the space under the door and prevent the entry
of smoke. Cracks around the door can be sealed with masking tape if necessary.
If trapped, look for a nearby phone and call the fire department, giving
them your exact location.
If breathing becomes difficult, try to ventilate the room, but don't
wait for an emergency to discover that a window can't be opened. If on an upper floor and
your window cannot be opened, don't break it out - you will be raining glass down on
rescuers and people exiting the building. If you can't contact the fire department by
phone, wave for attention at the window. Don't panic.
Copyright 2009 | Orange County Fire Protection | Last
Update 10-15-09