Fire can spread rapidly through your home. Though fire damage to your belongings and your house can be devastating, remember that getting your loved ones to safety is the priority under these circumstances. The following offers advice for making it out of the blaze unscathed.

4 Tips for Escaping a Fire

1. Have a Plan

Create a fire escape plan and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do. Identify exits and escape routes. Choose a meeting spot outside of the house so you can ensure that everyone is safe.

2. Open Doors Only If It’s Safe

If you’re in a room with the door closed when the fire breaks out, quickly assess the situation to keep yourself safe and the fire from spreading.

Do not open the door if you see smoke entering the room beneath the gap or if the knob is hot. The fire may be right on the other side and opening the door could cause the fire to spread. Seek out any alternative exits.

If you don’t see smoke and the knob is cool, exit quickly but then close the door behind you to stop the fire from getting additional oxygen that may make it bigger.

3. Stay Low to the Ground

As you’re exiting your house, stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling smoke. While fire damage to property and belongings occur from the fire itself, injuries and death often occur due to asphyxiation—lack of oxygen caused by smoke. Crawl or crouch as you exit.

4. Barricade Yourself If Necessary

If you can’t exit the room you’re in or escape out of any windows, keep the room and yourself as secure as possible. Pad the cracks around the door with blankets or clothing to prevent the heat and smoke from spreading through the door.

Open any windows as wide as you can. Call 911 if you have your phone with you or yell for help out of the window. If you can get to your bathroom, fill the bathtub with water and remain in that room if it’s safe. 

Getting out is the top priority during a fire. However, once the danger has passed, Arkansas Restoration Services in Russellville, AR, will be there to help with the fire damage. This experienced restoration company has been serving Pope, Yell, Conway, and Johnson Counties for over 30 years. To schedule an appointment, call (479) 967-2018. Learn more about their services online.