Fire! Fire!
MURALI N. KRISHNASWAMY
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What would you do if a fire suddenly broke out at home? Are you prepared? Do you know what you should do? Read on to know more…
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Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
What can you do? Think before you act.
If your clothes catch fire, roll on the ground ... if your hands are wet, don’t touch anything which has to do with electricity. These are some of the basic points that we are taught in school. But how often do we think about fire and electrical safety at home? Have you even thought about what to do if there is a fire in your own home? Most often in India, perhaps the only time we are introduced to fire safety is during Diwali. What about the other days of the year?
Those who are involved in fire safety say that the best way to ensure it is safe is to make sure that a fire doesn’t break out in the first place, which means that you have to be aware of hazards in your house.
Prevention
Every room in the house must be checked for fire safety. A battery operated smoke alarm is best, say experts. Get the batteries checked often and make sure everyone knows how its alarm sounds.Check all electrical appliances, cords and points.
Plug points are the cause of most fires. The reason is because we often use extension cords and plugs and connect almost everything from the TV and computer to mobile phone charger into one point.
Bulbs can also cause fires, so check them.
Do you have circuit breakers and interrupters that can stop an electrical shock and fire by shutting off?
Any appliance that sparks, gives off a burning or odd smell or feels hot to touch is best replaced immediately.
Use plug point guards.
Always get an adult to supervise you if you are in the kitchen or using an electrical device. Check the stove, tubes, valves and cylinder regularly
Learn how to stop, get to the ground and roll if your clothes catch fire.
The United States
Fire Administration
(USFA) encourages parents to teach children at an early age about what it calls the dangers of fireplay.
The USFA says that fire deaths and accidents can be reduced by teaching everyone some basic facts.
Its four-point fact sheet says: Fire is Fast; Fire is Hot; Fire is Dark; Fire is Deadly.
Fire uses up the oxygen you need to breathe and then emits the smoke and poisonous gases.
Breathing in even those small amounts can make you drowsy, disoriented, dizzy and short of breath.
Fighting fire
It is a good idea to have a fire alarm and smoke alarm in the house.
Plan a fire escape and get everyone to practise regularly. The USFA suggests practising feeling your way out of a room with eyes closed.
Never stand up in a fire. Always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building.
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