Q&A for How to Keep Safe During a House Fire

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Question

How far do I need to be from a burning house to be safe?

Community Answer

Get at least across the street from the house. Get as far away as possible because the house may explode depending on the cause of the fire.

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Question

How can I escape from the window if I am on the fifth floor?

Community Answer

Stand on the ledge outside of your window until the first responders reach you with a ladder. Do not jump as the fall will either injure or kill you. Call out to get the attention of people below, so that they can direct the rescuers.

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Question

How do I handle a fire that starts in the same room where I am?

Community Answer

Leave the room and close the door behind you, then call 911. If there's a fire extinguisher nearby, you or someone else might reenter and try to extinguish the fire while it's still small, if you move quickly enough.

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Question

What would I do if I just got out of a shower or was getting dressed while a fire happened?

Community Answer

You should get out anyway, because your life is more important than people seeing you naked. If you just got out of the shower, however, you might have time to throw on a bathrobe or wrap a towel around you.

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Question

What are some other ideas for leaving a fire safely?

Community Answer

When you leave your house because the flames are uncontrollable, close the door in the room the fire is in to try to stop the fire from spreading.

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Question

How do I escape from a two story building with my 7 month old baby and my 2 year old toddler?

Community Answer

You should plan an escape route and an escape plan ahead of time. This way, when or if a fire occurs, you will know exactly what to do. You can even practice your escape to make sure that it will work for you.

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Question

What should I do if I can't find a way out of a house fire?

Community Answer

Get to a safe place in your house where the fire is not very close, and stay until help finds you.

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Question

What if it's in the middle of the night and my other family members are very heavy sleepers?

Community Answer

Yell and scream that the house is on fire as loudly as possible. Shake them if needed. They will wake up eventually.

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Question

What should be done if someone's clothes catch fire and there is nothing nearby to put it out?

Community Answer

They should stop, drop and roll and/or wrap themselves in a wet blanket.

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Question

What do I do if the fire is blocking the only exit?

Community Answer

Break out the window, tear down the nets as hard as you can, then get out of the house.

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Question

Would I wet a towel to cover myself before running through flames to escape?

Community Answer

If you have enough time to do so, then do it. Otherwise, get out as soon as possible.

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Question

How can I safely get an infant out of the room with the fire?

Community Answer

Put the baby under your shirt as you escape and get to fresh air immediately. This will help prevent the baby from breathing in any smoke and ash. When you get outside, rouse them so they can breathe fresh oxygen.

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Question

Is there a way to cover a vent on a ceiling?

Community Answer

If you have a ladder nearby, and tape, tape something over the vent or just cover it in tape. If there isn't enough time, just get out as fast as you can.

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Question

How can I help prevent bush fires from burning my house?

Community Answer

If the fire is really raging, there may not be much you can do. But keep your sprinklers on and keep a fire kit nearby. And remember your life is more important than your home! If your home is on fire, don't go back inside.

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Question

What do I do if my clothes caught fire?

Community Answer

Stop, drop and roll. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose as well to keep you safe.

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Question

How do I keep safe in a house fire if I'm young and taking care of a baby?

Community Answer

If you have a escape plan, use that and carry the baby. If you don't know an escape plan, look for the closest exit. If the door is blocked, set the baby down in front of your body and away from the fire, get the window open, and get out.

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Question

What if I am home alone?

Community Answer

Call 911, and get out of the house. Call your parents as soon as it is safe to do so and tell them what's happening.

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Question

What do I do in case of an electrical fire?

Galactic Girl

Community Answer

Switch off the appliance and pull out the plug. Smother the fire with a blanket or Type C extinguisher. Never try to use water, because water conducts electricity and can give you an electrical shock.

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Question

How do I get my dog out of a house fire?

Community Answer

You don't unless they are directly beside you/in your path - you need to get to safety. Try calling to them on the way out or whistle for them. Let the fire service find them. Do NOT waste time looking for them. Get out, FAST!

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Question

Should I go back for my pets? Such as cat and kitten?

Community Answer

If your house is on fire and you are outside, do not go back inside. Tell the firefighter that your pets are inside and they will try and rescue them.

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Question

What do I do if someone needs to be saved from a house fire?

Community Answer

If it's safe, go back in and get them. But if there is fire/smoke between you and them, tell the firefighters and they will get them out as soon as possible.

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Question

What do I do if a theme park ride catches on fire?

Community Answer

Stay in the ride unless it is safe to exit or until a first responder tells you it is safe to do so.

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Question

How do I avoid inhaling smoke if I am trapped inside during a house fire?

Galactic Girl

Community Answer

Try to find a cloth, towel or coat from your wardrobe and cover it over your nose and mouth. A damp rag is even better.

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Question

If elderly people are in the house when there is a fire, what is the easiest way of getting out the house?

Community Answer

Follow your escape plan and assist your elderly relatives in any way they need to safety, as long as you're not endangering yourself by doing so. If you cannot reach them to help, get out quickly and notify the firefighters that someone is still in the house. They will do all they can to get them out.

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Question

What do I do if the door is hot?

Community Answer

Do not go into the room. The fire has probably already spread there.

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Question

What should I do if I have a friend over and they are not paying attention?

Community Answer

Yell as loud as you can to get their attention. If they're asleep and they won't wake up, they may have inhaled smoke. Alert your parents that you need help getting your friend to safety, and make sure someone has called emergency services.

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Question

What if I'm trapped in a room with no windows, and the fire is outside the door?

Community Answer

If possible, place a moist cloth under the door for a few minutes. Call for help on your phone, if you have it.

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Question

How do I make my family and neighbors safe?

Community Answer

Follow the instructions in the article and plan an escape route that everyone will adhere to in the event of a fire. You should also establish a place where everyone will go to meet up once they're safe.

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Question

Is it safe to run to the bathroom and turn on the shower?

Community Answer

No, move outside of home as fast as possible. Many people trapped in house fires die from inhaling too much carbon monoxide rather than directly from the fire; this is not something water can protect you from. You could take the measures described in the article to ward off smoke from the room you're in if you can't escape, but if it's possible to escape safely, that is always the best option.

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Question

My 9-year-old has a room on the second story. She has a ledge by her window, but a small one. Should she jump, or try to block out the fire and smoke and stay inside in a fire emergency?

Kid- Kamergamer (Thelittledancingboy859)

Community Answer

She shouldn't jump if she is on the 2nd floor. She should call you or stay and follow the regular instructions in case of a fire. If she is on the 1st floor, let her jump carefully and safely. Make a plan with her and make sure she understands it clearly.

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