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What to do during a fire

Updated December 23, 2009

Temperatures can reach well over 1000 degrees in a house fire. However, most fire-related deaths are a result of the deadly smoke and gases that precede these fatally hot temperatures.

  • Drop to the floor and stay low to the ground to get available fresh air. Crawl your way to a safe location.
  • Check closed doors for heat. Use the backside of your hand first. If the door is hot, do not open it. Instead, find another exit, such as a window.
  • If you become trapped in a room, the following steps are recommended:
    1. Keep the door closed - opening the door will decrease your chance of survival
    2. Stay low to the ground
    3. Wait by the window, and identify your distress
    4. Don't hide under beds or in closets
    5. Seal the bottom of the door with blankets or clothing to keep smoke out
  • If your clothes catch on fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL, keeping your face covered with your hands whenever possible.

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