Stuck in a fire? Follow these tips

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 24

What should you do if you get stuck in a fire, similar to the one in Sector 32, in your house, PG accommodation or office?

“When stuck in a fire, one should cover the mouth with a wet towel, 'chunni' or cloth. This will lessen the impact of dangerous smoke. One should lie down and, if possible, crawl towards the exit area. Smoke is above four to six inches from the ground," said Additional Commissioner Anil Garg, who heads the fire wing of the MC.

Had the girl students been a little aware about safety tips for survival in the event of such a fire incident, the damage could have been minimised. According to the Fire Department, two of the girls covered themselves with a blanket and hid under the bed to save themselves.

This aggravated the problem for them. The three girls, who lost their lives, could not rush towards the exit and instead went towards the store in the balcony and got trapped there.

Firemen said at the time of a fire, people should not use the lift and instead opt for the stairs. The entry and exit should be cleared. Things like almirah should not be placed in the way of doors. It makes it difficult to run out in the middle of smoke during such mishaps.

“Whenever a fire breaks out, move out of the building rather than hiding in a bathroom, balcony or store,” said a fire official.

What you must do to survive

Raise the alarm and alert everyone in your premises

Escape first and then call for help. If you have to escape through smoke, crawl low to your exit

Keep your head 1 or 2 ft above the floor, that’s where the air will be the cleanest

Never go back to the building for any reason until it’s safe to do so. If someone is trapped inside, tell the firemen.

After reaching the point of safety, call up the fire brigade or dial 112.

Don’t shout or run here and there; this tends to cause panic among others

Stay calm, don’t panic