Fire
A fire spreads and causes more or less important damage depending on the type of material burnt.
BEFORE
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
- Do not keep inflammable products close to a source of heat (alcohol, gas containers, paper, cloth, etc.)
- Avoid building up heat. For example do not cover televisions or heating equipment
- Beware of candles. Put them out before leaving a room
- Never smoke in bed
- Only use fireproof ashtrays and wait several hours before emptying them into a wastepaper bin or a rubbish bag
- Do not leave the kitchen when you are heating butter or oil on a hotplate.
- Before leaving your home check that all the hotplates are turned off
- Memorise the telephone number of the fire-fighting services (firemen, civil protection, etc.)
DURING
- Act in a calm and considered manner, avoid panic
- Call for assistance and give them your address clearly
- Cut off the gas and electricity supply
- Use the available means to fight the fire. Never try to put out an oil fire with water. When electrical equipment is on fire, unplug it
- Leave the building
- Try to rescue persons and animals in danger (wrap people whose clothing is alight in blankets or coats and roll them on the ground)
- If stair wells and corridors are filled with smoke, stay indoors and, avoid draughts by closing the doors and windows.Douse the door frequently with water and draught-proof it with wet rags. Make your presence known by showing yourself at the windows (without opening them)
- If you are in a smoke filled place stay close to the ground where the air remains fresh
- Never take the risk of being trapped by the fire
AFTER
- Follow the rescue team's orders
- Inspect your house
- Help your neighbours and people in difficulty (first aid kit)
