Fire
ELEMENTS OF FIRE
- There are three elements of fire:
- Fuel: furniture, plastics, grease, etc.
- Heat: matches, cigarettes, sparks, electric, etc.
- Oxygen: in the air we breathe
- 2. Fire needs all three elements. If you remove any one of the three elements, you can eliminate or reduce the fire. For example:
- Closing doors - reduces the amount of oxygen.
- Using water - reduces heat.
- Using Type B or C extinguishers - smothers the fire by reducing oxygen to the fire.
- C Removing nearby draperies, papers, furniture - removes the sources of fuel.
FIRE FACTS
- In an emergency, use stairwells. Do not use elevators. Elevators can be extremely dangerous in a fire emergency and will be taken out of service.
- Keep doors closed. A closed door will help limit the spread of fire and smoke.
- If you encounter smoke, get down on your hands and knees. Air is cleaner and cooler nearer the floor. Crawl to the nearest stairwell exit. CRAWL LOW UNDER SMOKE.
- Few people are burned to death in fires. Most people die from smoke, poisonous gases and panic. Panic, a sudden overpowering terror, is usually the result of not knowing what to do.
- Smoke alarms (previously called smoke detectors) serve as an early warning system. SMOKE ALARMS DO SAVE LIVES. Check your home smoke alarm monthly.
- Sprinklers are heat activated and are very effective in controlling a fire when it is small. When installed correctly and well maintained, sprinklers control approximately 96% of the fires.
- If your clothes catch on fire: STOP where you are, DROP down to the ground and ROLL to smother the flames. Remember: STOP, DROP & ROLL.
- Cool a burn with cool water for 15 to 20 minutes. If a burn is charred or red and blistered get medical assistance immediately.
ALL SUITE/FLOOR WARDENS AND MONITORS MUST:
- Be familiar with floor layout.
- Know primary and secondary exits and termination points up and down.
- Know best routes to Emergency Exits.
- Know location, type and how to use manual pull stations.
- Know methods of communication.
- Know Safe Refuge Areas during a fire emergency: Inside the Building: (in a fully sprinklered building) usually the enclosed stairwell Outside Building: away from the building and out of the way of emergency vehicles, flying glass and other obstacles.
- Know safe stairwell procedures:
- Remain quiet and calm.
- Remove high heeled shoes to avoid tripping (take shoes with you)
- Do not carry drinks or food down the stairs. If it spills, someone may slip and fall.
- Be sure to close door behind you.
- Use handrails.
- Walk in single file.
- Keep to one side. Fire Department Personnel will be coming up the stairs.
- Allow others to enter into stairwell flow, but do not unnecessarily hold up traffic.
- Assist those who are slower moving or in any way physically disabled.
- Evacuate and proceed to an area of safe refuge.
- All injuries should be treated at stairwell landings when required and safe to do so.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not spread false information, rumors, etc.
- Do not congregate in front of the building but proceed to a safe refuge area.
- Develop awareness of safety conditions, fire violations and potential hazards. For example: fire doors blocked open, improper lighting, frayed cords, extension cords, overloaded outlets, obstructed halls and corridors, trash build-ups, etc.
- For your safety and protection: participate in all fire drills and review your emergency procedures at least once a year.
- Know your emergency actions and your area of responsibility.
GENERAL EMERGENCY ACTION PROCEDURES
If you discover a fire:
- CLEAR anyone in immediate danger.
- CONFINE the fire by closing all doors and windows to the area.
- ACTIVATE the manual pull station to sound the alarm (if not yet sounding).
- MOST IMPORTANTLY CALL: THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Be sure to make the call from a safe location. Also, notify the Fire Safety Director/Security.
- Use a fire extinguisher if safe to do so & if trained. NEVER attempt to put out a fire alone. Be sure to use the right type of extinguisher.
- EVACUATE. Walk to the closest safe stairwell or exit. Proceed to an outside area of safe refuge.
If you hear the fire alarm:
- Feel the door to see if it is hot. If not hot, open cautiously. Stand behind the door, be prepared to close quickly.
- If there is no smoke present, proceed to your Emergency Stairwell Exit. Evacuate the building and proceed to a safe refuge area.
- If you do encounter smoke, crawl on your hands and knees along the wall to a safe Emergency Exit. Evacuate the building and proceed to a safe refuge area.
- Follow instructions from Emergency Personnel.
If door is hot:
- DO NOT OPEN IT.
- Use alternate door, if safe.
- If no alternate door, call the Fire Department. Give exact location and all known facts.
- Seal the bottom of the door with cloth material to keep out smoke.
- If water is available, wet cloths and seal the door and any vents.
- Retreat. Close as many doors between you and the fire as possible.
- Signal at the window waving a bright colored material.
- If there is smoke in the room:
- C Stay low - air is cooler and cleaner closer to the floor.
- C Hold a cloth over your mouth and nose.
- C Do not break the window - once broken it cannot be closed. If there is smoke outside the window, the smoke may enter into the room you are in. Breaking a window should only be done as a last resort.
- Remain calm. Help is on the way.
IN A FIRE EMERGENCY, REMEMBER 3 C’S:
- CLEAR THE AREA,
- CONFINE THE FIRE BY CLOSING ALL DOORS & MOST IMPORTANTLY
- CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT (from a safe location).