What to do if you're caught in a high-rise building fire
(CNN) So, in the event of a high-rise apartment fire, what are the best steps to protect yourself?
1. Don't panic
The first sign of a fire is typically a blaring alarm system. But once you see or smell smoke, you should immediately call 911 and tell the operator where you are in the building. Due to the massive size of a high-rise building, this will help first responders locate you more quickly and will help firefighters determine how much of the building is threatened.
2. Determine where the fire is relative to your apartment
When faced with danger, your first instinct is to flee as quickly as possible. "Normally, most procedures in ... residential high-rise fires have people stay in their apartments, unless the fire is in their apartment, adjacent to their apartment or their apartment is being impacted by the fire,".
Why? Because in most scenarios, especially if residents are on higher floors, it's too dangerous and difficult for them to leave.
"It's happened time and time again: people left their apartments and tried to make it down the stairs. It's basically like walking into a chimney," "There's a natural inclination to get out. But you could be put in more danger trying to do that."
However, if the stairs are a clear and safe option, use them.
Be quick, but in control, experts say.
3. Decide if it's safer to stay or go
• If you decide to stay:
Unless your apartment is actively threatened by the fire, stay put. Place wet towels under your doors and cover your vents to limit smoke coming in. Then wait for first responders.
• If you decide to leave:
Don't go up to the roof or use the elevators. Also, don't break a window and definitely don't try to jump.
These methods of escape could be dangerous -- even deadly.
Corbett says there should be one item that you should prioritize when fleeing: your key.
This is important in case you leave your apartment and quickly find your hallway or stairs blocked. You might have to turn back.
4. Listen to first responders
At the end of the day, listen to firefighters and do as they say.
"The only thing that will probably keep you alive is knowing what to do in a fire." more
1. Don't panic
The first sign of a fire is typically a blaring alarm system. But once you see or smell smoke, you should immediately call 911 and tell the operator where you are in the building. Due to the massive size of a high-rise building, this will help first responders locate you more quickly and will help firefighters determine how much of the building is threatened.
2. Determine where the fire is relative to your apartment
When faced with danger, your first instinct is to flee as quickly as possible. "Normally, most procedures in ... residential high-rise fires have people stay in their apartments, unless the fire is in their apartment, adjacent to their apartment or their apartment is being impacted by the fire,".
Why? Because in most scenarios, especially if residents are on higher floors, it's too dangerous and difficult for them to leave.
"It's happened time and time again: people left their apartments and tried to make it down the stairs. It's basically like walking into a chimney," "There's a natural inclination to get out. But you could be put in more danger trying to do that."
However, if the stairs are a clear and safe option, use them.
Be quick, but in control, experts say.
3. Decide if it's safer to stay or go
• If you decide to stay:
Unless your apartment is actively threatened by the fire, stay put. Place wet towels under your doors and cover your vents to limit smoke coming in. Then wait for first responders.
• If you decide to leave:
Don't go up to the roof or use the elevators. Also, don't break a window and definitely don't try to jump.
These methods of escape could be dangerous -- even deadly.
Corbett says there should be one item that you should prioritize when fleeing: your key.
This is important in case you leave your apartment and quickly find your hallway or stairs blocked. You might have to turn back.
4. Listen to first responders
At the end of the day, listen to firefighters and do as they say.
"The only thing that will probably keep you alive is knowing what to do in a fire." more
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Is this for Indian context or USA? 911 is certainly or US. And most buildings in India do not have fire detection systems. Only commercial ones may have them and are not guaranteed to be in working condition all the time. Plus, except in housing communities or commercial buildings, we do not have more than 5 floors. and most of the stairs are in open areas, unlike in USA where they are inside the building. So in Indian context, it is infact safe to walk down the stairs in case of fire. And usually since most buildings have multiple stair cases, we can always pick one which is not close to the fire. more
Oct 11
The Most Important thing is Presence of Mind. Most of us know & aware of these guidelines but panic & loose our cool. In a recent mishap in a high rise building in Mumbai, a school girl of age 10 years has saved lives of lot of people merely by guiding them towards less smoke area, make them to breathe through wet clothes to avoid asphyxia causing by smoke enter into the lungs, by this c only lot of deaths are happening in so many cases then actual fire burns. Kudos to this girl who learnt & remembered & implemented during the such situation. Thanks to the school which has taught handling of such emergency situation raising in Fire Accidents. That s why they introduced the Fire Drill in High Rise building, Offices, where the people is not taking it seriously in participating in these drills not only how to escape but also trained how to handle the affected people. more
Oct 10
