What To Do In Case Of A Fire - Essential Tips For Worcester Residents

By Author: Rob Williams
Total Articles: 4
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People in Worcester still shudder as they remember the warehouse fire of 1999. It has been more than a decade since the event, but the threat of a fire is always looming. Learn what you should do in case you are caught in a fire below.

Six firemen lost their lives while bravely fighting the warehouse fire in 1999. Since then, many fire incidents have been reported in Massachusetts, but none as horrific or major as the one in 1999. The fire department is always informing people to take part in fire drills and plan for emergencies. It is important for you to be aware what to do in case you are caught in a fire at your home.

By being proactive in the event of a fire, you can not only save yourself but also save others from being injured or valuable property from being destroyed. The amount of fire loss that occurs nationally will surely stagger you. In the year 2010, the U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,331,500 fires. These fires led to 3,120 deaths, 17,720 injuries and around $11,593,000,000 in direct property loss. Of the 3,120 civilian deaths caused, 85% or 2,640 were caused due to home fires. ...
... That is why you must be ready with an action plan in the event of a fire to keep yourself as well as your loved ones safe.

What to do in the event of a fire?

1. Do not panic.

2. Raise an alarm or shout to notify others.

3. If you are in a smoke filled room, do not keep your head up or you risk inhaling smoke and suffocating. Get low to the ground and crawl below the smoke. Because smoke rises with heat, at the lower elevation, closer to the ground, the air is clearer.

4. Try to get out of the room.

5. Check the doors to see if they are warm. If they are, it means there is a fire on the other side. Do not open or attempt to go through that door. Find an alternate exit.

6. Wrap children in protective blankets and hurry out. If possible, turn all electrical switches to ‘off’ on your way out.

7. Remember to close any doors behind you, as it can slow down the fire.

8. If your clothes catch fire, extinguish the flames with a towel or blanket. Otherwise, drop on the floor and roll to put out the flames quickly to avoid burns.

9. Once out of the building, call the fire department of Worcester and look for others to regroup with.

Remember, the basic focus in the event of a fire is to get out as quickly as possible and raise an alarm so that the others can get out in time.

What to do if the fire is small?

All fires begin small. However, it can take just a matter of seconds for it to become a roaring blaze. That is why you must know where the fire extinguishers are located in your home or office building. When a small fire starts in your presence, for instance a toaster goes up in flames, the curling iron burns your bed covers, the cigarette butt lights up the waste basket; you need to know where the extinguisher is and how to operate it. Never throw water on an electrical appliance that caught fire as it can lead to electrocution.

After the fire has been extinguished by the fire department, you must call your insurance company and inform them of the damages incurred and also hire experts for fire restoration Worcester has many restoration service companies, and a little research will guide you to the best-suited provider.

The writer is associated with ServiceMaster By Williams, a leading disaster restoration service provider including fire, and water damage control and mold remediation Worcester), Leominster, Greenfield, and the surrounding areas in Massachusetts are within the service area of ServiceMaster by Williams.