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>Escape from fire

Escape from Fire -Once you're out, STAY OUT!

It Is Important to Realize:

Once you have made your way out of a burning building you may already be suffering the effects from lack of oxygen.

These Effects Include

21% OxygenNormal Atmospheric Level
19.5 % OxygenMinimum Healthful Level
15-19% OxygenDecreased Stamina and Coordination, also may induce early symptoms described below
12-14% OxygenBreathing rate increases with exertion, increase in heart rate. Impaired coordination, perception, and judgment
10-12% OxygenBreathing further increases in rate and depth, lips turn blue. Poor judgment.
8-10% OxygenMental failure, fainting, unconsciousness, nausea, and vomiting.
6-8% OxygenFatal after 6-8 minutes.
4-6% OxygenComa in 40 seconds, convulsions, respiration ceases, and death.

One of the major effects of lack of oxygen is the impairment of judgment. You may not realize it, but the possible exposure of lack of oxygen on the way out may impair your ability to think clearly and rationally. Even if you are not affected, others who escaped with you may display this impairment of judgment. IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT OTHERS FROM RE-ENTERING!

Other Dangers

  • Another hazard which exists in a burning building is the presence of toxic gases. Carbon Monoxide is a main by-product of fire. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. In high concentration it can immediately cause unconsciousness and subsequent death. Even in moderate amounts carbon monoxide can cause impairment of mental functions much similar to the lack of oxygen.



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  • Fire itself is a serious hazard in that it can cause fatal or debilitating burn injuries. A building fire can generate heat upwards of l500°F. Keep in mind that water boils at 212°F, and that most foods are cooked in temperatures of less than 500°F. There is the possible danger of flashover where a room is immediately engulfed in flames in an explosion-like reaction.



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  • Gas mains, propane tanks, and even small arms ammunition can explode causing serious injury.



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  • The structural integrity of the building can be affected during fire. Ceilings and walls can collapse on top of you, the floors can fall from underneath your feet, and other structures such as stairways and porches can collapse.



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  • Often electrical lines can become exposed inside the building and fall from outside connections to the ground on the exterior of the building. This can result in electrocution.

Finally...

Go to a safe place (preferably prearranged) far enough away from the building in case of collapse or explosion and perform a head count of those who were in the building with you (family members or co-workers).

  • If someone is missing it is critically important that this be conveyed to arriving Firefighting Personnel. Tell them who and how many people are missing and where they were last seen.

    "DO NOT GO BACK IN AND TRY TO FIND THOSE MISSING"

Seek medical care if you or any others who escaped from the burning building are injured. Keep in mind that the symptoms of lack of oxygen and/or exposure to toxic gases can closely resemble those of alcohol intoxication. Get these people immediate medical attention.

Seek shelter from the elements in a safe neighboring building, especially in the cold, rain, and extreme heat.

Ask Firefighting Officials or a neighbor to notify insurance company, nearby relatives or the Red Cross to arrange lodging (if applicable).

If you are not going to remain in the building, make sure your property is secure. Ensure the police are aware of the building being unattended. Lock up or board up open windows and doors.

NFPA Home Fire Escape Plans

Developing and practicing a home fire escape plan that everyone understands can mean the difference between life and death. Fire can grow and spread through your home very quickly. It's important that you be prepared to react as soon as the smoke alarm sounds. These tips can help you put together- and practice - an effective home fire escape plan.

  • Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Draw a floor plan of your home, showing two ways out of each room, including windows. Don't forget to mark the location of each smoke alarm.

  • Test all smoke alarms (Listed by a qualified testing laboratory) monthly to ensure that they work. Replace batteries as needed.

  • Make sure that everyone understands the escape plan. Are the escape routes clear? Can doors and windows be opened easily?

  • If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have quick- release mechanisms so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Quick-release mechanisms won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.



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  • Practice the escape plan at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved - from kids to grandparents. If there are infants or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them.

  • Agree on an outside meeting place where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Remember to get out first, then call for help. Never go back inside until the fire department gives the OK.

  • Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department (Dial 9-1-1 or (781) 893-4100 from a cell phone). That way any member of the household can call from a cellular phone or a neighbor's home.

  • Be fully prepared for a real fire: when a smoke alarm sounds, get out immediately. And once you're out, stay out - leave the firefighting to the professionals!

  • If you live in an apartment building, make sure that you're familiar with the building's evacuation plan. In case of a fire, use the stairs, never the elevator.

  • Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When visiting other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one