Thinking Outside the Box During a Fire
We all know that heat, flame and smoke kill more people in fires than anything else. The standard advice is to get low to the ground and crawl your way out of the structure as soon as possible. It’s also wise to have a fire extinguisher handy as a way to beat back flames as you evacuate. However, there are some other things that you may consider having on hand to increase your chances of survival if you can’t escape in a timely manner. Let’s look at some basic guidelines for dealing with fires as well as how you can add an extra layer of protection as well.
Toxic Fumes
A lot of people don’t realize that one of the biggest dangers during a fire is breathing in toxic fumes. When homes, apartments or buildings go up in smoke, many items inside release poisonous gases as they burn. The term “smoke inhalation” is almost misleading. We get the impression that we breathe in smoke and ashes from burning material, and all we need is some fresh air to eliminate the problem. The reality is that we are breathing in poisonous gases that can lead to permanent respiratory damage along with an increased risk of cancer and a range of other life-long health problems.
While it is important to stay as low to the ground during a fire as possible, and covering cracks around doors and vents will help to keep rooms free from smoke, it is also important to get to fresh air. Consider purchasing a respirator or small oxygen canister to use during an emergency. This will prevent you from inhaling fumes and exposing yourself to health risks. You can put it on and start to evacuate while breathing fresh air, and this can make all of the difference in the world in terms of exposure to toxic gases.
Heat Protection
It doesn’t take a lot to burn our skin or cause our clothing to spontaneously combust under the right conditions. Fires can quickly raise temperatures to over a thousand degrees, and many victims succumb to extreme heat before they have a chance to escape. Keep in mind that you may not become injured from direct contact with flame. The ambient air can become hot enough to render you unconscious or literally cook the body without burning.
One of the best things that anyone can do if they are not able to evacuate quickly is to cover themselves with a Mylar blanket. Mylar blankets are used by those who fight forest and wildfires. If they are faced with an imminent disaster, they will crouch down and bury themselves under the blanket as a last line of defense. However, this is the last thing that most people think about having on hand in their homes, even though it could be a life saver. Consider purchasing some Mylar blankets just in case. They are not expensive, and their ability to insulate the body from extreme temperatures are well-worth the small investment.
Face Mask
Finally, smoke from structure fires can be dark, thick with particles and extremely irritating to the eyes. Many people end up feeling their way around their homes because they can’t open their eyes. It’s very easy to get disoriented and end up going the wrong way during an evacuation. Purchasing a good mask or goggles that can be placed over the eyes can put you in an advantageous position. Combining that with an oxygen supply can help to buy you precious time and give you more options as you try to escape.
While following traditionally-accepted guidelines with respect to evacuating during a fire is important, these additional items can be invaluable. Consider obtaining them in order to give you a better chance of avoiding succumbing to heat or smoke, getting disoriented or wasting precious time during an escape. Fires happen quickly, spread rapidly and force people to make split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. You need all of the help you can get during a fire, and these items can make all of the difference in the world in terms of getting out unscathed.
