Why is Fire Dangerous?
Every day families witness the types of horror that a fire presents.
Unfortunately, many people do not understand or realise the true nature of fire and what it can do. Every year more than 480 citizens die and approximately 12,000 people are injured in fires (UK, 2008).
If more people were aware of how to prevent fires, less and less incidents would occur.
Fire is FAST! (There is little time!)
Most fires occur in homes where people are usually asleep. If you happen to wake up to a fire, you have very little time to take valuables with you because fire spreads very quickly and the smoke is extremely thick. In 30 seconds or less a small flame can become completely out of control and turn into a major fire. You have time to escape!
Fire is HOT! (Heat from a fire is more dangerous than flames.)
When a fire hits a room, temperatures can be 100 degrees at floor level to 600 degrees at eye level. The heat alone can kill individuals. Inhaling this extremely hot air can burn your lungs. It can even melt the clothing you wear to your skin. Once a fire hits a room, everything can ignite at once, in under 5 minutes, which is also known as a flash over.
Fire is DARK! (Fire isn’t bright, its PITCH BLACK!)
Fire begins by looking like a bright light, and rapidly produces black smoke and total darkness. Because of the extreme darkness, if you were to wake up to a fire, you may be blinded, perplexed and unable to find your way around your own home.
Fire is Deadly! (Flames kill less people than Smoke and Toxic gases.)
We all need oxygen to breathe, but when a fire hits, it uses up all of the oxygen you need and ends up producing fatal smoke and poisonous gases. Because the fumes are colourless and odourless, they can get you into a deep sleep before the flames even reach your door and cause you not to wake up in time to evacuate your home.
In the event of a fire remember that time is not on your side and every second counts. Be sure to evacuate your home first, and then call for help. Be sure to design a fire evacuation plan for your home to meet outside. Make sure that you each member of your family has two known ways of escaping in case there is a fire. Also, try to practice this with your family and remember to always crawl low under the smoke and keep your mouth covered. Never return to your home for any reason. Your life will be at risk. Lastly, be sure that your home fire alarm is working and be sure to test it regularly. It will increase your chances of surviving a fire!
Household Dangers
- Children are most likely to get burned.
- Kids like to explore they may not know what new things they can reach and pull down on them.
- Never let kids play with matches.
- Keep children away from stoves.
- Always unplug an iron after use.
- Don’t plug too many appliances into one outlet.
- Don’t use appliances that have frayed wires.
- Don’t let anyone smoke in bed.
- Don’t store gasoline, kerosene, etc., in the house. Use a storage shed.
- Don’t hide when you see smoke or fire. Try to get out of the house.
This guide has been produced to explain the severe hazards of fire and how to control fire as an element. We specialise in fire damage repairs for a variety of commercial and domestic properties.
If you have been affected by fire damage, get in contact with us today.
