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The first few minutes of a fire determine your safety. If you know which direction to go, which door to open, where to exit, and when to stop – you can protect yourself and your family. What are the first steps people should take in case of a fire and how small steps can prevent a major disaster, let’s know about…
A fire in any building is a serious and dangerous situation. There is no guarantee when and where an accident will occur. A fire can start anywhere – home, office, market, or high rise building. People often assume it won’t happen to them, but fire department statistics show that fires happen suddenly and quickly. The real danger is not in the fire, but in the inability of people to take the right steps. Panic and lack of information can often prove fatal. This is why the first few minutes of a fire determine your safety. If you know which direction to go, which door to open, where to exit, and when to stop – you can protect yourself and your family. What are the first steps people should take in case of a fire and how small steps can prevent a major disaster, let’s know about…
1. Sound the alarm first and alert others
- Don’t panic if you see signs of a fire in the building—such as smoke, a strange smell, or flames.
- Sound the alarm immediately or
- Alert others by shouting loudly.
- Many accidents are made worse because people run away without warning others.
2. Get out early, but don’t use the elevator
- Elevators are the most dangerous in case of fire, so avoid them.
- Always use the stairs.
- Instead of running away, walk carefully so you don’t bump into anyone.
- Walk along the wall to see your way out.
3. Crouch or crawl when you see smoke
- Smoke always moves upwards. The air below is clean.
- Place a wet cloth over your nose and mouth.
- Move forward by kneeling or crawling.
- This method protects your breathing and prevents suffocation.
4. Always check the temperature before opening the door.
- Never open the door accidentally.
- Check the temperature of the door with the back of your fingers.
- If the door is hot, do not open it – there may be a fire on the other side.
- Find another way out.
5. What to do if the exit is blocked?
- If the fire has reached the stairs or smoke is preventing it from going down:
- Go to a safe room.
- Close the door with a cloth to prevent smoke from entering.
- Go to a window and signal to others.
- Call the fire brigade immediately and provide correct information.
6. Turn off electrical appliances
- If you can do so safely, turn off the main switch.
- This can slow the spread of fire.
- But if there is danger, do not touch the power switch.
7. Do not go near kitchen or gas cylinder.
- If a fire has started and spread in the kitchen, do not try to go near it.
- Use fire extinguisher only in case of fire.
8. Learn the proper use of a fire extinguisher
- Choose the right type of fire extinguisher.
- Hold the nozzle downwards.
- Spray on the center of the fire.
- Used properly, it can quickly stop a fire.
9. Prepare in advance in the building
- Wherever you live or work, know these things:
- Where is the fire exit located?
- Where is the fire alarm located?
- Where is the fire extinguisher kept?
- This information helps you get out safely in an emergency.
November 27, 2025 7:59 PM IST
What to do if a building catches fire? Know how you can save yourself and your loved ones