When there is smoke in the room the best way to evacuate is?

Fire can kill. It can also destroy or damage your home. There are some simple things you can do to prevent a fire from starting.

Keeping you safe

One of the easiest ways to prevent a fire is to follow the ‘STOP Fire’ message:

• S – smoke alarms - make sure you have smoke alarms on every floor of your home
• T – test those smoke alarms weekly to make sure they’re working
• O –  obvious dangers - be aware of obvious dangers in your home
• P – plan your escape route should a fire start

• Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service STOP Fire video 

Home fire safety check

The NIFRS provides advice you can use to see how safe your home is. It will help you to identify any danger points around your home. If you are concerned about fire safety in your home, you can ask for a free home fire safety check.

• Free home fire safety check

Alternative languages fire safety information 

The NIFRS Home Fire Safety Check leaflet is available in:

• Cantonese Traditional
• English
• Irish
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Ukrainian
• Ulster Scots

Its Home Fire Safety booklet is available in:

• Arabic
• English
• Irish
• Polish
• Ukrainian
• Ulster Scots

More useful links

• Home fire safety
• Seasonal safety advice

Before

• Participate in scheduled fire drills.
• Post emergency numbers near telephones.
• Get training on how to use fire extinguishers.
• Do not store combustible materials in closed areas, near a heat source, or in exit pathways.
• Limit use of extension cords, never run them under carpets, or anywhere they can be pinched under or behind furniture.
• Avoid overloading electrical sockets and plugging extension cords together.
• Keep all electrical appliances away from anything that can catch fire. Remember to always turn them off at the end of the day.
• Pay attention to housekeeping issues. Do not clutter exits, stairways, and storage areas with waste paper, empty boxes, and other fire hazards

During

• Immediately notify the fire department and your co-workers by pulling the alarm station. Call 911 (510-642-3333 if using a cell phone) from a safe location to provide details of the situation.
• If trained, able and safe (with a sure and safe exit), use a portable fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. Evacuate if one extinguisher does not put out the fire.
• Evacuate as quickly and as safely as possible. On your way out, warn others.
• Close doors and windows if time permits, to delay the spread of the fire. Touch closed doors before opening. Do not open them if they are hot.
• Use the stairs to evacuate. Do not use elevators.
• When evacuating, stay low to the ground. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth to avoid inhaling smoke and gases.
• Once outside, go to your building's Emergency Assembly Area, tell those in charge there that you are out of the building, and report injured or trapped persons and any signs of building damage you observed.
• Wait for instructions from emergency responders.

If unable to leave the building, create an area of refuge

• Seal the room. Use wet cloth to stuff around cracks in doors and seal up vents to protect against smoke.
• Do not break windows. Flames and smoke can come back in from the outside. If you need air, open the window a crack.
• Stay low under smoke. The freshest air is near the floor. Keep a wet cloth over your nose and mouth; breathe through your nose only.
• Signal for help. Call 9-1-1 (510-642-3333 if using a cell phone), or hang something out the window.