All offices, schools and buildings are required to conduct fire drills, which allow people to prepare for a real emergency. By behaving correctly during a simulation, you will be able to react calmly in the unlikely event that a fire occurs, without jeopardizing your life and that of others.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Reacting when the Fire Alarm Goes Off
Step 1. Keep a cool head
Don't fret when you hear the fire alarm. Also, try to remain silent so that you can listen to the instructions being given.
In fact, it's important to stay calm and quiet throughout the exercise, not just when it starts
Step 2. Act like a fire has broken out
Even if you will think the fire alarm is activated for a simple test, you should always consider it as actually warning you of a fire. You must take the exercise seriously to learn the correct evacuation procedure and not panic in the event of a real fire.
Indeed, even if a simulation is planned, it could always happen that something causes a real state of emergency. Therefore, treat the tutorial as if it were a real situation
Step 3. Stop, whatever you are doing
When you hear the alarm, you must stop everything you are busy with. Don't waste time completing a sentence on a piece of paper or sending an email. Don't delay gathering your things. React immediately when the alarm sounds.
Step 4. Start exiting the building
Think about the closest exit. Leave the room you are in to go in that direction.
- Try to get out of the room without making a mess. Get in line, if necessary, without running.
- If you can, before running the simulation, learn the way to the nearest fire exit. It is preferable to know the route when you are in a new building, especially if you know you will have to spend a lot of time inside it. For example, hotels are required to have an emergency exit at the rear of the building.
- Under no circumstances should you use the elevator during an emergency evacuation.
Step 5. Close the door
If you are the last person to leave a room, close the door, but make sure you don't lock it.
Closing the door allows the fire to progress more slowly because in this way the fire does not have the oxygen it needs to spread quickly. Also, it prevents smoke and heat from entering other rooms
Step 6. Leave the lights on
Do not turn them off on your way out of the room. This way, you will help the firefighters see better.
Part 2 of 3: Moving Through the Building
Step 1. Go to the nearest exit
Follow the intended route for the evacuation of the building. If you don't know where the nearest exit is, look for the "fire exit" signs as you go through the corridors. Usually, they are in red (or green in the UK) and sometimes light up.
Step 2. Check if the doors are hot
During a real fire, you should examine the doors before opening them to see if there is fire behind them. See if smoke comes out of the bottom slot and place your hand to see if it is giving off heat. In the absence of these signals, try lightly touching the handle to see if it is hot. If you encounter any of these signs during a fire, don't hesitate to change your route.
Step 3. Take the stairs
Do not use the elevators during an exercise. In the event of a fire, they are used by firefighters to counter the spread of fire. Furthermore, they can be dangerous in these circumstances.
Furthermore, the stairs are generally equipped with pressurization systems, that is, they do not fill with smoke as much as other environments
Step 4. Watch out for "smoke trails"
Sometimes, during a fire drill, the "smoke trails" in certain corridors simulate what could happen during a real fire. If you see a smoke trail, find an alternate route that takes you out of the building.
If that's the only way out, try to crawl on the floor. In case of smoke, you can see better by crouching down
Part 3 of 3: Exit the Building
Step 1. Clear the sidewalks
Make sure you leave the sidewalks clear for the firefighters to do their job. If there are too many people obstructing the passage, there is a risk that the firefighters will not be able to enter the building.
Listen to directions given by people in authority. Probably the teachers or your leaders will try to count those present by bringing them all to the same area. This is why it is important to be calm
Step 2. Keep a safe distance
In the event of a real fire, the building could collapse. Therefore, move around so that you are not in danger. Generally, it's best to stay across the street.
Step 3. Wait for the all-clear
Don't assume that since the fire alarm has stopped, you can re-enter the building. Wait for the fire brigade or other staff to authorize you to return. Once you hear the all-clear, you can resume normal activities.
