Fires are sudden, dangerous, and can spread rapidly—turning seconds into life-or-death decisions. Whether caused by faulty wiring, cooking accidents, wildfires, or human error, fires remain one of the most common and deadly emergencies globally. Preparing in advance and knowing how to respond during a fire can save lives and reduce damage.
How to Prepare for a Fire
Proactive preparation can make all the difference when fire strikes. Key steps include:
- Install smoke detectors on every floor and inside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
- Plan escape routes from every room in your home and designate a meeting point outside. Practice fire drills with your household.
- Keep fire extinguishers in high-risk areas like kitchens and garages, and learn how to use them (remember the PASS method: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
- Clear flammable clutter from stairways, hallways, and outdoor surroundings.
- Store important documents in a fireproof container or keep digital copies.
- Ensure your address is visible to emergency responders.
- Avoid overloaded outlets, and regularly inspect wiring and appliances for wear.
- Read all the instructions recommended by the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
If you live in a wildfire-prone region, also:
- Create a defensible space by clearing dry vegetation around your home.
- Prepare a “go bag” with essentials in case of sudden evacuation.
What to Do During a Fire
If you hear a smoke alarm or see fire or smoke, act immediately:
- Alert others and evacuate immediately. Don’t waste time collecting valuables.
- Stay low to the ground to avoid inhaling smoke, which rises.
- Check doors with the back of your hand before opening—if hot, don’t open them.
- Close doors behind you to slow the spread of flames.
- Do not use elevators; use stairs.
- Stop, Drop, and Roll if your clothes catch fire: stop moving, drop to the ground, and roll to extinguish flames.
- Call emergency services only after you’ve exited safely.
Once out, never go back inside a burning building.
After a Fire: What to Do Next
Even after the fire is extinguished, hazards remain:
- Do not re-enter the building until officials say it’s safe.
- Contact your insurance provider to begin the claims process.
- Watch for structural damage, gas leaks, and hazardous materials.
- Seek medical attention for burns or smoke inhalation symptoms.
- Clean up carefully, using gloves and masks to avoid contaminants.
- Support others emotionally—fire trauma can have lasting psychological effects.
Recovery takes time, but communities can rebuild with the right support and preparation.
Glossary
- Smoke detector — A device that senses smoke and sounds an alarm to warn of fire.
- Defensible space — A cleared area around a building to slow or stop wildfire spread.
- Evacuation plan — A prepared route and method for safely leaving an emergency zone.
- PASS method — A technique for using a fire extinguisher: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.
- Stop, Drop, and Roll — A fire safety technique to put out flames on clothing.
