What to do in the event of a house fire
🔥 Why prepare for a house fire?
A house fire can break out suddenly and spread very quickly. We don’t have reliable statistics at European level, but in France, keep in mind that a domestic fire breaks out every 2 minutes! Being well prepared allows you to react effectively, protect your family and reduce the dramatic consequences.
1. Rapid fire detection
– Install smoke detectors in your home and check them regularly.
– Be on the lookout for unusual smells or smoke.
2. Immediate and safe evacuation
– Leave your home immediately if you suspect a fire.
– Take your Evakit bag with you: it contains all your important documents (identity papers, insurance, etc.).
– Use the safest and quickest route previously identified in your family evacuation plan.
– If possible, close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire.
3. Protecting yourself against smoke
– If the smoke is thick, stay close to the ground where the air is more breathable.
– Your Evakit bag contains a mask to protect your eyes and an air filtration mask.
4. Immediately call for help
– Once safe, immediately dial 112 (or your local emergency number).
– Clearly communicate the exact address, the nature of the fire and the number of people involved.
5. Gather at an assembly point
– Rendezvous immediately at the pre-defined family meeting point.
– Quickly check that every member of the family is present.
– Never go back inside your home after evacuation, even to retrieve important items.
6. Wait for help
– Wait for help at a safe distance from your home.
– Clearly inform the emergency services as soon as they arrive if anyone is missing or if you suspect there are victims inside.
Common mistakes to avoid
– Return inside after exiting.
– Trying to put out an uncontrollable fire on your own.
– Ignore early signs of fire (smoke, fire alarm).
IN SUMMARY:
In the event of a house fire, evacuate immediately and safely with your Evakit bag, protect yourself from toxic fumes, call for help quickly and never go back inside. Good preparation and a clear evacuation plan can save your life.
Being prepared means ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones.
