Here’s What to Do If Your Home Catches Fire
- Every resident should be ready for unexpected situations that arrive without warning and cause potential harm. One effective method is to obtain homeowners insurance, which protects your residence from financial setbacks that may arise due to these unforeseen incidents. In India, frequent fire occurrences take place; therefore, it is prudent to understand what actions to take in the event of a house fire. Fire is devastating, and one must exercise caution because within just two minutes, a house fire can escalate into a swift and life-threatening calamity.
- Retrieve the Fire Extinguisher
If you detect even a minor fire outbreak in your home, do not disregard it. Reach for your fire extinguisher as a comprehensive precautionary step. This single action can help extinguish the flames immediately. Fire extinguishers are crucial and should be available in every household, whether residential or commercial.
- Alert Others about Fire Outbreak
Make others in the home aware of the fire situation by shouting loudly; do not depend on smoke detectors and alarms to notify others, as they may occasionally fail due to battery issues and other factors.
- Dial the Fire Department Number – 101
Grab your phone and contact the fire department after exiting the property, do not linger inside the house searching for your mobile device as you might become engulfed in flames. Instead, hurry outside, and ask neighbors or passersby to assist you in contacting the fire department.
- Leave Valuables Behind
Do not hesitate to find the quickest escape route from a burning house instead of searching for valuables during a fire. You can always inform the fire safety personnel about the valuables when they arrive, indicating their last known location.
- Stop, Drop, and Roll.
If your clothing ignites, do not run; just drop to the ground and roll over your back to put out the flames. It is advisable to crawl and stay close to the floor to avoid the intense heat and dense smoke from the fire. Remain low until you have escaped the burning residence.
- Cover Your Nose
Use a shirt or a damp towel to cover your nostrils during a house fire; this will help keep smoke from entering your lungs. Also, cover the faces of children as much as possible, especially while assisting them to safety. Finally, refrain from rushing into a room filled with smoke or flames; entering such places puts you at great risk.
- Close Doors.
After you have crawled out of a room, shut the door behind you. Studies have shown that closing doors inhibits fire from spreading, meaning the fire will remain contained for a period.
- Once Out, Do Not Re-enter the Burning House
After you have escaped from the house fire, remain outside. Do not go back into a burning house, even if you left behind your pets or possessions. Instead, inform the fire department personnel immediately if you suspect there are people or pets still inside and guide them to their possible locations.
Conclusion
If you adhere to the tips mentioned above during a house fire, you can reduce the damages. Nevertheless, a homeowner insurance policy can prevent your years of earnings from being consumed in seconds because of a fire event. With HDFC ERGO property insurance, you can insure possessions valued at up to Rs 25 lakhs.
Disclaimer:
The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. For additional details, please consult the policy wordings and prospectus prior to finalizing the sales.
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