Every year, many fires break out in the Netherlands, often starting as a fire in the kitchen, with the deep fryer in particular being the culprit. Everyone hopes it never happens, but since it does happen regularly, here are some tips on what to do in the event of a fire and how to prevent it.
Things to do in a fire
- First, warn your fellow residents and get out of the burning room as soon as possible.
- Do not try to take belongings, fire and especially smoke will spread
- particularly fast.
- Call 112, but preferably only when you have brought yourself to safety.
- Leave the burning room with your head about 50 cm above the ground. The most toxic gases are either very low to the ground or high. If necessary, put a damp cloth over your mouth.
- Close doors behind you to prevent further spread of the fire.
- If a door handle feels warm don’t go in unless it is the only way to escape, the warm handle is an indication of fire in the other room.
- Once you are out, go never back inside. Only trained firefighters are equipped for this.
- If you cannot leave the burning room, call 112 and, if possible, close any cracks with damp cloth or tape. This slows down the fire. Then wait at a window for help.
- Keep doors and windows closed, oxygen fuels the fire even more.
- If the pan has a flame, put a lid on the pan and turn off the gas. Under no circumstances walk with the pan or let water run on it, as this can lead to explosions and burns.
- If you extinguish the fire yourself with an extinguisher and you see no effect, leave the room. Many portable fire extinguishers are empty after 8 to 10 seconds and therefore useless.
The fire
The heat of fire is a great danger, the heat of a fire can reach up to 1200 degrees, while the human body already ceases to function at 65 degrees.
Often it is not the fire itself, but the smoke and gases that pose the greatest danger. Plastic products that melt in the heat often give off toxic gases and smoke contains an intoxicating gas.
Smoke is dark and intoxicating, which has a negative effect on orientation, so it is possible to get lost even in your own home.
Fire and especially smoke often spread very quickly, so it is best to leave a burning building as soon as possible.
After the fire
- Do not enter your home until the fire brigade permits. There may be a collapse or explosion hazard.
- When you are allowed back into your house, check all outlets and electrical wires. If necessary, ask your electricity company for advice.
- Contact your insurance company and don’t dispose of items until they have been seen by a loss adjuster.
- Discard food that has been exposed to high temperatures.
Preventing fire
Of course, the best thing to do is to prevent fire. It is also useful to have a flight plan ready if necessary. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of fire.
- Do not burn gas when you leave a room.
- If you have a chimney, have it swept annually.
- Use dry wood for a fireplace.
- Install smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
- Do not leave candles or cigarettes unattended.