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1075 · 05-03-2005, 10:27 AM

wish it was april,
I must have been preparing my previous reply and did not see your post. You can actually do a lot to insure that you make it out safely. Education, preparation, awareness and planning are your best tools. You can see how this was a factor in the links I posted above. I'll list a few tips:

- Carry your cell phone at all times, know your location within a building at all times so you can call 911 tell them where you are should you become trapped. Being aware of your surroundings can save youe life (same as when using an ATM, walking alone, etc.).

- Know the locations of all marked exits within the space you are occuping and assure that they are not blocked by furnishings etc. or locked.

- Do not attempt to fight a fire unless you have been properly trained. Pull the fire alarm, get out, call the Fire Department immediately.

- When you are on upper floors, DO NOT use elevators, most of them will not work anyway if the fire alarm is activated. Use the stairs, find out where ALL exit stairs are on the floor and that they are accessible. Unless it is a high rise I always use the stairs instead of the elevator anyway because it helps me stay in shape and I have rescued enough people from stalled elevators to know that being stuck in an elevator is not a plesant way to spend time.

- If you become trapped by fire or smoke, stay low, close any doors that you can to seperate yourself from the fire/smoke and call 911 or use any means available to notify others of your situation.

As illustrated in the links referenced in my previous post, don't assume that someone else is looking out for your safety. If you see a locked / blocked exit insist that it be cleared or leave. If you are in a space that is obviously overcrowded, leave if possible or locate yourself at an exit. Carrying a small flashlight (on a keyring etc.) is a good idea.

Oh, and one last thing. Never under estimate the power of public pressure. Automatic sprinklers are your best defense combined with a well trained, well staffed professional fire department. If either of these are lacking in a place where you or your loved ones live or work, organize and make a difference. Anyone doubt the power an effective parent organization can have on a school system?

05-03-2005, 10:27 AM	#56
1075 New Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Threads: 0 Posts: 5	wish it was april, I must have been preparing my previous reply and did not see your post. You can actually do a lot to insure that you make it out safely. Education, preparation, awareness and planning are your best tools. You can see how this was a factor in the links I posted above. I'll list a few tips: - Carry your cell phone at all times, know your location within a building at all times so you can call 911 tell them where you are should you become trapped. Being aware of your surroundings can save youe life (same as when using an ATM, walking alone, etc.). - Know the locations of all marked exits within the space you are occuping and assure that they are not blocked by furnishings etc. or locked. - Do not attempt to fight a fire unless you have been properly trained. Pull the fire alarm, get out, call the Fire Department immediately. - When you are on upper floors, DO NOT use elevators, most of them will not work anyway if the fire alarm is activated. Use the stairs, find out where ALL exit stairs are on the floor and that they are accessible. Unless it is a high rise I always use the stairs instead of the elevator anyway because it helps me stay in shape and I have rescued enough people from stalled elevators to know that being stuck in an elevator is not a plesant way to spend time. - If you become trapped by fire or smoke, stay low, close any doors that you can to seperate yourself from the fire/smoke and call 911 or use any means available to notify others of your situation. As illustrated in the links referenced in my previous post, don't assume that someone else is looking out for your safety. If you see a locked / blocked exit insist that it be cleared or leave. If you are in a space that is obviously overcrowded, leave if possible or locate yourself at an exit. Carrying a small flashlight (on a keyring etc.) is a good idea. Oh, and one last thing. Never under estimate the power of public pressure. Automatic sprinklers are your best defense combined with a well trained, well staffed professional fire department. If either of these are lacking in a place where you or your loved ones live or work, organize and make a difference. Anyone doubt the power an effective parent organization can have on a school system? Last edited by 1075 : 05-03-2005 at 10:43 AM.