In case of fire

These tips provided by the Hong Kong Fire Services Department could well save your life

Planning ahead

Forward planning is the best way to save lives when a fire occurs:

• Prepare a detailed emergency escape route in case of a fire and arrange a meeting place outside at a safe location
• Work out alternate routes to that meeting place in case one route is blocked by smoke or fire
• Be sure to make special arrangements for the sick or elderly, young children and the disabled
• Always take part in suggested fire drills and make sure everyone in your family knows the procedure
• Practice your family's fire escape route plan in your own time, so that everyone is truly familiar with it

Don't panic

When you first realise there is a fire in your building, flat or house, the shock can be literally disabling. To help you cope there are three main points to be aware of - keep calm, act quickly and protect yourself.

Exit procedure

If your building is on fire there are a number of guidelines to remember in order to ensure the safety of yourself and others:

• Call the Emergency Services as soon as you notice the fire
• Tell everyone in your unit that there is a fire and to exit the building calmly
• Don't attempt to bring your valuables with you
• Activate the fire alarm as you leave
• Close all doors to impede the spread of the fire
• Exit the building using the closest stairwell and never use the elevator
• Meet the fire fighters outside and explain the situation

Sit tight

The choice to remain in your home or to exit the building is yours. In most cases the best thing to do is to leave as soon as possible but sometimes this can be too dangerous. If you remain in the building be sure to:

• First call Emergency Services to tell them exactly where you are
• Close all the doors around you to slow the spread of the fire
• Try to reduce the flow of smoke by blocking the gaps under doorways with tape
• Show rescuers where you are by hanging a sheet from the window
• Keep low to the ground where there is less smoke and heat
• Listen out for instructions from rescue teams

Checking for danger

When attempting to exit a building that is on fire always look for smoke under the door first - if you see smoke or the heat is oppressive, do not open the door. If the corridor is clear, close the doors behind you, and find the nearest stairway, do not use the lift. If there is smoke or fire behind a door, try to find another way to exit the building. If another escape route is not available, return to your unit and begin to protect yourself whilst awaiting rescue.

In an emergency

If you find yourself overwhelmed by smoke whilst exiting your building, crouch down low and cover your nose and mouth to limit smoke inhalation. Follow the stairway exit signs out of the building and do not run if visibility is low.

Burning issues

If during a fire your clothes catch alight, remember to "Stop, Drop, and Roll:" stop what you are doing, drop to the ground and roll around to smother the fire. Fire needs air (oxygen) to burn and by rolling on the ground you can quash the flames without using water or a fire extinguisher. This works in a similar style as a fire blanket. For information on obtaining or purchasing fire blankets, fire extinguishers and smoke alarms contact the HK FSD on the number below.

Preventative measures

To reduce the risk of fire in your home factor in the following:

• Smoking indoors puts you at a high risk, make sure that all cigarette, cigar and pipe ashes are properly extinguished and never smoke in bed. Avoid foam- rubber- or fabric-mounted seating and invest in fire-retardant soft furnishings
• Prioritise electrical safety: remove excess appliances from a breaker circuit that frequently trips, avoid using extension cords wherever possible, allow space around the TV to prevent it overheating, and position portable space heaters away from furniture and curtains. Ensure that all electrical appliances are correctly installed, used, inspected and maintained.

Especially for children

Make it a rule never to leave small children alone or unattended. Baby-sitters and helpers need to know what to do in an emergency; show them the escape routes from your home and tell them the correct way to report a fire. Always keep matches and cigarette lighters above the 『strike zone,' ie, too high for children to reach, and don't store flammable liquids in your home.

Useful contacts

To report a fire, call the Emergency Services (Fire, Ambulance, Police): 999
For enquiries or complaints on fire hazards, call the HK FSD: 2723 8787, or log onto www.hkfsd.gov.hk for more information on preventing and escaping from fires.