This is Fire:
A Factsheet on the Nature of Fire
Every day Americans experience the horror of
fire. But most people don't understand fire. Only when we know the true
nature of fire can we prepare ourselves and our families. Each year more
than 4,000 Americans die and more than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of
which could be prevented.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA), a
division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), believes that
fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people the basic facts about fire.
Below are some simple facts that explain the particular characteristics of
fire.
Fire is FAST!
There is little time!
In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control
and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to
fill a house. In minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires
occur in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire, you
won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the
smoke is too thick. There is only time to escape.
Fire is HOT!
Heat is more threatening than flames.
A fire's heat alone can kill. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100
degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this
super hot air will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your
skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at
once: this is called flashover.
Fire is DARK!
Fire isn't bright, it's pitch black.
Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete
darkness. If you wake up to a fire you may be blinded, disoriented and
unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years.
Fire is DEADLY!
Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do.
Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gases
that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make
you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes
can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door. You may
not wake up in time to escape.
Fire Safety Tips
In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every
second counts!
Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and
designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows
two ways to escape from every room. Practice feeling your way out with your
eyes closed. Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and
try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any
reason; it may cost you your life.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances
of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently
with your family.
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