If you are in a household fire, it is important to take the following steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others:
- Get out of the house immediately: If you are in a room where there is smoke or flames, exit the room as quickly as possible and make your way to a safe location outside the house.
- Close doors behind you: As you make your way out of the house, close doors behind you to help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.
- Call 911: Once you are safely outside, call 911 to report the fire and request emergency assistance. Provide the operator with your location, the address of the fire, and any other relevant information.
- Stay outside: Do not re-enter the house until it is safe to do so, and you have been given permission by the fire department.
- Gather your family and pets: Once you are safely outside, gather your family members and pets and make sure everyone is accounted for.
- Follow the instructions of the fire department: The fire department will arrive on the scene and take steps to extinguish the fire. Follow their instructions and stay out of their way.
- Seek medical attention if necessary: If anyone was injured in the fire, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Contact your insurance company: Once the fire has been extinguished, contact your insurance company to report the fire and begin the claims process.
The experience of a house fire can be traumatic, and it is important to take care of your own physical and emotional well-being, as well as the well-being of your loved ones. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed.