Just yesterday, Canyon Vista’s fire alarm went off. Everyone gathered outside on the football field. Later that day they let us in and found out hat it was a blue helium balloon that hit the fire alarm in a science class.

So what would you do if there would a fire? First, don’t investigate the fire. Make sure you get everyone- shout if you need to and get everyone together. Make sure you have an escape plan that everyone knows beforehand. As you escape, don’t delay to search for valuables or pets. Next, don’t look through the fire. Crawl on the floor if there is smoke while keeping your nose as low as possible. Remember, smoke is poisonous and can kill you.

Here are some things you can do if there is a fire:

If your clothes catch fire:

• don’t run around or you will spread the flames and make them burn faster
• lie down because it makes it harder for the fire to spread and reduces the effect of flames on your face and head (flames burn upwards)
• choke the flames while covering the flames with heavy clothing, like a coat or blanket; this blocks the fire’s source of oxygen that causes it to spread
• roll around – rolling kills the flames

If your escape route is blocked:

• and if you’re on the ground floor, go out of a window and throw bedding or cushions onto the ground outside to break your fall
• and if you can’t open the window, use a heavy object to break it at the bottom corner and cover any jagged edges with clothing, a towel or a blanket
• lower children as far as possible before letting them drop – get an adult to break their fall if you can
• lower yourself by your arms from the window ledge before dropping

If you can’t get out, get everyone into one room:

• choose a room with a window
• put cushions, towels or bedding at the bottom of the door to block smoke
• open the window and call for help
• think now about which room might be best for this – you need a window that can be opened and, if possible, a phone for calling 911

Once you’re out and safe, use a mobile phone, a neighbor’s phone, or a phone box to provide the emergency services with the address. Call 911 When calling:

• give your whole address, including the town
• tell them what is on fire, for example, “a two-story house”
• explain if anyone is trapped and what room they’re in because the more information you can give the Fire and Rescue Service, the more quickly and effectively they can help you

You should find somewhere safe to wait near the building. If there’s someone still inside, wait for the Fire and Rescue Service to arrive. You can tell them about the person and they will be able to find them quicker than you. If you go back into the building, you will slow down the firefighters’ efforts to rescue anyone else missing, as well as putting your own life in danger.

If you hear a smoke alarm or discover a fire:

• try not to panic
• tell everyone in the house
• using your pre-planned escape route, get everyone out of the building as quickly as possible
• smoke rises so stay low or crawl on the floor in the cleaner air where it’s easier to breathe
• don’t stop to collect any valuables or possessions
• don’t stop to look for pets
• if possible, close the door to the room where the fire is located and close all doors behind you as you leave (to delay the spread of fire and smoke)
• before opening a closed door, touch it with the back of your hand; don’t open it if feels warm – the fire will be on the other side