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Things to do in a fire

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Mlle Germain:
Yes, I was wondering that, too...
In any case, this post has shaken me pretty badly. I am terrified of house fires (used to have nightmares regularly when I was younger) and I think people who rescue others from fires or fight fires (whether professionally or amateurs in an emergency) are heroes.

This is something I love about the UK (or maybe it's specific about where I live? I don't know): Fire safety is taken very seriously. In my building, there are interconnected smoke alarms everywhere, they are tested regularly and there are fire alarm practices pretty regularly.
Where I lived in Germany while studying, the apartment buildings didn't even have fire alarms (not even the official student accomodation, although my boyfriend tells me they've installed them now). In the last building I lived in in Germany (~100 years old) right under the roof, there was no alternative escape route apart from the one regular stairway. I bought a climbing rope specifically so I could get out of the window, should the need arise (I own climbing equipment and know how to use it; I can abseil myself safely under normal circumstances). Sure, would have been quite dangerous and not failsafe, but better than no escape at all.
Now I live on the ground floor, so I could just jump out of the window. Feels safer.

Metope:
Fuck, it didn't even occur to me that it could be you, but if that's the case, feel better! I was just in a fire last week, nowhere near being close to danger myself since it started in a different part of the building, but seeing and reading this makes me realise how incredible it is no one were hurt at all since there were hundreds of people inside at the time. If that's you, I'm really, really sorry and I hope you manage to recover soon. If that's not you, I hope the woman in question recovers anyway. Hugs  :-(

Masterpiece:
I think that is Zoe. :(

Metope:
Damn. Fire really is one of the worst things that can happen, I'm really sorry, Zoe. I hope the physical, mental and logistical recoveries go as smoothly as possible, sending positive thoughts your way!

SuctionCup Caper Two:
Former volunteer fireman here,  in the future, please don't try to be a hero let us save the day!    :wink:

My rule of thumb is get the biggest ABC fire-extinguisher you can afford, and keep it in the kitchen.  Discharge that into/onto the fire according to the procedure and then leave, regardless if it is out or not.    If the fire is in the oven/dishwasher... even if you think you got it out CALL for help.  It may have traveled up a wall... or the appliance itself can be hazardous.    I am talking "electrical hazard" or "leaking gas."

Here is what I teach from alarm to evacuation:

1)  If you spot the fire or the alarm sounds,  make as much noise as possible to attract attention. 

2)  Assess the situation, making sure your back is to an exit.

3)  Discharge a fire extinguisher at the fire if safe to do so.

4)  Evacuate and wait for the fire department.


As said before if that is in fact you,  hope your healing proceeds without complication.     :-)   

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