What safety measures should be followed to avoid fire accidents?

The following are some of the measures to be taken in case of fire accidents:

• If you see smoke or flames, raise the alarm.

• Get out of the building as soon as possible. Cover yourself if you can. Use steps instead lift in case of fire. Keep the escape routes clear in the corridors.

• Find a phone and call 101. Ask for the fire brigade, and then give your address slowly and clearly to reach soon.

• If there’s smoke, crawl along the floor, as the air is cleanest there. Hot air rises up. If your escape route is blocked, go into a room with a window, put things round the door to stop smoke getting in, open the outside window and call for help.

• A closed door slows down the spread of a fire. While evacuating it is necessary that we close the doors.

• Switch off all the electrical appliances. The best thing one could do is to turn off the main switchboard.

• Check for worn or tape up cables or leads. These are dangerous and you should replace them. In case the plug points are at a very low level it is necessary that they are taped especially in the primary section of the school as the children might put their fingers inside which might lead to an accident.

• Wherever you are watch out for damaged wiring in the school. In case there are walls that soak or wet then the walls should be immediately repaired and the wires must be replace.