What to do in case of a fire? Alert neighbours, leave valuables behind, avoid lifts while exiting building

New Delhi: When a fire breaks out in a residential complex, your chance of survival is dictated by a narrow window of time during which prompt, calculated action outweighs panic. Fire safety experts say one’s ability to act with clarity and urgency while maintaining a calm and focused mindset is the most critical factor in ensuring one’s survival.

The process, they say, begins the moment one detects danger. “You must alert others by yelling ‘Fire!’ at the top of your voice and sounding the nearest manual fire alarm. Do not assume that your neighbours are already aware of smoke or flames,” said a senior cop.

Every second is precious, meaning one must leave most belongings — purses, laptops, and other valuables — behind to avoid being trapped by the rapidly spreading smoke and blaze.



“Before starting to navigate your way through the building to safety, touch the handle and the surface of every door with the back of your hand; if a door feels hot or smoke is visible around its edges, the fire is inside, and you should not open it,” said a senior fire department officer.

If you run into smoke during your escape, stay low to the ground and crawl on your hands and knees so that you can inhale the cooler air that settles near the floor. It contains the most oxygen, while toxic gases and heat rise towards the ceiling.

Always use the stairs and never an elevator, which can stop working or lead you directly into a zone of fire. “It is vital to close the doors behind you as you exit the rooms and your apartment to help contain the blaze by limiting the oxygen feeding it. If your primary exit is blocked by heavy smoke or heat, immediately pivot to your known second exit, such as a fire escape or an alternative stairwell,” the fire officer added.

If you find yourself completely trapped, retreat to a room with a window, close the door, and seal all cracks and vents with wet towels or duct tape to keep the air inside breathable while waving a bright cloth or using a torch from the window to signal rescuers, the officer said.

Once you have successfully exited the building, do not re-enter under any circumstance, and call emergency services only when you are clear of the danger. “Should your clothing ignite at any point, remember the three-step rule: Stop immediately to avoid fanning the flames, drop to the ground, and roll back and forth while covering your face until the blaze is completely extinguished,” said another officer.

To minimise the risk of electrical fires, air conditioning units require both proactive maintenance and mindful operation. The most critical step is ensuring your AC is connected to a dedicated circuit with a high-quality miniature circuit breaker (MCB) or voltage stabiliser to prevent overheating during power surges.

“Regularly cleaning or replacing AC filters is equally vital; clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the motor to overwork and potentially ignite. Always inspect the wiring for signs of fraying or charring, and avoid using extension cords, which are often not rated for the high amperage an AC draws,” said the officers, adding that scheduling a regular professional service ensures that refrigerant levels are optimal and internal components are free of dust buildup, significantly reducing the likelihood of a short circuit.
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