What to Do if You Catch on Fire

We’ve all heard it before – stop, drop, & roll. But let’s dive into the reasoning behind each step—and add a few more—with some details. Although it may seem silly, it’s crucial for people of all ages to follow this protocol during the stressful situation. Here’s what to do it you catch on fire:

1. Stop
   

   Chances are, you’re going to start panicking, but really you should be doing the opposite. Try to stay as still as possible and remain in your spot – any movement will feed the flames and escalate the situation

2. Cover
   

   Keep in mind that heat & flames rise upwards, so immediately cover your face to prevent burns or skin damage. This will also prevent smoke from entering your body as you breathe, keeping you safe & healthy.
   Throughout the entire process, keep your face covered, as the sensitive skin on your face will easily be irritated by the intense close heat. 

3. Drop
   

   Lay down on the ground as quickly as possible, using your body to smother as much of the flames as possible. Remember that fire is kept alive and further excited with oxygen, so you want to limit the fire’s contact with the air.
   Although you want to get in contact with the floor as soon as possible, pay attention to the material you will be coming in contact with. If you think it may increase the fire intensity, quickly find other nearby areas to fall down on. 

4. Roll
   

   Amid the panic, make note of where you think the flames are the most intense. Try rolling on the floor to put those sections in contact with the ground to smother the flames again. Keep maneuvering yourself until all the flames have been extinguished or others have come to help.

5. Signal for help
   

   If there are others around, ask them to help you! They can guide you on where to roll to extinguish the fire quickly. They can also try locating water, a fire blanket, non-flammable mat, or water fire extinguisher to help put out the fire more efficiently. 

6. Assess the burns
   

   Once all the flames have been smothered and you are safe to stand, check your body for any burns. If any clothing is melted and stuck to your skin, do not attempt to remove it. For any burns, treat them by running them under cold, clean water for about 20 minutes. Then, wrap body-burns loosely with cling wrap, and face-burns with wet gentle cloth to protect the burns.
   If the victim is a child, make sure to call for medical attention immediately. Otherwise, for adults seek medical help if the burns are larger than an inch, or they cover sensitive areas like the face.

Remember these important steps and share this article with a friend to make sure they are prepared for a fire emergency!