SMOKE IS A KILLER - STAY LOW AND GO!
Most people have a natural fear of fires and burns, but feel relatively safe in smoke. The Brunswick Fire Department warns that smoke is the real killer in a fire. About eight of every ten fire deaths are due to breathing poisonous smoke and gases. Some victims never even see the flames.
Since smoke is lighter than air, it rises. In a building, it will go to the ceiling first and then bank down. It will wind up stairs and down hallways. To prevent smoke inhalation, get low and go. Crawl to the nearest exit as quickly as possible. Once out, stay out.
Although you can't see it, smoke is filled with toxic gases. Plastics in particular give off a highly poisonous gas when burned. Since most homes have a large amount of plastic furnishings and most offices use many furnishings and machines made of plastic, these fires can be deadly. In addition, smoke contains carbon monoxide, a tasteless, odorless gas that causes confusion, reduced mental capacity and eventually death. It is important to stay low to avoid breathing a large amount of these poisons.
It is also important to install and maintain smoke detectors to provide an early warning to fire and smoke. Exposure to smoke for even a few seconds or minutes can be fatal. Smoke detectors give you the extra edge you need to escape safely. Every family should have a home fire escape plan, which includes the use of smoke detectors and knowledge of stay low and go. Even young children can be taught to respond properly.
No matter where a fire is ... in a home ... a shopping center ... a hotel ... an office ... a church ... or wherever, the response is the same -STAY LOW AND GO.