A fire is always an extreme situation in which every second counts. Knowing how to react in such a situation can save lives and minimize property damage. However, knowing how to behave in the event of a fire begins long before an emergency occurs: with knowledge of all escape and rescue routes, functioning fire protection equipment, and regular fire drills.
Recommendation: Take part in practical fire safety training at least once a year. This will help you internalize the procedures and enable you to act confidently in an emergency. In addition, the fire safety regulations contain all the important rules for emergencies.
First steps in case of fire
Act quickly and calmly
In the event of a fire, remain calm and avoid panicking. It is important to take the right steps to get yourself to safety and fight the fire as quickly as possible.
- Call the fire department via the emergency number 911. Describe the exact location, the type of fire, and any potential hazards.
- Warn other people in the building, for example by activating the fire alarm system.
- Close doors leading to the source of the fire, especially to keep the smoke in.
- Leave the building and take other people at risk with you.
Important: Never use the elevator, as it can become a trap in the event of a fire.
What to do if smoke develops
The invisible danger
Smoke is often more dangerous than the fire itself, as it contains toxic gases and obscures visibility in seconds. In the event of heavy smoke, the following applies:
- Stay on the floor, as the highly toxic smoke rises. In addition, visibility is better on the floor and breathing is easier.
- If escape is not possible due to heavy smoke, seal doors leading to the source of the fire with damp cloths. This will reduce the amount of toxic smoke entering the room. It is also necessary to alert the fire department, for example by standing at an open window.
Extinguish fire only if you do not put yourself in danger!
In the case of smaller fires, you can attempt to extinguish them. For this purpose, it is necessary to internalise in advance the handling of fire extinguishers and wall hydrants, the fire classes and the correct choice of extinguishing agents. It is advisable to regularly participate in fire safety instruction (incl. practical extinguishing exercise).
Important: Attempts to extinguish fires should only be made with due regard for personal safety. This means that fires should only be extinguished if you do not put yourself in danger.
Guide to the use of fire extinguishers
Download the free guide to using fire extinguishers. Download How to use fire extinguishers correctly (pdf)
Every minute counts for the fire brigade
In addition to the correct behavior in the event of a fire, it is crucial that the fire brigade gets to the scene quickly in an emergency. If there is a fire, they should be on the scene in 8-17 minutes at the most, depending on the region. This basic response time cannot be met everywhere in Germany; in some places, the fire brigade needs up to half an hour.¹ One problem is parking cars that make it difficult for the fire brigade's large emergency vehicles, such as the turntable ladder truck, to reach the scene. It is therefore important to observe the following 3 rules:
- Rescue services need a passage width of 3 metres.
Keep this in mind when parking vehicles - especially in curves. - Parking bans in fire brigade access roads, fire brigade parking areas or fire protection zones must be observed.
- Access to buildings, stairwells, backyards, etc. must be kept clear at all times.
Preparation is the best fire protection
A fire is always an exceptional situation, but those who are prepared can act calmly and effectively in an emergency.
The right behavior in the event of a fire means not only knowing the right steps to take in an emergency, but also taking preventive action:
- unobstructed escape routes,
functioning fire protection technology,
and trained personnel are the key to greater safety.