What to do During a Fire

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds people that fires spread quickly. Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. There is no time to gather valuables or make a phone call.

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department offers these tips of what to do during a fire:

1. Use water or a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. Do not try to put out a fire that is getting out of control. If you’re not sure you can control it, get everyone out of the residence and call the fire department from a neighbor’s house.

2. Smother oil and grease fires in the kitchen with baking soda or salt, or put a lid over a burning pan. Do not attempt to take the pan outside.

3. If your clothes catch on fire Stop, Drop, and Roll until the fire is extinguished.

4. If you are escaping through a closed door, first check the door with the back of your hand. If the door is cool, open it slowly and ensure that fire and smoke is not blocking your escape route. If the door is warm or hot, do not open it. Escape through a window.

5. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke to your exit.

6. Close doors behind you as you escape to delay the spread of the fire.

7. Once you are safely out and everybody is accounted for, stay out. Call 9-1-1.

In just two minutes, a fire can become life threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department offers these tips to help protect you and your family during a fire.