Top 4 Common Mistakes When Putting Out a Fire

A fire is one of the most daunting experiences one can be in. It puts the property and life of everyone around and can seriously damage everything. Fires can start from very small instances and turn into a massive problem.

Most individuals think they will never have to face a fire—which is not entirely true. People think they don’t have to prepare for the fire; fire extinguisher servicing is enough. But that’s not the case because even with a fire extinguisher, you could be in danger.

According to statistics, there are over 346,800 fires in the U.S. each year. Many of these instances are because of carelessness and can be easily avoided with the right approach.

Top 4 Common Mistakes When Putting Out a Fire

We have added some pointers to help you when stuck in a fire. These pointers highlight common mistakes when putting out a fire. These mistakes are more than just failing to perform the required fire extinguisher maintenance and can be a lifesaver if used correctly in a time of need. Let’s begin.

1. Misjudging the Severity of a Fire

The most common mistake people make with fires is misinterpreting the severity of a fire. Most people don’t know how quickly a fire can spread if not controlled properly. They try to handle it themselves without contacting professionals.

The fire gets out of control, risking their life and property beyond saving. Most professionals recommend avoiding taking things into your hand and letting professionals do their job.

2. Wrong Fire Extinguishing Method

Just because you have a well-serviced fire extinguisher doesn’t mean it will save you. People have little idea how to use fire extinguishers, making the fire worse.

For instance, people using water to end a fire should use at least two liters of water in a single go to make an actual impact. However, you need to avoid using water altogether if you find electrical wiring nearby.

3. No Evacuation Plans

Property owners might feel like staying within the property and fighting off the fire as quickly as possible. But that’s not the smartest move to make. It’s common for individuals to get stuck in fires because they wait a little too long to get out.

Moreover, many people don’t have an evacuation plan, baffling everyone on the property. We recommend creating a plan for evacuation and practicing it a few times. This way, everyone within the commercial/residential building knows what to do if things go south.

4. Not Shutting off the Power

Turning off the power supply is a must in case of a fire. The electrical connections can make things worse and even electrocute trapped individuals. So, it’s best to shut the power off from the central control at the earliest.

You need to know where the power supply of your building is to shut it off timely. Take the time to train yourself to do this quickly.

Bottom Line

A fire can be a serious life hazard, leading to deaths and property damage. It’s why we recommend avoiding it while putting out a fire. By avoiding these mistakes, your chances of survival significantly increase. We recommend contacting Connected Fire in case you are still unsure. They will guide you further about Chicago fire safety.