Fire’s Hidden Dangers

What we will learn today We will talk about what is so dangerous about fire and how fire produces different conditions that can affect your ability to survive a fire.

We have already learned that: Fire is very hot Fire is very fast Fire produces very dark smoke that contains poisons

Why do people die in fires? –Most deaths and injuries are not caused by the flames excessive heat –temperatures can reach 500 degrees in less than three minutes inhaling the smoke lack of oxygen (suffocation)

Heat and smoke rise –important to crawl low in smoke –air is cleaner and cooler

Why is smoke dangerous? –Gets so thick and black that you can’t see can’t find your way out –Can cause irritation when inhaled causes choking and you can’t breathe –Can cause confusion because you can’t see or breathe

What makes smoke so dangerous? –Materials that make poisons when burned Couches and chairs –fabric treated with stain repellants –wood treated with preservatives Carpet –treated with stain repellants Curtains and blinds –treated with cleaning solvents Stereos and televisions –made with plastics that have chemicals in them

Fire Eats Oxygen –Oxygen makes up about 21% of the air we breathe –We need that 21% to survive –Anything less can harm our bodies –The more a fire grows, the more oxygen it takes and the less we have

21% Normal Conditions 17% Some muscle impairment- increased breathing 12% Dizziness, headache, fatigue 9% Unconsciousness 6% Death within a few minutes

The best way to prevent heat and smoke exposure is to prevent the fire in the first place –Never play with fire –Keep things that will burn away from heat sources

To help you escape if you do have a fire in your home –Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level –Make sure you have an escape plan and practice it with your entire family Important to get out immediately Crawl low where the good, clean air is