A fire was reported at the Cashbox Partyworld situated on Linsen N Rd on April 26. Many people were hurt due to inhaling harmful smoke during the fire. Though the first thing that comes to mind during a fire is to “run!”, what’s more important actually, is to avoid breathing in the smoke.

Did you know? Fire is not the deadliest thing during a fire, instead, it’s “smoke”. Smoke can spread very fast; it can reach 5 to 6 meters in just one second. Though smoke may seem innocuous, they can actually reach up to 200 to 600 degrees. Not only is the heat unbearable, the smoke contains harmful substances, the PM2.5 within the smoke may be 100 times worse than the air we are normally exposed in. Just one breathe can cause immediate health effects. 

Pulmonologist Dr. Su from the Taipei City Hospital, pointed out that “Breathing in the products of combustions during a fire will cause injuries to the respiratory system which in turn will lead to the swelling of airway and difficulty in breathing.” So how can we escape the deadly smoke during a fire? Here are 4 steps to save your life. However, do note that it may be necessary to react differently to different circumstances.

1.Shut the door if you discover thick smoke

When you spot heavy smoke blocking your view, make sure to shut the door! The purpose of shutting the door is to block the smoke and the heat and buy you some time as you wait for help to come. If you are in a tin house, wooden house or if your door is flammable (e.g. plastic door, glass door), or if there are no windows in the room, then it is advised not to hide inside the room.

2.Run when the fire is small

If the fire is still small and that the passage way is clear, then you can “descend” the stairs. Some people may ask “If I’m closer to the roof, might it be safer if I climb up?” But as we mentioned earlier, the speed in which smoke climbs is very fast, and the hotter it is up there, the thicker the smoke is.

3.While waiting for help

If you are hiding indoor waiting for help, you can open the windows to let the smoke out. You may also use tape or towels to gap seal the bottom of the door in order to stop the smoke from entering.

4.Do not hide in the bathroom or jump off the building

Do not hide in the bathroom, for bathroom doors are usually made of plastic, and will easily melt when temperature rises. And although you have access to the water in the bathroom, the water from the shower head is no match for a violent blaze. Don’t consider jumping off a building either unless there’s no other way out, as this may lead to serious wounds or death.

Content, image/Emily

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