What should you do if you suspect a fire in your home?

When you suspect a fire in your home, the most critical action is to prioritize safety. Evacuating immediately and calling 911 from a safe location ensures that you remove yourself and any others in the home from potential danger while also alerting emergency services as quickly as possible. This response minimizes the risk of inhalation of smoke or exposure to flames, both of which can lead to serious injury or fatality.

Attempting to investigate the source of the smoke can expose you to hazardous conditions that may worsen rapidly. Opening windows to ventilate, while a common action during a fire, can actually introduce more oxygen into the environment, potentially intensifying the fire. Turning on lights might not effectively communicate a need for assistance and fails to address the immediate need for evacuation and alerting professionals.

Taking decisive action to leave the premises and notifying authorities is essential for ensuring the safety of all involved.