What to do if the exit is cut off

Sometimes fire and smoke cut off all evacuation routes, and forcing through them is deadly. Then do not panic — take up defense in the safest room and wait for help. Choose a room with a window, preferably toward the facade where firefighters will arrive, and if possible with access to water.

The main task is to keep smoke out. Close the door tightly and block all gaps: the bottom of the door, joints, vents. Use any cloth — clothing, curtains, towels — dampened with water if possible. If there is water, wet the door and the floor by the threshold to lower the temperature. Turn off supply ventilation and the air conditioner if they push air in. Stay by the window, where the air is cleaner.

Mark your presence so you are found and rescued first. Signal from the window: wave a bright cloth, turn on your phone's flashlight, shout. Call the fire service again and state exactly which room and floor you are on and how many people are with you. Breaking the window is only a last resort: an open window increases draft and can pull smoke and flame into the room from lower floors, and shards are dangerous. Jumping from upper-floor windows is an extreme measure only when life is directly threatened and rescue equipment is below; a reckless jump more often ends in death than rescue.