What to Do in Case of Fire

Photo Source: General Secretariat for Civil Protection

As fires across Greece and other European countries continue, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection informs residents and travelers to take heed of the following advice:

In the case of fire:

– Try to escape as quickly as possible. Don’t use the elevators.
– Once you reach safety, call the fire brigade immediately on 199 and provide detailed information including exact location, fire and wind direction, and type of vegetation in the area.

Fire approaching your home:

– Shut all doors and windows,
-Block all cracks and openings with wet towels and blankets,
– Take down curtains and flammable materials,
– Move all furniture away from the windows,
– Shut all doors inside the house,
– Fill bathtub, sink and buckets with water,
– Gather in one room,
– Always have a safety kit on hand which includes, flashlight, batteries, and whistle,
– Turn off all gas and liquid fuel supplies inside and outside the house,
– Facilitate access to firefighting vehicles by opening the garden door,
– In reduced visibility, turn on lights,
– Do not leave the building unless your escape route is fully secure,
– Do not get inside a car.

In case of evacuation:

– Before opening the door, make sure to feel for heat using the back of your hand,
– If there is smoke, cover nose and mouth, and stay as low to the ground as possible to reduce inhalation exposure,
– To prevent disorientation, keep one hand on the wall and crawl to the nearest exit,
– In case your clothes catch on fire, stop – drop – roll.

Due to the extremely high temperatures in summer and the strong winds, when outdoors:

– Do not burn rubbish or dry leaves and branches,
– Do not light fires or barbecues in the woods or in high-risk areas,
– Do not discard lit cigarettes,
– Do not leave the rubbish in the forest or in park areas.

Finally, for those with homes near forest areas, it is advised to take all the necessary safety precautions and install smoke detectors, pull stations and fire extinguishers.