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Articles A Fire Auto Door Is A Powerful Ally

A Fire Auto Door Is A Powerful Ally

Principal Author / Publisher:Safetyhow Admin
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In a bungalow or terraced house where you are the sole occupier/owner escaping a fire is usually straight forward (provided of course that you have a working fire alarm to alert you to the danger) exiting either through the front or back door or at worst dropping from a window.

When you live in a flat you need to be aware of the fire escape routes available to you as the direct route you usually take may not be available to you. The lift is no longer available to use and you have to choose a different route being wary of any smoke spreading or hallways getting too hot.

In the event of a fire the real killer is smoke which can rapidly spread through any open space. If a fire breaks out in your home or the building where you live you are more likely to die of asphyxiation from the smoke than burning to death. This is because fire smoke is a concoction of carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulphide. If you’re awake this deadly concoction will make it harder for you to react and disorient you. If you are asleep the smoke will put you into a deeper sleep inhibiting your ability to wake up at the sound of the fire alarm.

During winter there are many extra risks and fire dangers; open fires (both gas and wood), Christmas tree and decorations. Knowing how to escape both the flames and the smoke will help you get out of harm way.

Depending on what type of building you live in will help determine what the best escape route for you is. Old buildings and converted terraces are more like to have an external escape route, for two storey buildings windows are also considered an external escape route. An external escape route in this instance is the safest way to escape as older buildings and converted properties may not have fire retardant protection in the main stairwell that you usually enter and exit the building from.

In new buildings and purpose built flats there is a greater consideration for fire compliance within the design and construction of the building for fire escape routes and fire protection. This includes having accessible corridors and fire auto doors on both the stairwell entrance and doors opening onto the communal area include front doors to individual flats.

A fire is more likely to start in an individual flat rather than in any common area. If the fire starts in your home and you are unable to put it out yourself it is best to make sure the building fire alarm has sounded, close your front door and alert your neighbours. Closing your front door which is a fire auto door will prevent the fire and the deadly smoke spreading into the hallways and designated escape routes allowing you and your neighbours enough time to get out safely.



If for some reason, the front door to the flat on fire or the stairwell fire door has been propped open allowing smoke to rapidly fill up the stairwell it may be safer to retreat back to your own flat. In this instance a fire door is a powerful ally. It will act as a fireguard. To prevent smoke entering your home place a wet towel at the bottom of the door and notify emergency services where you are in the building.

Knowing the best way to escape in the event of a fire, and knowing an alternate route is crucial to helping you escape the path of the smoke and fire.



 
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