In an emergency situation continue focusing on the bold text below. Reporting a fire is not something that you need to do everyday; however, it is very important that you know how to report a fire when the time comes.
Step 1
Alert residents by {1} sound ing the fire alarm.
Step 2
Get a phone.
Step 3
{2} Call the emergency number
- America/Canada - 911
- United Kingdom - 999
- Europe - 112
- Australia - 000
- India - 100
- Ireland - 999 or 112
Step 4
Report to dispatcher:
- There is a fire
- Where the fire is
- The size of the fire
- From the outside - relate the smoke to the size of the windows
- From the inside - relate the level of smoke to the floor (stay low)
- The size of the structure/building
Step 5
(By now fire departments are dispatched)
- People requiring medical attention
Step 6
(By now paramedics are dispatched)
- The presence of hazardous materials
- Whether nearby property is endangered
- Any other information the dispatcher may request.
Step 7
At the arrival of the fire department - {3} Report to the deputy chief
- if anyone is trapped inside
Tips
- Prioritize your own safety.
- Stay on the phone.
- Try to use a calm and relaxed voice.
- Do not bother the chief deputy more than necessary.
- Let the firefighters do their work. They are professionals.
- Dispatchers work in pairs. One will talk to you, the other listens and dispatches.
- If a large fire is reported paramedics are often called to the scene by default, but always report injuries in need of medical attention.
Warnings
- If your safety is compromised you may need to hang up on the dispatcher. If possible notify them ahead.
- If you are hesitant whether there is a fire or not, do not hesitate to call the emergency number. It is the dispatchers' judgement whether a sounding fire alarm needs attention or not. You weigh the consequences of your own actions.
- Do not make fake emergency calls. It is illegal. The cost of dispatching firefighters to a scene is high and may delay them in saving the lifes of others. Every minute delay may count toward a life.
Things You'll Need
- A phone
- A visible fire or suspicion thereof
