Is there anything you can do to help yourself-and perhaps others as well-in a big fire? Yes, indeed, (1) __________________________________. Most important at such times is the pause when you first realize that there is a fire-the pause when you calmly decide what to do.If the smell of the smoke wakes you up at night, don't rush to the door and fling it open. First feel it cautiously. If it is hot, don't open it! Open your window, call for help and wait there to be rescued. The closed door will hold back heat, flames and smoke for quite a long time.If the door is not hot(feel the metal part that connects the front door-knobs, for example), you can open it carefully.(2) ________________________________. Otherwise the fire, suddenly receiving a supply of fresh air, might burst into flames.If you must escape through a room filled with smoke, crawl on your hands and knees,with your face close to the floor where the air will be clearest. Should you be lost in a smoke-filled room, make for a wall and then continue around it until you reach the door.If you must escape through a window, don't jump out of the window.
(3) ______________________________. Sit on the sill with your legs outside, turn round, grip the sill and lower yourself to arm's length before letting go. If you do not panic, you may easily have time to knot blankets and sheets together, tie one end to a heavy piece of furniture and climb down much or all the way.
