In a fire, the first few minutes decide. Anyone who knows what to do gains time for themselves and for others. This lesson describes the procedure that applies at most workplaces. For details about your workplace, see the fire alarm instructions.
The legal duty
Under § 18 of the Fire Protection Act (No. 133/1985 Sb.), in connection with dealing with a fire everyone must:
- take the necessary measures to rescue people in danger,
- put out the fire if possible, or take measures to stop it spreading,
- report the fire without delay at the designated place, or arrange for it to be reported,
- give personal assistance to a fire brigade unit if the incident commander asks for it.
The duty to help does not apply to someone who is prevented by an important circumstance or who would expose themselves or a close person to serious danger (§ 20). So you do not have to sacrifice your own safety.
What to do in a fire
Remember the order:
- Save people. Warn those around you by shouting "FIRE!" ("HOŘÍ!") and help those who need it.
- Report the fire. Press the nearest manual call point (if there is one) and call the fire service on 150 or 112.
- Fight the fire, but only if you can. Only a small fire, only when you have a suitable extinguisher and can see an escape route.
- Leave. If you cannot control the fire, leave the building along the escape routes.
The exact order may differ according to the fire alarm instructions of your workplace. If you are alone and the fire is small, you may try to put it out, but call first or have someone else call.
How to report a fire
Emergency numbers:
- 150: the fire and rescue service,
- 155: the medical emergency service,
- 158: the police,
- 112: the single European emergency number, which connects you to the right service. It works on a mobile phone without credit and with a weak signal.
Tell the operator:
- What is happening: "There is a fire".
- Where: town, street, number, building, floor.
- What is burning and whether people are in danger.
- Who is calling: your name and telephone number.
Do not end the call first. Wait for the operator's instructions. If you can, send someone to meet the fire crew and show them the way.
Do not misuse the emergency line. Knowingly calling the fire service without reason is a misdemeanour (§ 17(3) and § 78 of the Act) and carries a fine.
Evacuation
An alarm means: leave. Proceed like this:
- Stay calm. Do not run and do not push.
- Use the nearest safe escape route following the green signs and the evacuation plan. It may not be the way you came in.
- Do not use the lift. It may stop, fill with smoke and trap you.
- If you can, switch off machines and appliances that could cause further damage, but only if you do not take a risk by doing so.
- Close the doors behind you. It slows the spread of fire and smoke. Do not lock them.
- Do not take your belongings. Do not go back for them.
- Help those who need help: visitors, pregnant women, people with disabilities. If you cannot manage, tell the fire crew where they are.
- Go to the assembly point and report to the person in charge so that it can be checked that everyone is outside.
- Do not go back into the building until the incident commander allows it.
Moving in smoke and facing a burning room
- There is more air near the floor, so move low.
- Feel the door before you open it. If it is hot, do not open it: fire may be spreading behind it.
- If you cannot leave the room, close the door, seal the gaps with wet cloths, open the window, call for help and tell the fire crew where you are.
If a person's clothing is on fire
Stop, lie down on the ground and roll so that the fire goes out. You can also cover the burning person with a blanket or a coat and press it on lightly. They must not run, as that would only feed the flames. Then cool the burn (see the last lesson).
What else helps
- When leaving, switch off the electricity if it is safe and your instructions say so, and close the gas valve.
- Count your colleagues and report who is missing.
- Find out beforehand where the assembly point is and which two routes lead out of your workplace.
- Take part in practice alarms seriously.
Summary
- In a fire: save people, report it (150 or 112), fight only a small fire, leave.
- In the call, say what and where is burning and who is calling, and wait for the operator.
- In an evacuation, do not use the lift, close the doors and go to the assembly point.
- Do not go back into the building until the incident commander allows it.