IN CASE OF FIRE
If smoke is seen pouring out from under a door, do not rush and open that door. Remember that by so doing you cause a draught which will fan smouldering timbers into flame. Shut and keep shut all doors and windows, or other air-channels.
If you have not a hand pump or fire grenades handy, collect as many pails or jugs of water as possible outside the closed door of the room which is afire.
Meantime, remember that smoke is almost as dangerous to life as fire. A soaking-wet towel knotted round the face and nostrils is an excellent rough-and-ready protection against breathing smoke. So is a wet sponge.
Remember also that smoke rises. Therefore, it is least thick near the floor. If the smoke be very thick, crawl with your face close against the floor.
The commonest cause of fire is the upsetting of an oil lamp. Water will only spread the flames of burning oil, but a hearth-rug will extinguish them promptly, says “Home Chat.”
Milk will also extinguish burning oil.
Sand or earth or common salt are useful aids to fire-fighting. The contents of an ordinary flower-pot will stop the spread of the flames of oil.