Fire in an apartment

1. If possible, put out the fire with water, a fire blanket or a fire extinguisher. In case of a grease fire in a pot, the fire can be smothered with the pot lid. However, do not jeopardise your own safety.
2. If possible and safe, switch off the power using the main switch.
3. Help others to get out, and get out yourself. When exiting, use the stairs as you might get trapped in the lift.
4. Close the doors behind you when exiting your place of residence, to stop the fire from spreading. If necessary, crawl on all fours. The smoke and heat are not as intense near the floor.
5. Call 112 immediately and report the emergency when you are somewhere safe.
6. Show the fire brigade and the other emergency vehicles where the fire is.
7. Always follow the instructions of the rescue authorities.

1. Try to find out where the fire is and what is burning.
2. Try to put out the fire if it is safe.
3. Call 112 and report the emergency.
4. If possible, leave the building.
5. If there is smoke in the stairwell, stay inside your own apartment.

If you cannot leave your apartment:

• Close the door of the apartment and stay inside.
• If necessary, seal off the gaps around your door with wet towels to prevent smoke from entering your apartment from the stairwell.
• Wait for rescuers on the balcony or at an open window.
• If necessary, attract the attention of rescuers by shouting, waving your arms or using a flashing light such as the screen of a mobile phone or a torch.

Remember that breathing in smoke is life-threatening, and it can kill quickly. In an apartment building, each apartment forms its own fire unit, which prevents or slows the spread of flames or hazardous smoke gases from one unit to another.