If smoke or flames make the corridor unsafe, stay out of it. Move to a room away from the fire, shut the door and call 995. Tell SCDF you are unable to get out and give the block, street, unit, floor and room. Say how many people are with you and whether anyone needs help moving or breathing. SCDF Civil Defence Emergency Handbook
Stay low if smoke enters. If you can do so safely, use a wet towel or rug to block the gap beneath the closed room door. Follow the operator’s directions and tell them if smoke reaches the room or someone’s condition changes. SCDF Civil Defence Emergency Handbook SCDF Emergency Medical Services
- Stay clear of the smoke-filled route.
- Close yourself in a room away from the fire and call 995.
- Give the exact room and the number of people inside.
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Decide whether there is a safe way out
If a safe route is available and you need to evacuate, use the exit stairs and follow responders’ instructions. Leave belongings behind. If the route is blocked, move away from the danger and shut the door of the room you are sheltering in. Stay low where there is smoke. SCDF Civil Defence Emergency Handbook
If you are with a child, give them a short instruction such as “Stay beside me and get low.” Tell SCDF if anyone is separated from the group and give their last known location.
Tell 995 you are trapped
Give the address and where you are inside it. Describe which route is blocked, where the smoke is entering and whether anyone needs mobility or medical assistance. Keep the line available and follow the call taker’s instructions. SCDF Civil Defence Emergency Handbook SCDF Emergency Medical Services
Example call
“I can’t get out. The corridor is full of smoke. We’re in the back bedroom of [block, street, unit and floor]. There are three of us. One person is having trouble breathing.”
Frequently asked questions
Should I go back into the corridor to see whether it has cleared?
Stay clear of the unsafe route and follow SCDF’s instructions on when and how to move. SCDF Civil Defence Emergency Handbook
What if the smoke gets worse while I wait?
Update 995 immediately. State the room, what has changed and whether anyone is having trouble breathing. SCDF Civil Defence Emergency Handbook SCDF Emergency Medical Services