Abstract
A useful lecture given by Col. G. Simonds at the Royal Society of Arts on “Safety of Life from Fire” is published in the Society's Journal for January 20. The figures given prove that the fire risk to individuals is not large, but as the risk can be almost eliminated by a few simple common-sense rules, it is advisable that they be taught in schools. The best way of doing this is by showing films illustrating the principal dangers and the methods of avoiding them. The dangers to life arise mainly from the products of the fire, namely, smoke and hot gases. During a fire, it is a safe rule never to open a door if a fire is raging the other side. If it is necessary, and the door opens towards you, one hand should be placed on the handle and the other shoulder high on the door. The door can then be opened safely about three inches, the opener being protected from the smoke and gases and so see something of the surroundings. If necessary, the door can be shut quite easily. To go through smoke one should crawl on the hands and knees keeping the mouth as close to the floor as possible. When coming down a staircase through fire or smoke one should keep as close to the wall as possible and if it is neeessary to crawl, come down feet first. A person whose clothes are on fire should never be allowed to remain standing for a moment. Fatalities nearly always arise from the shock of burning about the face and head. If they should start to run they should be tripped up and rolled on the floor in a coat or a blanket if possible. The new tannic acid treatment for burns has proved very successful, as shown by Dr. Philip H. Mitchiner in his Hunterian lecture delivered before the Royal College of Surgeons on February 1 (Lancet, Feb. 4, p. 233). The results of its use show a very decided percentage drop in the number of fatal cases. People should be warned about the dangers of cleaning with petrol as the number of fatalities due to this cause is increasing.
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Safety of Life from Fire. Nature 131, 269 (1933). https://doi.org/10.1038/131269b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/131269b0