The Danger of Smoke Inhalation and Oxygen Depravation in a Fire | SERVPRO® of Washington County

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire should happen to your home, know that SERVPRO of Washington County is here to help.

When you think about house fires, it’s no surprise that you likely picture a house engulfed in a tower of flame or a hallway or interior with burning walls. We regularly see fires depicted as clean-burning in movies and TV shows, because frankly we like to see the actors’ faces.

But in reality, there’s a much more likely chance that a house fire would leave you unable to see much at all, because the halls and interior in a full-fledged fire would be filled with smoke.

In order for a fire to grow, it requires oxygen. (This is why smothering a fire is such an effective suppression method.) As a fire grows inside the home, it consumes the oxygen present in the air, leaving less and less for occupants to breathe in.

How to Avoid Smoke Inhalation

The safest way to escape smoke is to stay low to the ground. Smoke rises, so the cleanest air is down low.

Cover your mouth with a wet cloth if you can grab one, and crawl to the nearest exit. Don’t linger inside, and don’t reenter once you’ve exited.

If a fire tragedy should strike your home, know that SERVPRO is here to help. Contact us anytime for 24-hour emergency assistance.