"As unsettling as the thought of a fire may be, anyone who consciously deals with an emergency will have a clear advantage if the worst comes to the worst," explains the expert. One of the key questions is: How do I get out of my home in the event of a fire?
First and foremost: stay calm. "I leave the area where there is a fire, but try to inform and warn all residents in the house," says the district fire chief. It is crucial to close your own front door, but not to lock it. You should take the house and apartment keys with you so that you can hand them over to the fire department later.
Communicate quickly and clearly with the fire department
The emergency number 112 should be dialed immediately. "Try to tell the control center as calmly and factually as possible what has happened and state whether there are still people in the building," explains the expert. This information is particularly important for the emergency services to be able to take targeted action.
If the escape route is blocked by smoke, you should not try to run through it. Instead, the right thing to do is Stay in the apartment and keep the door to the fire room closed. "Tell the fire department exactly where you are. If the door is closed - but not locked - you have enough time to wait safely for help," emphasizes Dorroch.
"The fire department here in the Ludwigsburg district is very professional and really quick on the scene," reassures the district fire chief. Nevertheless, each individual can make a decisive contribution to their own safety and that of their fellow human beings through considered action.
