PS
10
It will be a duty for the superintendent to ascertain whether and where the premises are insured, and who the landlord and occupants are.
The committee will make out an account of the expenses incurred, including the charge for the engine.
PLAIN DIRECTIONS for the PRESERVATION of LIFE in the EVENT of FIRE.
"The want of coolness and presence of mind, at a fire, is by far the greatest hindrance to the preservation of life and property.
A few simple directions, to be observed by the inmates and bystanders, will, in a great measure, tend to make persons more discreet, and their efforts more successful, in the hour of danger."
TO INMATES.
"The inmates of a house should be accustomed to reflect on the best mode of conduct in the event of a fire, and should be made acquainted with every outlet, both on the roof and otherwise; and in securing the house for the night, care should be taken to leave these outlets as easy of access as possible. On the slightest alarm of fire, they should calmly consider the possibility of extinguishing it, and the means of escape.
If in bed at the time, they should wrap themselves in blankets, or whatever is readily available; open no door or window unnecessarily, and shut all doors behind them. In the midst of much smoke, free breathing may be obtained by applying to the face a wet silk handkerchief, a wet worsted cloth, a wet sponge, or any wet flannel substance folded. It should also be remembered, that smoke being lighter than air, ascends; and, in consequence, persons on their hands and knees on the floor, may find the air moderately clear. When unable to escape by the street door or roof, all persons in danger should assemble at a front room window, closing all doors after them, a window over the door-way, rather than over the area, being selected; and it should then be ascertained that all inmates are present. In this position they should remain, and not precipitate themselves from the window, while the smallest chance of assistance is left, as even at the last extremity sheets or blankets may be joined together, one end being made fast to a piece of furniture. This will enable one person to lower all the others, and himself also, without much risk.
TO BYSTANDERS.
Immediately upon an alarm of fire, if in the vicinity of a fire escape, see that immediate notice is sent to the engine house, where it is kept, without waiting to ascertain the probability of danger. If no escape is at hand, ladders or ropes may be procured in the neighbourhood.
If the house adjoins others, two or more official persons should ascend to the roof through such premises, as the most efficient assistance can frequently be rendered to the inmates by entering the house on fire, either by the attic windows, or by removing the tiles on the roof.
When the fire occurs in a narrow street or court, assistance can be given from the windows of the opposite house, particularly by means of a ladder placed across the street from window to window.
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