Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 January 1879 — How to Act in Case of Fire. [ARTICLE]

How to Act in Case of Fire.

First, do not be alarmed on account of smoke. Frequently there is a great deal of smoke before the fire has made much progress. Remember that one can pass through smoke by keeping his head near the floor, or by enveloping it in a wet woolen cloth. On entering a room to fight down a fire single-handed, keep thg door closed behind if possible. A pail of water and a tin dipper, in the hands of a resolute person, can be made to work a miracle at the beginning. If the fire has progressed too far to admit of this course, and it is necessary to depend on outside help, then see to it that every door and window is closed. By so doing where there is a fire-engine in the neighborhood, it will often be possible to

confine the fire to one room. Every person who stops at a hotel should take special pains before retiring to note the location of the stairways, so that in case of an alarm he can find his way out, even though the halls are tilled with smoke. Never leave a room where there is an alarm of fire without first securing a wet towel, or, if possible, a wet sponge or piece of wollen cloth, through which to breathe. If escape liy the stairs is cut off, seek an outside window and stay there till help comes.