Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-01-06
How to Avoid Accident and to Escape
from Buildings on Fire.

The want of GOODNESS and presence OF
mind at the time OF an alarm of fire is by
far the greatest hindrance to an escape
and for this no regulation can be laid
down; but few simple directions to be
observed by the bystanders and inmates
well considered and reflected upon in time
of safety, will in great measure tend to
discreet and successful efforts in the hour
of danger:
FOR BYsTANDERs.
1. Immediately on the fire being dis
covered, give an alarm to the nearest
alarm station, not delaying an instant; dc
not wait to see if it is needed. Life is
more precious than property, and events
have too often proved how fatal even a
moments hesitation is in sending for help,
2. In the absence Of fire escape, or
pending its arrival, ladders and ropes
should be sought for Two persons should
ascend TO the roof through the adjoining
houses; the most efficient assistance can
sometimes be rendered by an entrance to
the upper part of the house on fire either
by the attic window, the left door, or by
removing the roofing.
%. LII lullOW oblCOb Vi Soulp uoslotuhSS
may be given from one of the windows OF
the opposite house, particularly by lad
der placed across the street from window
to window.
4. When no other means present them
selves, the bystanders had better collect
bedding at hand, in case the inmates throw
themselves from the windows A blanket
or carpet held stretched out by several
persons will serve the purpose
s. Do not give vent to the fire by
breaking into the honse unnecessarily
from without, or, If an inmate, by opening
doors or windows; make point of shut
ting every door after you as you &c
through the house.
FOR INMATES.
1. Every householder should make
each person in his house acquainted with
the best means of escape, whether the fire
breaks out at the top or at the bottom
Provide fire guards for use in every
room where there is fire in a
crate, and let it be rule of the
household not to rake out fire be-
fore retiring for the night, but to leave the
guard on. In securing the street door
and lower windows for the night, avoid
complicated fastcnings or impediments to
an immediate outlet in case of fire.
2. Inmates, at the first alarm, should
endeavor calmly to reflect what means of
escape there are in the house; if in bed at
the time, wrap themselves in blanket or
bedside carpet; open neither windows nor
doors more than necessary; shut every
door after them This is most important
to observe.
3. In the midst of smoke 1t is com
paratively clear toward the ground, con-
sequently progress through the smoke can
be made on the hands and knees. A silk
handkerchief, worsted stockings, or other
flannel substance, wetted and drawn over
the face, permits tree breathing and ex-
cludes, to great extent, the smoke from
the lungs. A wet sponge Ia alike eflica-
cious.
4. In the event of being unable to es-
cape, either by the street door or roof, the
persons in danger should Immediately
make their way to front-room window,
taking care to close the doors after them,
and those who have charge of the house
hold should ascertain that every individual
is there assembled.
5. Persons thus circumstance are en-.
treated not to precipitate themselves from
the windows while there remains the least
probability Of assistance; and even in the
last extremity plain rope is invaluable,
or recourse may be had to joining sheets or
blankets together, fastening the one end
round the bed.post or other furniture.
This will enable one person to lower all
others separately, and the last may let
himself down with comparatively little
risk. Select window over the doorway
rather than the area. Firemen's Journal.