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Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2661, 26 May 1908, Page 7

The man who knows exactly what to do in cases of strenuous emergency is of inestimable value to the community at large A few hints, therefore, with regard to simple expedients which may be resorted to in case of fire should prove of interest. In the first place—keep out air. Without air lire cannot burn, and thus the danger will be at least retarded if the doors and windows of all rooms are speedily closed and the fire-engine immediately sent for. Should the clothes catch fire, throw, yourself upon the floor and roll over and over on the (lames, dragging the hearthrug or some thick material with it if possible. Smoke is one of the most formidable dangers, and when houses aro on fire as many deaths are caused by suffocation as burning. When attempting to cross a room filled with smoke, creep on the hands and knees, keeping your head as close 1o the ground as possible. This is effective because smoke rises, and the most breathable air is therefore near the floor.

A fairly efficient respirator can be quickly devised by drenching a handkerchief with water and covering the, mouth and nose with it.

But prevention is better than cure, and a small hand-pump or chemical extinguisher will often be sufficient to slop a fire when it is in its early stage?.