your skin makes contact, avoiding the possibility of a burn.
Another effective way to check a door for heat is to place the back
of your hand low on the door surface, running it up toward the top.
This will keep your hand safe as the heat gradually increases when
your hand gets higher on the door surface. Remember, if the door is
hot, don't open it.
If you're able to enter the room to attempt extinguishment or res-
cue, open the door slowly, not only from a low position, but from the
correct side of the door opening. For example, when the door is out-
ward swinging (swings toward you), your body should be on the door
side, using it as a shield from the smoke and heat. For doors that
swing inward (away from you), position your body on the wall side,
this time using the wall as a shield. A good rule-of-thumb: Never leave
the safety of the door frame. Hook your foot on the frame and don't
leave it until it's time to evacuate yourself.
Before entering the fire area with an extinguisher, have it
ready to use. When the human body is under panic-induced
stress, 2 functions critical to operating a fire extinguisher start to fail:
fine motor skills and peripheral vision. Check the door for heat, have
the extinguisher ready before opening the door, position your body
correctly, stay low and don't leave the door frame. As in fighting a real
fire, you must sweep the laser extinguisher slowly or else the "fire"
won't go out.
Don't abandon the staff member extinguishing the fire. Often,
the staff member who is attempting to extinguish the fire is for-
gotten in the mix of haste and panic. Yes, I'll have completely evacuat-
ed a surgery center, while the person trying to put the fire out is left in
the building alone. I'll hold that person back from evacuating to see if
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