First Signs of Fire

Fires are a dangerous and ever-present concern in our world. As such, they need to be taken seriously and treated with the respect their deserve. One of the best ways to prevent extensive fire damage, of course, lies in early recognition. By paying careful attention to their surroundings, most will quickly recognize the threat of an imminent fire.

Smell

• One of the most prevalant and easily-noticed signs of a fire is a smell of smoke or burning materials. As fumes enter the air, they spread through a process known as diffusion. While the smell of a fire may begin as faint or unrecognizable, the smell will continue to grow as more smoke is released (especially in a contained area, such as a house). Smells of gas (as in the event of household leaks) may also precede fires. Treat these smells as threats, and seek help or shelter.

Smoke Detectors

• Even when you can't smell a fire, a smoke detector may still be able to sense it. When properly maintained, smoke detectors work by noting changes to their surroundings, such as smoke and heat. Treat the warning (often a loud beeping noise) as an important sign of when a fire may be close at hand and evacuate your building.

Heat

• While you can't always see the smoke or flames from a fire, you will occasionally feel them. Doorknobs, for instance, may become hot when a room has caught fire. If and when you notice unusual heat from a doorknob, approach the next room with caution.

Unusual Pet Behavior

• Some animal senses, such as a dog's sense of smell, are far more pronounced than those of humans. As such, changes in behavior of pets may indicate an impending problem, such as fire. According to a January 2011 news report in Ann Arbor, Mich., barking dogs were able to rouse their owners from sleep during a fire.