Think about it
Escaping a fire is a serious matter. Knowing what to do before a fire breaks out can save a life. For example, people should know the safety measures to take before opening a hall door during a fire. Also, make sure everyone knows how to unlock doors that may be in the escape path. At times, a key is needed to unlock a door from the inside. So, keep the key in the lock. Or, you can put the key on a key ring and put it where it can be found easily.
If you live in a flat, know the ways you can use to get out. Show everyone in the family these paths. Remind everyone of the importance of using stairways or fire escapes, not lifts.
From most homes and lower floors of a block of flats, escape through windows is possible. Learn the best way of leaving by a window with the least chance of serious injury.
In a home fire, windows are often the only means of escape. The second floor window sill is usually not more than 13 feet from the ground. An average person, hanging by the finger tips, will have a drop of about six feet to the ground. Of course, it is safer to jump a short way than to stay in a burning building. Roll away from the building when you land.
Windows are also useful when you’re waiting for help. Often you’ll be able to stay in the room for several minutes if you keep the door closed and the window open. Keep your head low in the window to be sure you get fresh air rather than smoke that may have leaked into the room.
On a second or third floor, the best windows for escape are those which open onto a roof. From the roof, a person can either drop to the ground or await rescue. Dropping onto sidewalk or pavement might end in injury. Bushes, soft earth, and grass can help to break a fall. A rope ladder should be considered when the drop is too great.
In a town where the fire department acts quickly, it may be best to wait for rescue. Close the doors and wait by an open window for help. Shout for help. Be sure to close the door before opening a window. Otherwise, smoke and fire may be drawn into the room.
1. We can learn from the passage that windows are __________.
A. easily broken        B. easy to catch fire   C. good escape paths      D. useful to put out a fire
2. If you happen to be in a room during a fire, it’s a good idea to ________.
A. open a window     B. use the lifts       C. stand quite still      D. put out the fire
3. We can learn from the article that in a home fire______.
A. people should close the window and open the door
B. soft earth can reduce the chance of being injured
C. it’s always safer to jump out than to stay        
D. rope ladders should not be used
4. What is the main idea of this article?
A. We can turn to the firemen during a fire.     
B. We should keep in mind the escape paths.
C. People should know what to do before a fire breaks out.
D. People should find help as soon as possible during a fire.