In case of a forest fire, the Government of the Canary Island's Central Office for Safety and Emergencies, via the Coordinating Centre for Emergencies and Security 112, makes the following recommendations:
- If you see a fire or a cloud of smoke and are unable to put the fire out on your own, find a safe place and call 112.
- Move to the edges of the fire where there is the least amount of vegetation.
- Never go into a ravine or climb steep banks. Do not attempt to escape from a fire by running up the side of a ravine if the fire is making its way upwards.
- Always move in the opposite direction of the wind.
- If you are surrounded by fire, go to the flattest area with the least amount of vegetation or try to stay in an area that has already been burnt. Lie on the ground and breathe through a wet piece of clothing.
- Do not attempt to walk or drive across roads where there is fire or smoke.
- Facilitate fire-fighting efforts by keeping areas around the fire and access roads clear.
If you are caught in a urban fire, the Government of the Canary Island's Central Office for Safety and Emergencies, via the Coordinating Centre for Emergencies and Security 112, makes the following recommendations:
- Close all doors. Turn off gas and electricity. Alert neighbours.
- If you open your front door and it is very hot and smoky, close it immediately. Go to a window or balcony and make yourself visible so you can be rescued.
- Even if you are coughing, vomiting or feel suffocated because of the smoke, be careful not to take decisions that will put you in greater danger.
- If another person's clothes catch on fire, make them roll on the floor and cover them quickly with a thick blanket.
- Avoid hiding in cupboards, under the bed or any other place, as rescue teams may not find you.
- If you are inside a building and the smoke is not thick, breathe through a wet piece of clothing and make your way outside quickly, but do not run.
- Do not use the lift.
Documento Asociado
- Resolución de 2 de octubre de 2002, por la que se definen recomendaciones de autoprotección ante situaciones de emergencia (PDF - 16 Kb)
Contact Details and Information
- Coordinating Centre for Emergencies and Security (CECOES)
- Emergency Number: 112
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