What is worrying is that if a lucky situation is recounted as an "escape experience", it can inadvertently cause others to repeat a dangerous behavior.
At about 2:40 am on September 6, when most residents of HH1 Nguyen Tuan apartment building were sleeping, a corner apartment on the 9th floor suddenly caught fire. Fire and rescue forces quickly arrived, controlled the fire and supported people to evacuate. In this incident, there is information that 3 mothers and children in the burned apartment crawled into the toilet and were later safely rescued by functional forces.
No casualties is a welcome thing. But calling running into the toilet "very lucky" or considering it as a way to escape may be a dangerous message. Because in another fire, with different developments, at different times, that closed room could completely become a place that would lose the victim's chance of survival.
People's psychology when facing fire is to find a seemingly discreet place, with water and away from the flames. Toilets are therefore easy to choose. Many people also naturally think that there are faucets, bathtubs, ceramic tiles and less flammable materials, which will be safer.
However, fire prevention experts recommend not running into the toilet to avoid the fire, because trapped people may be suffocated by smoke and toxic gases when the fire spreads. In many fires, smoke and toxic gases are particularly serious threats. Toilets are often small, closed and have limited ventilation. When smoke enters, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide can accumulate quickly. People inside may be suffocated and lose consciousness before the fire directly spreads.
The most important principle when there is a fire is that if there is a safe escape route, it is necessary to quickly leave the fire area. When moving through a smoke area, you should lower your body, crawl or bend close to the floor to limit inhaling smoke. You can use a wet towel to cover your nose and mouth; if you have a smoke and toxic gas mask, use it.
In case you cannot escape, find areas with windows or balconies, close smoke vents if possible, call rescue forces and find ways to create signals for outsiders to recognize the location. Call 114 when safe.
The thing to remember is not to run into the toilet. Not to barricade in a closed room. Not to turn back to take property. Not to jostle or push. Not to panic and run in a direction that has not been assessed because of seeing fire in one direction.
The fire at HH1 Nguyen Tuan was lucky not to cause any casualties. In a fire, don't rely on luck. Rely on skills. And the first skill to remember is: When you can escape, escape; when you can't escape, find a location that is likely to be rescued, create a signal and absolutely do not turn the toilet into an ambush.
