Every day, people in a city can find themselves in a zone of potential danger. A market, a shopping mall, a restaurant, a hotel, a nightclub – these are enclosed spaces, places where people gather. What should one do and how can one be saved?

The fire at the nightclub "Khromaya Loshad" (Lame Horse) in the city of Perm (Russia) in December 2009 is remembered with horror. The source of the fire was a fireworks display set off directly in the club's hall. The pyrotechnics ignited plastic and foam decorative elements, filling the windowless room with toxic smoke. Poisoning from this smoke caused most of the deaths of the establishment's visitors. The fire claimed the lives of 156 people.

Today, shopping malls are probably the most visited places in any large city. To look for new clothes, take a child to a play area or a cinema, or sit in a cafe – these are places where one can relax well and productively in their free time. Visitors do not even consider the possibility of a fire or other emergency situation occurring here.

The events that occurred in 2018 at the "Zimnyaya Vishnya" (Winter Cherry) shopping and entertainment centre in Kemerovo shocked everyone. It was impossible to listen to or read the news without tears. Details, figures, eyewitness accounts, the aching pain from the tragedy. And everyone had the same question – why did this tragedy happen? But whatever the reasons, the fact remains: people died, and most tragically, children... The rapid spread of the fire, panic, and incorrect actions also played their part.

As the well-known proverb says, forewarned is forearmed. Any visitor to a shopping mall, cinema, sports complex,

When entering any premises with a large concentration of people, always memorise your route in case you need to evacuate the building quickly. Take the time to study the evacuation plan; it will only take a few minutes, and in the event of a fire, there will simply be no time for this. Any landmarks – bright signs, advertising banners, shops – will help you quickly determine your current location and proceed to the exit. You should also pay attention to the location of the main and emergency exits (they are marked with special "Exit" signs).

Signals to Act

The smell of smoke or the activation of a fire alarm system is primarily a signal to act. Do not wait for events to unfold, do not try to verify; evacuate the building immediately! But do so without panic or fuss, as this always leads to rash actions and exacerbates the situation.

To Extinguish or Not to Extinguish?

If the fire source is small and there is a chance to extinguish it yourself, without the help of rescuers, you can provide assistance to the shopping centre staff in extinguishing the fire. However, remember that it is more important not to hinder them, and in such situations, you should always call 101 or 112. Often, lost time leads to an increase in the fire source and the spread of flames.

What Not to Do During a Fire?

Under no circumstances should you go to the upper floors or use the lift. Power outages can occur at any moment, leaving you trapped in a situation that will be very difficult to escape. Move towards the exit quickly but without panic, otherwise a stampede may occur. Follow the flashing signs – they will indicate the evacuation route. In conditions of poor visibility, keep close to the walls or handrails. It is crucial during a fire to protect your respiratory organs, as toxic combustion products and carbon dioxide often pose a greater danger than the fire itself. Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or any damp cloth (you can wet a scarf or handkerchief with water), and crouch down, as the concentration of smoke is lower near the floor. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to retrieve belongings left in storage lockers; in such situations, you will lose valuable time, which could cost you your life.

How to Behave in a Crowd?

If you find yourself in a crowd, do not push. Bend your arms at the elbows and press them to your sides, clench your fists; this will help prevent your chest from being compressed. Try not to stumble and fall to the floor, as getting back up in such a situation will be extremely difficult.

Drawing Conclusions

If you hear a fire alarm in a shopping centre or other organisation:

- Do not panic;

- Leave the premises following the evacuation signs;

- Call 112;

- Move away from the smoke, staying low to the floor and covering your respiratory organs.

If a fire starts at your workplace:

- Do not panic; call 112;

- Switch off electrical appliances;

- Notify colleagues about the fire;

- Use a fire extinguisher if possible;

- Leave the premises.