Home fire safety and escape
Stop, drop, and roll if clothes catch fire
If clothing catches fire, stop moving, drop to the floor, cover the face, and roll to smother the flames.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
Why it matters
Running feeds the flames and can spread fire; rolling against the floor helps cut off oxygen.
Wrong action
Running through the home or standing while trying to beat the flames with bare hands.
Correct action
Stop, drop, cover the face, and roll repeatedly until the flames are out.
What to do
- Stop immediately and do not run.
- Drop to the floor and cover the face with both hands.
- Roll over and over until the flames are smothered.
If something happens
First stop, drop, and roll to extinguish burning clothes, and call 999. Cool the burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes. Do not use ice, toothpaste, or oil, or burst blisters. For a large, deep, or facial burn or breathing difficulty, call 999 immediately without waiting to finish cooling.
Sources and review
- Hong Kong Fire Services Department — Home Fire Safety
Last reviewed: 2026-09-12 - NHS — Burns and scalds
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12 - Hong Kong Fire Services Department — Burns/Scalds
Last reviewed: 2026-10-12
This page provides general home-safety information and does not replace medical, legal, electrical, or other professional advice.