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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
On the night of Wednesday to Thursday in Nice, a fire caused at least seven deaths, including three children and a teenager. While tragedy is not always avoidable, there are reflexes that can save your life. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician, lists them for us.
A fire in a residential building left seven people dead on the night of Wednesday to Thursday July 18 in Nice, firefighters announced. “Three children and a teenager” are among the victims, the city prosecutor said. One person was also taken to “absolute emergency” in hospital and two others hospitalized in “relative urgency”according to firefighters.
The trail of arson is becoming clearer
The fire broke out in a working-class neighborhood, devastating the seventh floor of a residential building. But according to initial evidence, the criminal track seems to be favored: a video showed three hooded people entering the building just before the fire broke out below the targeted 7th floor.
In the middle of the night, the act left no chance for the many victims. However, five lives were saved thanks to the emergency services on site.The toll could have been much worse.”indicated the director of the Sdis of the Alpes-Maritimes, this morning on BFMTV.
Criminal or not, a fire that breaks out, especially during sleep, can be tragic. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo reminds us of the emergency reflexes to apply if you find yourself in such a situation:
If a fire breaks out in your home
- Raise the alarm by calling the fire brigade at 18 or 112 and activating the fire alarm buttons if present;
- Immediately evacuate your home by closing the doors behind you without locking them;
- Do not take elevators, always use the stairs;
- Proceed to the designated assembly point or move away from the building.
If the fire does not directly concern you
- Stay at home and do not use elevators;
- Seal cracks and gaps in your front door with damp cloths to prevent smoke from entering. If smoke from the fire is likely to fill hallways and stairways;
- Make yourself known at the windows, so that our fire brigade teams can see you when they arrive on the scene;
- Do not attempt to evacuate until instructed to do so by the authorities;
- If you have to evacuate, follow the same instructions as before: close your door, do not take the elevators, go to the assembly point.
“In summary, the keys are to Give the alertto evacuate quickly using the stairs, to close the doors behind you and to reach a safe place. It is essential to remain calm and to follow the instructions of the emergency services.”