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There are several news about computers, cell phones, and other electronics catching on fire, so I thought of giving some general advice of what to do in case of fire. First you need to think of protecting everybody around you, because a child can run do overlook the fact that he/she may panic and freeze instead of running out of the place. Same with adults, if some one is incapacitated or walk with the help of any device make sure you help this person out of the place on fire even if they claim to be in control and heading out of the place.

You should think fast, if a small electronic device catches on fire and you have an extinguisher near you, try using that to take out the fire. Beware of throwing water into it as you may risk to be shock by the electricity it may be using, if power breaks are on your way out, take them all down and wait outside for help. After discovering a fire and taking everybody to safety, locate alarm systems and activate them. If you like in an apartment complex there are alarm triggers usually near the stairs, let your neighbors know about the fire and try to get in contact with authorities.

When calling 911 or other emergency agency like the fire department, take the call as calmed as possible and explain the situation immediately followed by the address. It is very important to give the exact location of the emergency to get help as soon as possible. Tell other that you have called for help to avoid overflowing the emergency system lines. Keep your eyes open looking for other people that might need help getting out of their houses/apartments.

As soon as fire fighters get to scene guide them to where the fire is and give general information about how it started and where it started. Stay near them but far enough that you don’t interfere with their work, they may need extra information about the location. Don’t try to help the fire fighters unless they ask for help, on rare occasions fire fighters may need your help pay attention to their request to be able to help as much as you can.

Prevention is something that should be practice everyday, make sure that your fire extinguisher are up to date on their inspections. Don’t let kids play with items such as lighters, matches, etc., don’t leave electronic appliances on such as coffee makers, iron, anything on or around the kitchen. Talk to your family about what you want them to do in case of fire, plan an exit route and meeting place outside your home. You can always go to your nearest fire station and ask for printed material about prevention.

That was the serious stuff, now lets have some fun. Here is a list of things to do when your computer catches fire;

• curse and blame the manufacturer as much as you can
• take some video and share it on YouTube
• call your lawyer
• invite friends over to see the remaining of your computer
• if the fire is not too big try to kick and scream like a baby
• if the fire is serious scream like a baby
• don’t tell your lawyer how much you abuse your computer
• ask your brother that lives 10 miles away from you and was not there to witness the fire to go with you to court.

Things catching of fire are serious and by no means you should make fun of it until after the fire is put out. If this happen to your neighbor make sure you call him by names like pyro, fire-ish guy, or even funnier offer some Balmex every time you talk to him. Hopefully this was not insulting to anyone, but informative and funny. Good luck and thanks for reading.