SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
201 
and tell them the exact address of the building where 
the fire is. Or you may go to the nearest alarm box, 
smash the glass, open the door, and pull down the hook 
that sounds the alarm. (Generally the directions are 
printed on the box.) If you cannot sound the alarm 
alone, call upon the nearest person to help you. Wait 
there until the firemen arrive and direct them to the fira. 
When the firemen come do just as they tell you, for they 
know exactly what to do. 
People trying to escape from a burning building often 
get frightened and then there is a panic. Panic kills more 
people than fire. Keep cool, and others will follow your 
example. 
Never jump from a window unless the flames are so 
close that it is your only means of escape. If outside a 
burning building put mattresses and bedding piled high 
to break the jumper’s fall and get a strong hold on a rug 
to catch the jumper, and let many people hold the rug. 
If the fire is just beginning, it can easily be put out 
by smothering with a rug or blanket; sand, ashes, salt, 
or a few pails of water will answer the same purpose. 
Keep the doors and windows closed if possible to pre- 
vent draughts from fanning the flames to fiercer effort. 
Remember this point when you go into a burning 
building, and leave some responsible person guarding the 
door, in order that it may not be left open by some one 
in excitement and the flames fanned beyond control. 
If you need fresh air in your search for people in a 
burning building, open a window, put out your head and 
draw your lungs full of fresh air and then close the win- 
dow again. In any case it is best to tie a wet handker- 
chief or towel over the nose and mouth while in a burn- 
ing building, as this will prevent you from breathing a 
good deal of smoke. 
In searching for persons remember always to begin 
