Fires are accidents which happen in the most unexpected of places and at the most unexpected of times. Unlike floods, hurricanes, storms or other natural disasters, fires are typically brought about by man's negligence and take place totally without warning. When it does come, fire damage is usually devastating and leaves a lot of grief in its wake. While prevention is always better than cure, let us nevertheless be prepared should fire damage become a reality in our lives.

As soon as a fire starts, call immediately 911 or the fire department. Presence of mind is the key in these first few moments because every second of waiting for the firefighters is crucial. The longer the wait, the greater is the possible extent of fire damage.

While waiting for the firefighters keep your cool --- do not panic. It would be so tempting to just run about and scream, but take a moment to breathe and just try to think logically despite the circumstances. When panic sets in, common sense flies out of the window and this brings about severe losses because we can no longer think about what to prioritize in our panicky state.

As in any disaster, think safety first. Risk on your safety is the worst case of fire damage. Elderly men and women, infants and children, pregnant women, and those who are sick or with delicate heart condition, should be the first to be evacuated from a burning house or building.

With the elderly and children safely out of the way, try to contain the fire as best as you can but remember that this is only possible if you catch fire early. Fire extinguishers may still be used only if the fire is small, manageable and not spreading beyond its starting point. It is imperative as well that you have a clear exit and that you can fight fire with the exit behind your back. Do not also attempt to use a fire extinguisher if you have no knowledge whatsoever of its proper use. If any of the above conditions is not met, fighting the fire yourself will not only be foolhardy but also downright dangerous.

When you see the fire getting stronger, the best thing to do is leave the burning house or building immediately and seek safety. In many cases, you only have seconds to do this. You may be tempted to gather some valuables or important documents, and while this is understandable, it is also extremely risky. Attempt only to save your belongings if there is still enough time to do this. Once you've escaped from a burning building however, never go back. Not too few lives have been lost during fire precisely because saving material possessions was given priority over personal safety.

As soon as the firefighters arrive, let them do their job. Fire can spread very quickly, and the firefighters would need to focus fully on preventing fire damage from extending further.

When fire strikes, prompt action is needed. A quick call to 911, immediate evacuation, and a safety first mindset, may not only minimize fire damage, but more importantly, save lives.