Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What should be done to windows and vents during a fire emergency?

1. Open them

2. Close them

3. Check them for heat

4. Evacuate them

The correct answer is: Close them

During a fire emergency, closing windows and vents is crucial for several reasons related to fire behavior and safety. First, closing windows helps to limit the oxygen supply available to the fire. Oxygen is a necessary component for combustion, and reducing its flow can help slow down or extinguish the flames, preventing the fire from spreading further. Additionally, closing vents helps contain smoke and toxic gases within the affected area, thereby improving safety conditions for individuals who may still be evacuating or for first responders. Open windows can create drafts, potentially allowing the fire to spread to other rooms or areas of the building. Furthermore, closing windows can protect against heat and flames entering a structure, lowering the risk of further property damage. In emergency response protocols, keeping openings closed until the situation is assessed and secured is a standard precaution to limit the hazards associated with fires. The other answer choices, which involve opening or checking the windows and vents, may inadvertently increase the risk to those present by allowing more oxygen to feed the fire or exposing individuals to additional smoke and heat.