Which guideline should you follow if you must exit through smoke during a fire?

Crawling low under the smoke during a fire is essential for several reasons. Smoke rises, so by staying low, you avoid the more concentrated and toxic fumes that accumulate closer to the ceiling. This tactic increases your chances of staying conscious and being able to exit safely. Additionally, air near the floor is typically cooler, which can help reduce the risk of burns and smoke inhalation.

It's important to note that rushing towards the exit without considering the smoke can lead to disorientation and increased danger from inhaling harmful smoke particles. Remaining upright may block your vision and increase the risk of suffocation or disorientation, while avoiding windows doesn't directly address navigating through smoke. Staying low is a proven best practice in fire safety, enabling safe movement towards an exit.