What should you do if you encounter smoke while escaping a fire?

Crawling low under the smoke is the recommended action to take when escaping a fire because smoke rises. The air closest to the ground is generally clearer and cooler, reducing the risk of smoke inhalation. Inhaling smoke can be deadly, as it contains toxic gases that can impair a person's ability to escape and lead to disorientation or unconsciousness. By staying low, you increase your chances of reaching safety without succumbing to the harmful effects of smoke.

While running quickly to the nearest exit may seem like a logical option, it often puts individuals at higher risk of inhaling smoke, which could hinder their escape. Standing up to find the exit faster is unwise because it exposes the person to the more toxic, hotter air filled with smoke. Using a cloth to cover the nose and mouth can provide some protection, but it does not address the immediate strategy of staying low to avoid smoke inhalation. Therefore, crawling low under the smoke is the most effective method to ensure a safer escape during a fire.