What safety measure can help reduce the visibility loss due to smoke?

Staying low to the ground is an effective safety measure to help reduce visibility loss due to smoke. When a fire occurs, smoke typically rises and accumulates near the ceiling, making the higher levels of a room the most difficult areas to navigate due to obstructed vision. By staying low—typically crawling or moving closer to the floor—individuals can maintain better visibility and a clearer path. The air near the ground is often cooler and less toxic, which is crucial for safety during a fire emergency. This strategy allows individuals to see more clearly and make safer decisions as they evacuate or seek help.

While using a fire extinguisher and opening windows can be important in managing a fire situation, they are not directly focused on reducing visibility due to smoke. Waving a handkerchief does not address visibility loss in a meaningful way and may distract from more critical actions needed for safety. Staying low thus serves a dual purpose: enhancing visibility and improving personal safety in a fire scenario.