Knowing what to do when there is a fire can mean the difference between life and death. If your house is on fire, and you are trapped inside, you should: Fireman 1. Look for the safe escape route, checking all doorknobs for signs of heat. 2. Call 911, orif no phone is nearbyshout out window for help. 3. Cough violently. 4. Become engulfed in flames. 5. Collapse to floor. 6. Burn to death. 