What is the appropriate response if your clothing catches fire?

The appropriate response when your clothing catches fire is to stop, drop, and roll. This method is effective because it helps to smother the flames and deprives them of the oxygen they need to continue burning. By stopping, you prevent any movement that could fan the flames and exacerbate the fire. Dropping to the ground decreases the flames’ access to oxygen, and rolling helps to extinguish the fire by smothering it under your body.

While seeking help or using a blanket might seem like reasonable actions, they do not address the immediate need to extinguish the flames effectively. Jumping into water may not always be practical or safe, especially if you are indoors or far from a water source; it can also lead to injury or exacerbate the situation if not done properly. The stop, drop, and roll method is widely taught because it is a simple, quick, and effective way to handle clothing fires safely.