Some places feel safe because they are familiar.
A café you visit every weekend.
A hangout spot where laughter feels louder than worry.
Yet on September 10, 2024, at exactly 12:43 a.m. WIB, safety turned into tragedy. A sudden fire broke out in the Pasar Baru Post Block area, Central Jakarta—a well-known hangout spot. Within minutes, flames devoured a café and spread to the Al-Abror Mosque beside it. Although firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze in under 30 minutes, the damage was severe. Charred walls. A weakened mosque structure, now at risk of collapse.
This incident trended across social media not because it was rare—but because it was too close. Too familiar. Too real.
Fires do not send invitations.
They arrive unannounced.
And that is exactly why knowing what to do can save your life.
First of All, Stay Calm When Fire Strikes Without Warning
Panic is fire’s silent partner.
When flames appear, the human mind often races faster than the body. Thoughts scatter. Decisions blur. People run without direction. That is how chaos begins—not from the fire itself, but from fear.
Staying calm does not mean ignoring danger. It means regaining control over your thoughts.
Take a breath.
Look around.
Remember where you are.
Most public hangout places—cafés, malls, coworking spaces—are required to display evacuation routes, usually near stairways or elevators. If you’ve ever ignored those signs, now you know why they exist.
Calm people survive longer. Calm people choose the right exits. Calm people help others instead of pushing them.
👉 This is why professional fire safety training matters. Businesses that invest in evacuation planning, signage, and staff training don’t just comply with regulations—they protect lives. If you own or manage a public space, fire preparedness is not optional. It is responsibility.
Next, Turn Off Electrical Equipment If Time Allows
Most fires in urban areas start quietly—from a spark, a short circuit, a forgotten cable overheating in the corner.
When you hear a fire alarm, your instinct may scream: run. But if the situation allows and the fire is not yet spreading, turn off or unplug nearby electrical equipment.
Why does this matter?
Because electricity feeds fire.
And stopping it can slow the spread.
Shut down devices. Unplug chargers. Secure essential items only if they are within reach. Do not waste time searching for valuables—your life is not replaceable.
👉 This step highlights the importance of professional electrical inspections and fire prevention systems. Cafés and hangout venues that regularly audit their electrical systems reduce fire risk dramatically. Investing in certified safety services is cheaper than rebuilding after disaster.
Then, Protect Your Respiratory Tract from Deadly Smoke
Fire rarely kills first.
Smoke does.
Thick, toxic smoke fills a room faster than flames. Inhaling it for even a few seconds can cause disorientation—or unconsciousness.
Cover your nose and mouth with:
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A wet cloth
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A wet tissue
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Any damp clothing
Stay low. Crawl or crouch. Smoke rises; breathable air stays closer to the floor. Keep your mouth closed as much as possible and breathe slowly.
This simple technique has saved thousands of lives worldwide.
👉 Modern buildings with smoke control systems, fire-rated ventilation, and emergency masks drastically reduce fatalities. If you’re choosing a hangout spot, workplace, or event venue—ask about their fire safety features. Awareness influences safer choices.
After That, Follow Evacuation Instructions Carefully
In well-prepared buildings, you will hear clear evacuation announcements through loudspeakers. Follow them without hesitation.
If there are no announcements, look for posted evacuation instructions on walls. These signs exist for moments like this—not decoration.
One rule you must never break:
🚫 Do NOT use elevators during a fire.
Elevators can stop suddenly. Power can fail. Smoke can enter the shaft. Panic can turn a small space into a nightmare.
Always use emergency stairs.
👉 Buildings that invest in fire drills, trained staff, and clear communication systems evacuate faster and safer. For business owners, partnering with fire safety consultants and emergency response service providers is not just smart—it builds trust with customers.
Finally, Avoid Crowds and Find Alternative Escape Routes
Fire spreads fast. People spread panic faster.
Crowded exits become dangerous bottlenecks. Pushing leads to falls. Falls lead to injuries. Injuries delay evacuation.
If the main exit is packed:
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Look for secondary exits
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Move toward emergency stairwells
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Stay calm, even if others are not
Your goal is distance from danger, not speed at any cost.
👉 This is why professional crowd management planning and fire evacuation design are critical for public spaces. Choosing venues that prioritize safety planning means choosing life.
Why Fire Preparedness Is No Longer Optional
The Pasar Baru Post Block fire reminds us of one hard truth:
Fires don’t choose places.
They choose moments.
Whether you are a visitor, a business owner, or a community leader, fire preparedness saves lives. Investing in:
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Fire safety training
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Certified electrical inspections
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Smoke control systems
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Evacuation planning services
is not fear-driven—it is future-driven.
Because the safest hangout is not the trendiest one.
It is the one prepared for the worst.