What should you do if your clothing catches on fire?

If your clothing catches on fire, the appropriate action is to stop, drop, and roll. This technique is effective in smothering flames and minimizing burns or injuries. By stopping, you prevent the fire from spreading further by reducing movement, since running can fan the flames. Dropping to the ground allows you to roll over, which can help extinguish the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply. This combination of actions is a quick and efficient way to protect yourself, particularly in emergency situations.

In contrast, running to a safe area might exacerbate the situation by spreading the flames, while using a fire extinguisher is not practical for personal clothing fires and requires proper handling and training. Waving your arms to attract attention could potentially increase the flames due to movement and does not directly address the immediate danger of burning clothing. Therefore, the most effective and recognized method for dealing with this situation is to stop, drop, and roll.