Final answer:
If you see fire or smoke from your car hood, immediately pull over and turn off the engine. Move away from the car, call 911, and wait for professionals. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself unless you're trained and have the appropriate equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the event of seeing fire or smoke coming from your vehicle's hood, it is crucial to act quickly and safely. The first step is to immediately pull over to a safe location away from traffic. Turn off the engine as soon as you can to help prevent the fire from spreading. Do not open the hood because oxygen will feed the flames. Exit the vehicle quickly and move to a safe distance away, ideally at least 100 feet. Once you are safe, call 911 or the local emergency number and wait for the firefighters to arrive. Remember that personal safety always comes first; do not attempt to extinguish the vehicle fire on your own unless you're trained and have the appropriate equipment, such as a fire extinguisher designed for automobile fires.
If you notice any signs of danger, including difficulty breathing, dizziness, or other symptoms due to smoke inhalation, seek immediate medical attention. Similarly, stay aware of your surroundings in case the situation escalates and inform arriving emergency personnel about any potential hazards or personal belongings you'll want them to be aware of, keeping in mind that items can be replaced but lives cannot.
Having protective equipment, such as a Nomex hood, is more relevant in professional environments, like firefighting and auto racing, where individuals are specifically trained to deal with fires. As a regular driver, the primary focus should be on safety and contacting professionals rather than on handling the situation yourself.