Fire prevention

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Fire prevention is a function of many

damage caused by them. Fire prevention education can take the form of videos, pamphlets, and banners. Often, the messages and lessons are simple tips. Many fire departments will have one or more Fire Prevention Officers, which may also be a routine duty of firefighters.[1]

Lessons and tips

Stop, drop and roll

Stop, drop and roll is often taught as part of fire protection education efforts as it is both a simple technique and an effective way of extinguishing burning clothing. It is particularly suited to children who may panic if their clothing catches fire and they do not know how to put it out.

Smoke detector installation

Generally taught more to adults (particularly

batteries
run low, and a key part of fire prevention outreach involves encouraging people to replace batteries promptly instead of just removing them to make the beeping stop.

Sprinkler system usage

A wet-pipe sprinkler system is an automatic sprinkler system in which the supply valves are open and the system is charged with water. They are the quickest at getting water on the fire and are the simplest to maintain. Wet-pipe systems are installed where indoor temperatures can be maintained at or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 °C). If the outside temperature is below freezing and the interior temperature is less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the steel sprinkler piping, which rapidly conducts heat and rapidly loses it, will cause the pipes to freeze. The frozen area may be isolated and near an opening or uninsulated portion of the building which could be enough to put the whole system out of service.

Safe practices

Stoves have sometimes caused accidental fires.

Prevention lessons often include teaching people not to leave stoves, ovens, toasters, clothing irons, barbecues, and candles unattended, which as a result can help to prevent fires.[citation needed]

Reduction of false alarms

Much of fire prevention education also involves advice on how to reduce

fire engines are at increased risk of traffic collisions when driving under emergency conditions. In 2008 the state of New York found that 18% of firefighter deaths in the line of duty had occurred whilst responding to calls.[2]

Target audiences

Students

Children are a major target of fire prevention knowledge. Firefighters will often visit schools and teach students the basics of fire protection and fire safety, including how to evacuate from a burning building and how to prevent fires by avoiding dangerous activities such as playing with matches. Though fire can be a source of fascination for young children, the potential for accidents, as a result, is high. Fire prevention often aims to teach children not to play with fire so that they do not accidentally cause one.

Elderly and disabled people

Elderly and disabled people are potentially at greater risk in emergency situations as a result of poor mobility or intellectual disability from age. Fire prevention outreach often involves ensuring that these groups have a clearly defined plan of what to do in the event of an emergency and easy access to emergency exits.

Landlords and caretakers

In many jurisdictions, landlords are responsible for implementing fire prevention and fire safety measures in accordance with various laws.[3] Landlords must perform regular fire safety risk assessments in order to identify if any properties could be potentially harmed by fires.

Fire prevention inspections

Many fire departments have fire prevention divisions, which consist of groups of

fire house for visitors. They demonstrate what each of their apparatuses does, and sometimes will don their bunker gear
to show what a firefighter wears into a fire.

A typical fire prevention division consists of a Chief Fire Prevention Officer and Fire Prevention Officers. Those in the Fire Prevention Division have their own insignia, such as

epaulets
with two thin bars that read "FIRE PREVENTION OFFICER" below them; crescents on their helmets; and collar pins. Depending on its budget, a division may have its own fire vehicle.

One of the most critical jobs of a firefighter is search and rescue. For young children, it is important that firefighters are seen as people they can follow and trust. A firefighter in bunker gear breathing with an air tank could be an unfamiliar sight, especially to a child. One way a child can get used to or trust a firefighter is seeing a firefighter dress, step by step, seeing that they are a person wearing a uniform and protective equipment. Furthermore, being able to walk up and touch the firefighter can reassure the child that he or she is a real person.

National observance

Many fire departments observe "Fire Prevention Month" for all of October. Fire departments may visit schools, hang banners, give firehouse tours or hold open houses.[citation needed] Various fire organizations and fire professionals from all across the country attend, along with a number of students and teachers. Songs and entertainment regarding fire safety are also available making fire education fun. Guest speakers are also a large part of fire protection week.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Vision 20/20". Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  2. ^ "National Fire Prevention Association". Archived from the original on 2010-12-26. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  3. ^ "Fire Prevention". H2O Fire Sprinklers. Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2013.