Fire Prevention and Public Education FVCC FIRE RESCUE

Fire Prevention and Public Education

FVCC FIRE RESCUE

OBJECTIVES2-19.1 Identify five common causes of

fires and their prevention.2-19.2 Identify the importance of

inspection and public fire education programs to fire department public relations and the community.

2-19.3 Identify dwelling inspection programs.

OBJECTIVES2-19.4 Identify the components of a

program to instruct citizens how to report a fire or other emergency.

2-19.5 Identify school exit drill procedures.

2-19.6 Identify life safety programs for the home.

OBJECTIVES2-19.7 Identify common fire hazards

and recommendations for their correction.2-19.8 Identify the components of fire

station tours.2-19.9 Identify the elements of fire

safety surveys.

OBJECTIVES2-19.10 Demonstrate inspection

procedures for private dwellings2-19.11 Demonstrate, individually or

as a group, presenting a prepared public education program to an identified audience for any of the following topics:2-19.11.1 Stop, drop and roll2-19.11.2 Crawl low in smoke2-19.11.3 Escape planning

OBJECTIVES2-19.11.4 Calling the fire department2-19.11.5 Fire station tours2-19.11.6 Residential smoke detector

placement and maintenance2-19.11.7 Other locally developed programs2-19.12 Demonstrate documenting the

presentation of a program covered in 2-19.11, using a reporting form that includes: Program title, Number of participants and Evaluations.

o IFSTA Essentials, 4th ed, Chapter 17o Delmar, Firefighter’s Handbook, 2000, Chapter 21

COMMON CAUSES OF FIRES & THEIR PREVENTION

Poor housekeepingCan make maneuvering difficultIncreases fire loadIncreases the chance a flammable

or combustible material will come in contact with an ignition source

May hide other hazardsPre-plan these locations during EMS

calls [(Hint!!) Ashton Feb 2001]


Heating, lighting and power equipment that is improperly used or defectiveOld or worn electrical equipmentSparking, arcing, resistance heating may

ignite combustiblesMay be a shock hazard

Fuel sources can be provided by:Improper disposal of cleaning or floor

sweeping compoundsDepending on substance, may be

spontaneously combustibleMay be a volatile fuel source if ignited


CookingUnattended cooking materials or

food on the stoveUse of stoves and ovens for

heating the homeLoose clothing ignited by burners

Personal fire hazardsIndividual traits, habits and

personalities of occupants of a building

Unsafe acts of individuals


PreventionCan be accomplished by reducing or

eliminating fire hazards through public education and fire prevention programs

IMPORTANCE OF INSPECTION & PUBLIC FIRE EDUCATION

The most effective way to fight fires is to prevent them from starting

(From 1971 to 1991 there was a 50% decline in fire / burn related deaths, this can be contributed to public fire education, codes and standards, sprinklers, and smoke detector alarms.)

Can reduce the risk of serious firesEnables firefighters to become familiar with

building and their hazardsMay visualize how existing strategies apply to

the buildingPermits recognition of hazards not noted

before

Yet this still happens!Yet this still happens!

IMPORTANCE OF INSPECTION & PUBLIC FIRE EDUCATION

Provides a value to citizens as an aid to prevention of fire

Firefighter gains valuable on-site information

Permits them to enforce local fire codes

Gives the fire department a chance to build or reinforce a good public image (So fit the part)!

DWELLING INPSECTION PROGRAMS

The firefighter understands that a dwelling inspection campaign is a fire department’s effort to reduce the number of fire deaths and home fires and is conducted on a voluntary basis.

The firefighter represents the fire department

The firefighter meets the citizens with dignity and pride

The public has the right to expect firefighters to be fully qualified to advise them on fire prevention matters


The firefighter maintains a courteous attitude on all inspections

The firefighter thanks the owner or occupant for the invitation into their home

The firefighter remembers that the primary interest is preventing a fire that could take the lives of the occupants and destroy the home.

The firefighter makes constructive comments regarding the elimination of hazardous conditions

The firefighter keeps the inspection confidentialThe firefighter never makes notes from the

inspection available to an insurance carrier, repair service organization, sales promotion groups, or any publicity group that would identify a given home.


ProceduresShould approach the house on the sidewalk or

pathShould clean shoes before entering houseIf no one is home, should leave materials

between doors or under doormat. DO NOT use mailbox.

Should introduce self to the homeowner and state purpose of inspection

Should ask for permission to make the inspectionConduct the inspection

Attics Faulty electrical equipment Storage


Living areas Heating appliances Cooking procedures Smoking materials Electrical distribution Electrical appliances

Basement Accumulation of waste or discarded material Furnace and stove vent pipes Gas appliances Oil burning installations Work rooms


Outside the home Condition of roof Condition of chimneys Condition of yard Waste burners Condition of garages or shed Flammable liquids

If hazards are detected, they should be explained and correction suggested

Favorable conditions should be complimented

Thank the homeowner for permitting the inspection

PROGRAM TO INSTRUCT CITIZENS

Dial the appropriate phone number9-1-1Fire department’s seven digit number“O” for operator


Give the address with cross street or landmark

State his/her name and locationGive the phone number he/she is calling fromState the nature of the emergencyStay on the line if requested to do so by the

dispatcher


Identify school exit procedures 2-19.5Evacuation drills should be conducted as

often as necessary to ensure all occupants of building are familiar with process

Focus of drill should be placed on disciplined order and control

SCHOOL EXIT PROCEDURESEvacuation drills should be conducted as

often as necessary to ensure all occupants of building are familiar with process

Focus of drill should be placed on disciplined order and control

Specific exits should be assigned to groups with alternate routes utilized.

SCHOOL EXIT PROCEDURESOccupants should proceed to pre-designated

assembly points outside and away from the building. Teachers should take roll call, reporting missing or unaccounted for children to responding firefighters

Emergency evacuation plans should be in graphic form and posted in each classroom and at various locations throughout the school

Fire alarm system should be used when conducting a drill to familiarize students and staff with sound

LIFE SAFETY PROGRAMS FOR THE HOME

Stop, drop and roll (self)Do not runStop immediately where you areDrop to the ground and cover your face with

your handsRoll around until flames are smotheredCall for medical assistance Assist them to the

groundSmother the flames with a blanket or heavy

coatCall for medical assistance



Exit Drills In The Home

E.D.I.T.H

E.D.I.T.H. When do most home fires start? Between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m.,

just when you are asleep - and least prepared!

Where do most home fires start? In this order kitchen, living room, basement,

bedrooms, all others. This means that most fires start just where they are likely to block your usual escape (from bedrooms).


Fire Escape Planning Draw a floor plan of your ground or upper floor bedrooms with

two escape routes from each room. Step 1 (Basic Floor Layout):

To get you started, select a floor plan from the list on the right that is most like your home and print it out; or draw your own floor plan by following these guidelines:

a. Make an outline of your entire floor area: dimensions and details need not be exact.

b. Now add each bedroom and label it. c. Locate windows, doors and stairways. If any upper floor,

shade in any rooftops that could be used as a fire escape.


Step 2 (Room Inspection): a. Go to each bedroom and select the best

window for an emergency escape. b. Test the windows or screens to see that they

work easily and are large and low enough to use. Step 3 (Complete "Escape Plan"): a. Black arrows show normal exit through hall or

stairways. b. Red arrows show emergency exit in case fire

blocks hallways or stairs.



Family Instructions Gather your family together for a short explanation of the vital nighttime

fire escape procedures. Point 1

Always sleep with bedroom or hall door closed. It can keep out fire long enough to allow escape through your emergency escape route (usually a window.) If you are trapped, close the doors between you and the fire. Stuff the cracks around the doors to keep smoke out. Wait at a window and signal for help with light-colored cloth or a flashlight. If there’s a phone in the room, call the fire department and tell them exactly where you are.

Point 2 Make certain that a smoke detector is installed and operating properly in

the hallway outside bedrooms. Fire safety officials are now recommending the placement of smoke detectors inside bedrooms where the door is kept closed at night. This is to protect against the advent of fire starting inside the bedroom.


Point 3Don't waste time getting dressed or gathering valuables. Precious seconds can count in a fire.

Point 4Test the door before opening. Intense heat and deadly smoke can be on the other side.

Point 5Have an outside meeting place to quickly check if everyone is safe. Once out - STAY OUT!

Point 6 Plan to use a neighbor's phone to dial 911.


Practice Makes Perfect Conducting Your Fire Escape Drill 1. Everyone is in his/her bedroom (doors closed). 2. Test your smoke detector to sound the alarm. 3. Everyone swings into action - out of bed, to the door. 4. Carefully test door before opening. First Drill:

Escape through normal exit (hall or stairway). Second Drill:

Imagine doors are hot and the hall is blocked by fire. Now everyone must test his emergency escape exit. Depending on age and capability, you need not actually go out on the roof, but be sure everyone can open windows, screens easily, and position emergency escape ladder quickly, etc.

Install and maintain smoke alarms. Install them on every level of your home and outside of each sleeping area. Test them at least once a month and replace batteries in accordance with manufacturing requirements or whenever an alarm begins to chirp, which signals the battery is low.

Since November 2002, reports have been pouring in from various media outlets across the country about the newly discovered phenomenon of children sleeping through activated fire alarms. Research is showing that this occurs due to unfamiliarity with the sound of an activated smoke

alarm.



Escape planning (Review)Have two escape exits from every roomIf fire is detected and you are in bed, crawl low to the

doorAlert others by blowing a whistle or shoutingFeel the doorIf its hot, exit through another exit (window)If the door isn’t hot, open the door slowly, check for

heavy smoke or file; if safe, crawl out.Close the door behind youContinue crawling to safetyOnce outside, go to the family meeting placeAsk someone or call the fire department

Crawl low under smoke. Smoke is dangerous! If you encounter smoke, use an alternate escape route. If you must exit through smoke, the cleanest air will be several inches off the floor. Crawl on your hands and knees to the nearest safe exit.

Stay Low & Go

COMMON FIRE HAZARDSCombustible materials

Clothing, unused furniture, cardboard boxes, papers, etc

Stored properlyAppliances

Proper operation, maintenance and conditions

COMMON FIRE HAZARDSElectrical wiring and equipment

Wiring old, frayed, exposedImproperly installed electrical conductorsUnprotected light bulbsReplace, clean repair

Portable heating unitsListed by UL or FMSeparated from other combustible materialsProperly maintained

COMMON FIRE HAZARDS

Wood stoves/fireplacesProperly installedClear of combustiblesVent pipes in good conditionCleaning of chimneyMaintenanceProper ash disposal

Heating fuelsStored properly, away from heat or other

ignition sourcesProper containers, closed/sealed

COMMON FIRE HAZARDSGeneral housekeeping practices

Ash trays for smoking materialsMatches and lighters stored away from

childrenCandles used safelyExhaust vents and dryer vents cleaned

regularly

Candle SafetyCandle Safety Facts and Figures*Facts and Figures* Candle fires reached a 19-year high of 12,540 in 1998, Candle fires reached a 19-year high of 12,540 in 1998,

resulting in 157 deaths, 1,106 civilian injuries and resulting in 157 deaths, 1,106 civilian injuries and $176.1 million in property damage. $176.1 million in property damage.

Unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled Unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled candles are the leading cause of home candle fires candles are the leading cause of home candle fires (37%), followed by leaving candles too close to (37%), followed by leaving candles too close to combustibles (19%), according to annual averages from combustibles (19%), according to annual averages from 1994-98. Nine percent were started by children playing 1994-98. Nine percent were started by children playing with candles. with candles.

December is the peak month for candle fires, with December is the peak month for candle fires, with nearly twice the average number of incidents. nearly twice the average number of incidents. Almost half (44%) of home candle fires start in the Almost half (44%) of home candle fires start in the bedroom.bedroom.

Candle SafetyCandle Safety Facts and Figures*Facts and Figures* Candle fires reached a 19-year high of 12,540 in 1998, Candle fires reached a 19-year high of 12,540 in 1998,

resulting in 157 deaths, 1,106 civilian injuries and resulting in 157 deaths, 1,106 civilian injuries and $176.1 million in property damage. $176.1 million in property damage.

Unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled Unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled candles are the leading cause of home candle fires candles are the leading cause of home candle fires (37%), followed by leaving candles too close to (37%), followed by leaving candles too close to combustibles (19%), according to annual averages from combustibles (19%), according to annual averages from 1994-98. Nine percent were started by children playing 1994-98. Nine percent were started by children playing with candles. with candles.

December is the peak month for candle fires, with December is the peak month for candle fires, with nearly twice the average number of incidents. nearly twice the average number of incidents. Almost half (44%) of home candle fires start in the Almost half (44%) of home candle fires start in the bedroom.bedroom.

COMMON FIRE HAZARDSResidential smoke detector placement

and maintenancePlacement of smoke detectorsOne detector near every sleeping roomOne on every level of homeDetector shall be installed

On ceiling at least 6 inches from wallOn the wall from 4 to 6 inches from ceiling

Replace detector every 10 years

Remember this for Firefighter Survival!!! Same eventRemember this for Firefighter Survival!!! Same eventholds true along the walls & floors.holds true along the walls & floors.

COMMON FIRE HAZARDSResponsibility of owner or landlord to:

Have the detector installedEnsure that any required batteries are in

operating condition at the time a tenant takes possession of the dwelling unit

COMMON FIRE HAZARDSResponsibility of tenant to:

Test the detectorPerform good maintenanceNotify the owner or authorized agent, in writing, of

any deficiencies that cannot be correctedReplacement of batteries

Maintenance suggestionsTest weeklyOnce a month, test with smokeIf battery operated, replace battery at least 2 times

yearly (with the change of the clocks)

COMMON FIRE HAZARDS

Electrical distribution panelsProper circuit protection and clearanceProper number of circuitsProperly marked

Gas appliancesProper clearance to combustible

materialsPiping and vents in good conditionManual and automatic gas safety

devices

COMMON FIRE HAZARDSFurnaces, hot water heaters, vent pipes

Properly installedClear of combustiblesVent piping in good conditionHot water temperature settings low enough

to prevent scalding and burnsShop or work rooms

Good housekeepingSafe, orderly storage of materials

COMMON FIRE HAZARDS

Flammable liquidsStored correctly and out of reach of

childrenLimited quantitiesProper containers

Building components, outbuildings, yard areaChimneys in good condition with spark

arrestorsRoof and gutters clear of waste

COMMON FIRE HAZARDS

Yard and porch areas clear of wasteBarbecues and fuel properly used and

storedOutside waste burners used safelyGarage and outbuildings safe storage

of dangerous chemicals and fuels; clear of waste

Security devices do not hamper egress

FIRE STATION TOURSGreet group as they enter the stationExplain to them what to do in case of an

alarm Escort them around the stationExplain:

How alarms are receivedApparatusProtective clothingSome type of fire prevention message

FIRE STATION TOURSAnswer any questions they may haveThank them for coming and invite them back

Identify the elements of fire safety surveys 2-19.9Public Service AnnouncementsSchool ProgramsSchool Evacuation Drills

FIRE SAFETY SURVEYSPublic Service AnnouncementsSchool ProgramsSchool Evacuation DrillsAdult ProgramsFire Station ToursSpecialty programs

Homework1. Fire prevention activity intended to make residents in dwellings aware of

safety hazards. A) Fire Safety Survey B) Fire Safety Inspection C) Pre-incident Survey D) Residential Fire Safety Survey

2. A more formal procedure than a survey, based on codes and regulations, and performed by personnel trained to meet the objectives in NFPA 1031 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner A) Fire Safety Survey B) Fire Safety Inspection C) Pre-incident Survey D) Residential Fire Safety Survey

3. Those activities that have been planned or legislated to ensure that citizens have a safe physical environment in which to live, work, study, worship, or play; include pre-incident plans and residential fire safety surveys A) Fire Safety Survey B) Fire Safety Inspection C) Pre-incident Survey D) Residential Fire Safety Survey

4. Examination of a public or commercial occupancy that gathers “up-front” information required to better assess conditions during any emergency situation that might occur in the occupancy A) Fire Safety Survey B) Fire Safety Inspection C) Pre-incident Survey D) Residential Fire Safety Survey

Homework Distinguish among common fire hazards, special fire hazards,

personal hazards, and target hazards. Write the letter that corresponds with the hazard on the blank before each hazard. (1 pt. each, 8/10)

A = Common Hazard B = Special Hazard C = Personal Hazard D = Target Hazard5. A shoe store in a strip mall with a common cockloft6. A homeowner who smokes cigarettes7. An overloaded extension cord8. A nursing home9. A theater10. Auto body paint shop11. Poor housekeeping12. Shelves of books in a bookstore13. An individual who likes to burn candles and incense14. A small meeting hall with only one exit

Homework Select from a list guidelines for conducting a residential

fire safety survey. MARK an A for each correct guideline and a B for each incorrect guideline.

15. Request permission to conduct the survey.16. Introduce yourself and the purpose of your visit.17. Ask the homeowner or occupant for proper identification.18. Maintain a courteous attitude at all times.19. Remember that your primary interest is to catch and report

fire hazards for code enforcement.20. Compliment the owner or occupant when favorable conditions

are found.21. Order corrections when hazards are found.22. Tell owner or occupant how to correct hazardous conditions,

making sure to give the owner or occupant a compliance deadline.

23. Survey the basement, attic, utility room, storage rooms, kitchen, and garage.

24. Write up the results of the survey and submit to the proper code enforcement officials.

HomeworkIdentify aspects checked for interior residential survey concerns

“A” and a “B” for exterior residential survey concerns.25. Storage of combustible materials 26. Portable heating units27. Woodstoves or fireplaces28. General housekeeping practices29. Smoke detectors30. Electrical distribution panels31. Gas appliances32. Oil burning installations33. Furnaces, hot water heaters, and vent pipes34. Roof 35. Chimneys and spark arrestors36. Yard and porch areas37. Barbecues and fuel38. Outside waste burners39. Security devices

Homework

Identify aspects checked for interior residential survey concerns “A” and a “B” for exterior residential survey concerns.

40. Shop or work rooms41. Accumulated waste 42. Garages, sheds, barns, and outbuildings43. Appliance maintenance44. Electrical wiring and equipment45. Flammable liquids and gases46. Lightning protection 47. Flammable liquids

Homework Select facts about fire and life safety presentation topics.

Write the correct numbers on the blanks.48. What is the first step in presenting a fire and life safety

topic?a. Transfer facts and ideasb. Summarize the material to be coveredc. Make certain the audience is comfortabled. Prepare the audience to learn49. What is perhaps the most important step in a presentation?a. Motivating the participantsb. Having the participants apply the informationc. Concluding on a positive noted. Transferring facts and ideas50. What does “Stop, Drop, & Roll!” refer to?a. What a person should do to escape from a smoke-filled roomb. Method of escape when an individual is surrounded by firec. What an individual should do if his or her clothes catch on fired. Proper method for unloading a donut-rolled fire hose

Homework51. Which of the following is not a basic home fire safety rule?a. Stay low because dangerous heated gases may be at the top of the room.b. Have at least three escape exits from every room.c. Keep doors to bedrooms closed during sleeping hours.d. Never return to the house once outside.52. Which of the following is not a basic home fire safety rule?a. Establish a meeting place outside the home.b. Train children to use fire escape ladders properly.c. Call the fire department from your home phone.d. Alert other family members of possible danger if awakened by the smell of

smoke.53. What should occupants do if awakened by a smoke detector alarm?a. Walk along the wall to the nearest exit.b. Stay in bed until they know the cause of the alarm.c. Roll out of bed onto the floor.d. Run to a window and call for help.54. Why must firefighters have a good working knowledge of various residential

smoke detectors?a. To assist occupants with maintenanceb. To recommend the best brand for the type of dwellingc. To conduct smoke detector publicity campaignsd. To communicate the detectors’ importance to occupants

Homework55. How can smoke detectors protect firefighters?a. By giving residents time to extinguish the fire before calling the fire departmentb. By indicating areas of the dwelling that firefighters should avoidc. By eliminating the need for a firefighter to search the burning structure for

victimsd. By encouraging taxpayers to fund fire fighting activities56. Where should smoke detectors be installed to provide good all-around

protection for the least investment?a. Every bedroom and at every level of the living unitb. Kitchen and furnace areac. At the approximate center of the structured. Every room57. What is the minimum recommended number of smoke detectors in a residence?a. One outside each sleeping area and between the sleeping area and other rooms

in the houseb. One in each bedroomc. One in each roomd. One at each exit58. If a smoke detector is mounted on a wall, how close should it be to the ceiling?a. No less than 4 inches and no more than 18 inchesb. No less than 2 inches and no more than 12 inchesc. No less than 6 inches and no more than 18 inches d. No less than 4 inches and no more than 12 inches

Homework59. Firefighter A says that smoke detectors need to be mounted on the

ceiling if possible.Firefighter B says that following a manufacturer’s smoke-test procedure is vital to maintaining a functional detector.Who is right?

a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B60. When, and only when, may the owner eliminate the “smoke test”

when checking smoke detector operation?a. Neverb. When the detector runs on household currentc. When the test button simulates smoked. When the detector is a smokeless type61. What is a potential disadvantage of using aerosol spray (canned

smoke) to test a smoke detector?a. Sprays do not provide consistently accurate test results.b. Sprays are more dangerous than smoldering incense.c. Some sprays can contaminate the ionization chamber and cause

nuisance alarms.d. Sprays tend to be messy and difficult to use.

HomeworkSelect facts about fire station tour procedures.62. Which of the following statements is false?a. Fire prevention and safety information should be given to visitors during the station

tour.b. Civilians may be allowed on elevating platforms and ladders.c. When firefighters allow visitors to don equipment, they should be confident that no

form of injury will result.d. Firefighters should refrain from blowing sirens in the presence of children.63. Which of the following statements is false?a. Equipment and apparatus should not be demonstrated because of the inherent

dangers in such demonstrations.b. It is poor public relations to allow civilians to see inactive or lounging firefighters.c. Special care should be taken to protect curious children from sliding poles.d. Station mascots (dogs, cats, etc.) can be potential safety and liability hazards.64. Firefighter A says that visitors can be allowed to tour the fire station unescorted to

provide them with a better feel for the life of a firefighter.Firefighter B says that fire station tours may often be spur-of-the-moment visits from people who walk in off the street or from organized citizens’ groups.Who is right?

a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B65. During a fire station tour, where should a firefighter be stationed to prevent a child

(or any individual) from slipping into, onto, or under any apparatus?a. In the cab of each apparatus b. At the front of each apparatusc. At each corner of an apparatus d. In the apparatus bay

Part II

COPEVS 19–1

The Four Basic Areas for Gathering Information

C

E

P

O

onstruction

xposure

rotection

ccupancy

PRE-INCIDENT SURVEY PURPOSES

Gathering information for the department

Educating citizens

TS 19–1

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS REQUIRED FOR FIRE SAFETY SURVEYS

Professionalism (including a neat appearance) Communication (to express ideas in speech and

writing) Mitigation (to reduce negative situations and

emotions in others) Facilitation (to make planning and processes

more efficient and less stressful) Negotiation (to bargain for reasonable

compromises between the jurisdiction and other parties)

Mediation (to assist in the reaching of compromises between other parties)

TS 19–2

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED FOR FIRE SAFETY SURVEYS

Understanding of building constructionKnowledge of fire and life safety requirementsAbility to recognize common and special fire

hazardsUnderstanding of building utilities and energy

systemsKnowledge of the operation and limitations of

fire protection appliances and systemsSkills needed to translate survey information

(including sketches and notes) into written reports and plans

TS 19–3

SURVEY TEAM GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH THE PUBLIC

Schedule the survey at a time convenient for the tenant.

Explain to the tenant the purpose of the survey: to gather information necessary for protecting the building, its occupants, and its contents from fire or disaster.

Ensure that there is enough time to complete the survey properly and thoroughly.

TS 19–4a

SURVEY TEAM GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH THE PUBLIC (cont.)

On the day of the survey, project a neat appearance.

Wear a clean, pressed uniform.

Be well groomed, well mannered, and courteous.

Have confidence in your ability to meet the public, to make a favorable impression, and to judge conditions.

TS 19–4b

FIRE SAFETY SURVEY EQUIPMENT AT THE SURVEY SITE

Coveralls for crawling into attics and concealed spaces

Safety glasses, hard hat, gloves

Approved respirator when airborne particles exist

Clipboard, survey forms, grid or engineering paper, and standard plan symbols

Pen or pencil50-foot (15 m) tape

measureFlashlightCamera equipped

with flash attachment

Pitot tube and gauges when water flow tests are required

TS 19–5

FIRE SAFETY SURVEY EQUIPMENT AT THE FIRE STATION

Reference books

Survey reports and forms

Survey file, preferably on a computer database

Code and inspection manuals

Adequate records

Drawing board

Drawing scales, rulers, and materials

TS 19–6

PRE-INCIDENT SURVEY GOALS To become familiar with occupancies, their

uses, and hazards

To visualize how existing strategies apply

To recognize hazards

To aid citizens with fire prevention and life safety

To gain information for pre-incident planning

TS 19–7

PRE-INCIDENT SURVEY STEPS Step 1: Gathering needed equipment and

materials Step 2: Scheduling the survey Step 3: Making initial observations when

approaching theoccupancyStep 4: Approaching the owner/occupant Step 5: Taking notes and making sketches

during the survey Step 6: Conducting the exit interview

TS 19–8

SCHEDULING THE SURVEY Always schedule with owner in advance.

Have fire department administration accomplish survey.

Schedule during normal business hours, if possible.

TS 19–9

INITIAL OBSERVATIONS

Address numbers for visibility

All sides of building for accessibility

Natural cover encroachment

Forcible entry problems posed by barred windows or high-security doors

Overhead obstructions that would restrict aerial ladder operation

TS 19–10

APPROACHING THE OWNER/OCCUPANT

Create a favorable impression.

Enter at main entrance.

Ask permission from proper authority.

Introduce survey team members.

State the purpose of the survey.

Ask owner or representative to accompany the team as you performs the survey.

TS 19–11

TAKING NOTES &MAKING SKETCHES

Take notes and sketch all important features and hazards, including hazardous materials and processes.

Make complete set of notes and well-prepared sketches to facilitate writing the report and completing the report drawing.

Conduct the exterior survey first.

Start on roof and work downward or start in basement and work upward.

TS 19–12a

TAKING NOTES &MAKING SKETCHES (cont.)

Make a systematic survey of each interior floor and each room.

Do not include movable furniture on sketch.

Record any changes that have been made to previously-made plan drawing.

TS 19–12b

CONDUCTING THEEXIT INTERVIEWReport results to the person in authority

before leaving the premises.

Comment on conditions found.

Express thanks for the courtesies extended to the fire department.

Answer any questions.

TS 19–13

VS 19–2

FIREFIGHTER LIFE SAFETY INFORMATION

Hazardous Materials & Processes

Structural Components Subject to Failure

Hazardous Building Conditions

Confusing/Entrapping Physical Features

OCCUPANT PROTECTION& EVACUATION

Location and size of entrances and exits

Location of escalators, elevators, and stairs

Location of windows for rescue access

Occupant information that would present special rescue problems

Flammable/toxic finishes and processes

TS 19–14

VS 19–3

FIRE CONTROL INFORMATION

Occupancy Data

Response Data

Construction Type & Materials

Building Layout

Building Site & Location

OCCUPANCY DATA

Address

Street location

Type of business and content hazards

Owner/tenant information

Whom to contact on premises

Working hours

Number of occupants and their work schedules

TS 19–15

RESPONSE DATA

Traffic

Elevation differences between street level and building

Forcible entry problems

Security problems

TS 19–16

CONSTRUCTION TYPE & MATERIALS

Water supply data

Facility’s private fire protection equipment

Ventilation data

Exposure protection data

Building modifications

TS 19–17

VS 19–4PROPERTY CONSERVATION DATA

Contents with High Value

Irreplaceable Contents

Contents that Will Be Harmed by Water

Contents that Can Be Used to Aid Salvage

REASONS FOR PLAN DRAWINGS

To provide structural details that make it easier for firefighters to visualize the structure

For future reference

For classroom study

TS 19–18

TYPES OF DRAWINGS Field sketch — Rough sketch done in the field

Report drawing — Detailed, standardized, drawing, drawn to scale

Plot plan — Details exterior of facility and shows how building is situated in respect to other buildings, streets, and topographical features of site

Floor plan — Details layout of individual floors and roof

Elevation drawing — Shows number of floors in building and grade of surrounding ground or shows a vertical view of some construction feature

TS 19–19

VS 19–5

PLOT PLAN

WalkPorch

PropertyLine

100’

5’

House

20’

Drive

6”

Garage20’ x 20’

6”

10’

50’

VS 19–6

FLOOR PLAN

Office

Office

OfficeSupplies

SalesDesk

DisplayFloor

Sprinklered

OpenCounter

“Engine 14”

Glass Front

8-inch water main

Double hydrantstatic = 59residual = 49pitot = 26CD = 0

Ace Office Machines19201 Mission StreetDecember 11, 1997

18feet

30feet

20feet

12feet

12feet

30feet

20feet

N

Par

kin

g L

ot

12feet

5feet

14 feet

10 feetRR

VS 19–7

ELEVATION DRAWING

A E-W BUILDING SECTION (LOOKING NORTH)

SCALE: 1/8” – 1-0’ REF: A = A

ENTRY ENTRY ENTRY

SLOPE SLOPE

SCREEN – REF: H-A3

SURVEY PHOTOGRAPHS

Use for general overview

Use to capture detail

Use for elevated views

Use to show more than one angle

Use interior and close-up photographs as aids in preparing survey drawings

TS 19–20

REASONS FOR STANDARD PLAN SYMBOLS & ABBREVIATIONS

Providing plan developer with a shorthand method of providing information quickly and clearly

Saving time and space

TS 19–21

USING STANDARD PLAN SYMBOLS & ABBREVIATIONS

They should be standardized and neither complicated nor unique to the plan developer.

They should include a legend or key that explains symbols used in the drawing.

When there is no standard symbol for an item, the plan developer should use a circled numeral and explain its meaning in the legend.

All the features on a plan should be clear, standardized, and easily understood by all personnel who will use it in the event of a fire or emergency.

TS 19–22

OBJECTIVES OF THEEXIT INTERVIEW

Maintaining cooperative relationship

Reinforcing survey’s importance

Encouraging good practices

Expressing gratitude for assistance and cooperation

Explaining survey’s benefits to community

Answering owner/occupant’s questions

TS 19–23

Homework

Identify as either an Interpersonal Skill “A” or a Technical Skill “B”66. Professionalism (including a neat appearance)67. Understanding of building construction68. Knowledge of fire and life safety requirements69. Communication (to express ideas in speech and writing) 70. Mitigation (to reduce negative situations and emotions in others)71. Ability to recognize common and special fire hazards72. Understanding of building utilities and energy systems73. Understanding of building utilities and energy systems74. Knowledge of the operation and limitations of fire protection

appliances and systems75. Skills needed to translate survey information (including sketches

and notes) into written reports and plans76. Knowledge of the operation and limitations of fire protection

appliances and systems77. Skills needed to translate survey information (including sketches

and notes) into written reports and plans

Homework

IDENTIFY FIRE SAFETY SURVEY EQUIPMENT FOR AT THE FIRE STATION “A” OR THE SURVEY SITE “B”

78. Coveralls for crawling into attics and concealed spaces79. Reference books80. Safety glasses, hard hat, gloves81. Approved respirator when airborne particles exist82. Survey reports and forms83. Survey file, preferably on a computer database Code and inspection

manuals84. Drawing scales, rulers, and materials85. Clipboard, survey forms, grid or engineering paper, and standard plan

symbols86. Pen or pencil87. 50-foot (15 m) tape measure88. Flashlight89. Camera equipped with flash attachment90. Adequate records91. Drawing board92. Pitot tube and gauges when water flow tests are required

Documents

Fire Prevention and Public Education FVCC FIRE RESCUE