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Emergency Preparedness

In an emergency time is critical. For the best chance of controlling a house fire there needs to be early detection, quick activation of the emergency response system, rapid response of emergency responders, and adequate resources.

Early Detection: Detectors; smoke, heat and CO2; can provide home owner with early warning of a fire or hazardous conditions in a home.
Quick activation of the emergency response system: In an emergency a remotely monitored alarm system alerts the alarm monitoring service which then contacts the appropriate authorities.
Rapid response of emergency responders: Having street signs, house numbers and well maintained and adequate roads enable emergency responder to get to you as quickly as possible.
- House Numbers:Visible house numbers can mean the difference between life and death. Vital minutes can be wasted trying to locate homes that fail to properly display house numbers. Make sure the address on your home is clearly visible from the street, marked with the correct address and has readable numbers.
- Street Signs: Street signs are present, free from obstruction and easily readable.
- Roadways: Roads are well maintained, clear of obstructions and accessible to emergency apparatus.
Adequate Resources: A well trained and equipped fire department and the easy availability of adequate water is essential to fire fighting.

Fires pose a serious risk to families. Everyone should be protected against the possibility of death, injury, and property loss resulting from fire in their residences. In order to be protected against serious injury from home fire, all homes should be equipped with a total system of safety: early warning (smoke alarms), suppression (automatic fire sprinklers) and prompt evacuation (families should prepare and practice emergency escape plans) Help protect your family and property by implementing some or all of the following.

Smoke Detectors: The majority of home fire fatalities occur at night when the people are sleeping. Most victims die from smoke inhalation and toxic fumes long before the fire reaches them. People think that they will be awaken by the smell of smoke, but all to often this is not the case . The smoke and fumes from a fire actually puts them into a deeper sleep. It is a documented fact that smoke detectors can save lives. It is important to test smoke detectors on a regular basis for proper function and check the batteries in battery powered smoke detectors every 6 months and replace once a year. It has been estimated that one third of all residential smoke detectors in the United States don’t function properly.

Escape Plans: Implement and rehearse an escape plan
One of the keys to surviving a house fire and not become a casualty is having a plan to get out. During a fire, every second counts. An escape plan helps you and your family get out of your home quickly. In less than a minute a small flame can turn into a major fire. In minutes a house can fill with thick black smokes and become engulfed in flames. Every family should have an escape plan. The escape plan must be second nature, during a fire is not the time to learn you’re escape plan. Practice your plan every six months.
Residential Fire Sprinklers: Consider installing home sprinkler systems.
- Residential fire sprinklers have proven to be economical, reliable and the best way to protect your family and home from the dangers of fire. Among the many advantages for home owners are a safer home for the family, protection from the loss of their home and irreplaceable possessions and lower insurance rates. There are many myths about residential sprinkler systems. For information about residential sprinkler systems check out the US Fire Administration website or one of the websites listed on the links page.
Hydrants: If you live in a community with a water system, Talk to the water system authorities about installing pressurized hydrants.

Fire Extinquishers

Fire Extinguishers should only be used on small fires. Extinguishers should be operated by an adult and then only if they know how to use them. Locate extinguishers in a place where they can be found easily and quickly.

When to use an extinguisher
Fire extinguishers aren’t designed to do the job of firefighters. If a fire is to big, too hot or starting to spread get out of the house and call the fire department.

Only use a fire extinguisher if:

You’re and adult
You know how to operate it
You are certain it’s in working order
It can be accessed easily and quickly
You have a clear escape route
The extinguisher class matches the class of fire you are fighting
The extinguisher is large enough to handle the fire (a typical extinguisher only lasts 10 seconds)

How to use them
If someone else is present have them call the fire department. Remember the acronym Pass. Pass stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Pull the pin - Hold extinguisher upright and pull the pin. The pin unlocks the handle and allows you to discharge the extinguisher
Aim at the base of the fire - Start back 10 feet and point the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire, not the flames. Spraying the top of the flames won’t do any good — In order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel
Squeeze the lever slowly - Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever. Releasing the handle will stop the discharge.
Sweep the base of the fire from side to side - Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and using a sweeping motion move the stream from one side of the fire to the other, carefully move toward the fire once it starts to diminish. Continue to sweep from side to side until fire is out. Remember to keep stream pointed at the base of the fire, not at the flames.

Once a fire is out, don’t walk away. Watch the area for several minute the fire may re-ignite. If it re-ignites repeat the process. Have the fire extinguisher recharged immediately after use.

If a fire starts to get out of control, or the extinguisher runs out before the fire is out. Get out of the house and call the fire department.

Cashiers Glenville Volunteer Fire Department

Serving the Commuity Since 1967

Emergency Preparedness

Fire Extinquishers

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National Fire Protection Association