SPRING FIRE SAFETY
Spring is here in San Diego. let's welcome the spring weather
with a new focus on things that we really have control over,
like our health, safety and welfare.
Over my years as a fire investigator, the words from the
victims of fire always ring
the same. " I can't believe this is happing to me,
It always happens some where else!
The truth be known that everyone will experience a fire
during their lifetime. How well you and your loved ones
survive is up to you and how well you are prepared.
THE BASICS OF FIRE SAFETY
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING:
Less
stuff may result in a smaller fire. Clean up combustible
storage and unneeded items from your house. Keep combustible
items away from heat sources like mops and brooms in the
water heater closet. Keep your home neat clean and clear.
In the event of a small fire, there is less chance it will
spread and you will be able to escape
quickly.
EARLY WARNING:
Get Smoke Detectors - Have Smoke Detectors - Lots of Smoke
Detectors. They are inexpensive and reliable. Install them
in your bedrooms and hallways and living rooms. Not in the
kitchen or near the bathroom (steam sets them off). Put
new batteries in them and test them. They will wake you
up in time to escape a fire while it is small.
PLAN AN ESCAPE:
Know how you will get out of your home should you wake up
to smoke and fire. Know a second way out in the event the
main door is blocked by heat and smoke. Practice your escape
with everyone in the household and pick a common meeting
place so that everyone knows that everyone is safe or still
trapped. In a fire, time is the enemy. Tell the arriving
firefighter if everyone is out or if they are trapped and
where!
There are many other ways to help prevent a fire, but these
basics will most often be the best and easiest to implement
and maintain.
George E. Lucia Sr.
Fire Marshal/Captain
Seen
someone throw a cigarette butt out the window? Do something
about it!
The
San Diego Surfrider chapter, along with "I Love a Clean
San Diego", the American Heart Association are working
with the Californian Highway Patrol (CHP) and San Diego Fire
Department to announce that the CHP is cracking down on smokers
who throw their butts out the car window while driving.
The
CHP joined the coalition efforts by setting up a hotline number
that people can call if they see cigarette butts being tossed
onto our streets and highways. After the phone call is received,
the CHP will send a warning letter to the alleged violator.
It's easy to participate.
1)
See someone throwing a cigarette butt out the window of their
car
2) Dial 1-800-NOSMOKE and read in the license plate
3) The CHP will send a warning letter to the alleged violator.
If
you live in San Diego, program that number into your phone
Making
plans ahead of time can often mean the difference between
tragedy and survival. And, while the VCFPD and other emergency
responders are dedicated to making your life safer, no one
agency or governmental entity can do everything that needs
to be done to protect you in all circumstances.
Good
planning includes having knowledge of your community, its
terrain, its roads, the best places to go or avoid in an emergency,
what media stations to turn to during a disaster for information,
and many other things.
Don't
delay. Start planning today!
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