Valley Center Fire Protection District

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

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.

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.