0. Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition
Chapter 20 — Fire Prevention and Public Education
Firefighter II

1. Chapter 20 Lesson Goal
After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to give fire prevention and public education presentations following the policies and procedures set forth by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Firefighter II

2. Specific Objectives 1. Describe a survey and an inspection.
2. Discuss the fire prevention activities of reviewing community data and code enforcement.
3. Summarize common fuel and heat-source hazards.
(Continued)
Firefighter II

3. Specific Objectives
4. Discuss common fire hazards and why they increase the likelihood of a fire.
5. Summarize special fire hazards in commercial, manufacturing, and public-assembly occupancies.
6. Summarize target hazard properties.
(Continued)
Firefighter II

4. Specific Objectives
7. Discuss personal requirements and equipment requirements for conducting inspections.
8. Discuss scheduling and conducting fire inspections.
9. Discuss the benefits of preincident planning surveys.
(Continued)
Firefighter II

5. Specific Objectives
10. Explain how a preincident planning survey is conducted.
11. Explain the purpose of a residential fire safety survey.
12. Summarize guidelines for conducting residential fire safety surveys.
(Continued)
Firefighter II

6. Specific Objectives 13. Summarize common causes of residential fires.
14. Summarize items to address when conducting residential fire safety surveys.
(Continued)
Firefighter II

7. Specific Objectives
15. Discuss general considerations for the preparation and delivery of fire and life safety information.
16. Discuss presenting fire and life safety education for adults.
17. Discuss presenting fire and life-safety information for young children.
(Continued)
Firefighter II

8. Specific Objectives
18. Discuss fire and life-safety presentation topics.
19. Discuss fire station tours.
20. Prepare a preincident survey. (Skill Sheet 20-II-1)
(Continued)
Firefighter II

9. Specific Objectives
21. Conduct a residential fire safety survey. (Skill Sheet 20-II-2)
22. Make a fire and life safety presentation. (Skill Sheet 20-II-3)
23. Conduct a fire station tour. (Skill Sheet 20-II-4)
Firefighter II

10. Surveys Used to gather/impart information
Used to gather information for preincident planning
If conducted while buildings are under construction, helpful in identifying certain characteristics
(Continued)
Firefighter II

11. Surveys
Help to familiarize firefighters with contents, manufacturing processes, layouts of buildings
What a survey includes
Voluntary residential life safety surveys
Firefighter II

12. Inspections
May be made by fire inspectors or company officers and crews
Usually include enforcement of most common code requirements
May uncover more serious code violations
Firefighter II

13. Fire Incident Records
Contain critical information about fire history of community
Can be helpful with fire prevention efforts
Firefighter II

14. Code Enforcement Inspections
Conducted in commercial, institutional, industrial occupancies
Ensure citizens have safe physical environment in which to work, study, worship, play
(Continued)
Firefighter II

15. Code Enforcement Inspections
May be conducted by fire inspectors with special training in code requirements for various types of occupancies or by fire company personnel
Should document any unsafe conditions that are found
Firefighter II

16. Fire Hazard
Condition increasing likelihood of fire starting or increasing the extent/severity of a fire if one did start
(Continued)
Firefighter II

17. Fire Hazard
Can be prevented by eliminating one element of fire tetrahedron
Considerations of eliminating elements
Firefighter II

18. Fuel Hazards Ordinary combustibles Flammable, combustible gases
Flammable, combustible liquids
Chemicals
(Continued)
Firefighter II

19. Fuel Hazards Dusts Metals Plastics, resins, and cellulose
Firefighter II

20. Heat Source Hazards Chemical heat energy Electrical heat energy
Mechanical heat energy
Nuclear heat energy
Firefighter II

21. Common Fire Hazard
A condition prevalent in almost all occupancies that increases likelihood of fire starting
Firefighter II

22. Be Alert to Common Hazards
Obstructed electrical panels
Poor housekeeping, improper storage of combustible materials
Defective or improperly used heating, lighting, power equipment
(Continued)
Firefighter II

23. Be Alert to Common Hazards
Improper disposal of floor-cleaning compounds
Misuse of fumigation substances and flammable or combustible liquids
Firefighter II

24. Increasing Likelihood of Fire
Poor housekeeping
Improperly functioning components can provide ignition source for nearby combustibles
Sheer fabrics being draped over lamps as a decoration
(Continued)
Firefighter II

25. Increasing Likelihood of Fire
Floor cleaning compounds, fumigating substances, and other flammable and combustible liquids — If improperly used and stored, can provide volatile fuel source
Personal fire hazards
Firefighter II

26. Special Fire Hazards in Commercial Occupancies
Lack of automatic sprinklers/other relevant fixed fire protection systems
Change of occupancy exceeding use for which permits issued
Display/storage of large quantities of combustible products
(Continued)
Firefighter II

27. Special Fire Hazards in Commercial Occupancies
Mixed varieties of contents
Difficulties in entering occupancies during closed periods
Illegal building additions
Illegal storage
(Continued)
Firefighter II

28. Special Fire Hazards in Commercial Occupancies
Storage aisles incorrect distance apart
Fire department connection obstructed
Storage obstructing sprinklers
Existence of party walls, common attics, cocklofts, other open voids in multiple occupancies
Firefighter II

29. Special Fire Hazards in Manufacturing Occupancies
High-hazard processes using volatile substances, oxidizers, extreme temperatures
Flammable liquids in dip tanks, ovens, and dryers in addition to those used in mixing, coating, spraying, degreasing processes
Firefighter II

30. Special Fire Hazards in Manufacturing Occupancies
High-piled storage of combustible materials
Operation of vehicles, fork trucks, other trucks inside buildings
(Continued)
Firefighter II

31. Special Fire Hazards in Manufacturing Occupancies
Large, open areas
Large-scale use of flammable, combustible gases
Lack of automatic sprinklers/other fixed fire protection systems
Firefighter II

32. Special Fire Hazards in Public-Assembly Occupancies
Lack of automatic sprinklers, detection systems, fire notification systems
Large numbers of people present
Insufficient, obstructed, locked exits
(Continued)
Firefighter II

33. Special Fire Hazards in Public-Assembly Occupancies
Materials stored in paths of egress
Highly combustible interior finishes
Inadequate/inoperative fire extinguishers
Inadequate/inoperative exit lighting
Firefighter II

34. Target Hazard Properties
Any structure in which there is greater-than-normal potential for loss of life/property from fire
Should receive special attention during surveys
Firefighter II

35. Target Hazard Examples
Lumberyards
Bulk oil storage facilities
Shopping malls
Hospitals
Theaters
(Continued)
Firefighter II

36. Target Hazard Examples
Nursing homes
Rows of frame tenements
Schools
High-rise hotels/condominiums
Large public assemblies – concert halls, stadiums, etc.
Firefighter II

37. Fire Inspection Requirements
Every firefighter engaged in fire prevention efforts must be capable of meeting with property owners/occupants
Firefighters who are technically competent can provide valuable service to the public
(Continued)
Firefighter II

38. Fire Inspection Requirements
Especially important that firefighters convey only technically accurate information during inspections
Firefighter’s ability to conduct inspections competently will improve with study, experience, and on-the-job training
Firefighter II

39. Personal Requirements
Firefighters should be well-informed about fire and life safety issues
Firefighters should present a well-groomed, neat appearance
Uniforms should be clean and in good condition
Firefighter II

40. Equipment Requirements
Research on occupancies
Writing equipment
Drawing equipment
Other equipment
Firefighter II

41. Scheduling Fire Inspections
During normal business hours
Some scheduled by contacting business owner ahead of time
(Continued)
Firefighter II

42. Scheduling Fire Inspections
Scheduling allows inspections to be conducted at least disruptive time
Other inspections conducted systematically; no scheduling
Firefighter II

43. Conducting Fire Inspections
Firefighter conduct
Enter premises at main entrance, contact the individual with whom inspection scheduled
(Continued)
Firefighter II

44. Conducting Fire Inspections
Introduce team, briefly review inspection process, answer any questions occupant may have
(Continued)
Firefighter II

45. Conducting Fire Inspections
Occupant or a representative should accompany the inspection team
Inspection team should ask that all locked rooms or closets be opened for inspection
Most start from outside
(Continued)
Firefighter II

46. Conducting Fire Inspections
Survey team moves to interior
Regardless of the type of occupancy, specific code requirements that apply, each item inspected should be explained to person accompanying inspection team
(Continued)
Firefighter II

47. Conducting Fire Inspections
If one or more code violations are found, plan of correction must be agreed upon between inspection team and occupant
(Continued)
Firefighter II

48. Conducting Fire Inspections
Form and content of plan of correction should be clearly defined in departmental SOPs covering inspection process
(Continued)
Firefighter II

49. Conducting Fire Inspections
In most departments, occupant or representative required to sign inspection form
Inspection team leader should thank occupant for cooperating
Firefighter II

50. Preincident Planning Surveys
Allow firefighters to gather information about conditions that might affect future emergency operations in a building
Allow firefighters to develop plans that minimize a building’s deficiencies, maximize strengths
(Continued)
Firefighter II

51. Preincident Planning Surveys
Residential fire safety surveys
Firefighters need a number of personal, technical skills to conduct fire safety surveys properly
Firefighter II

52. Benefits of Preincident Planning Surveys
Allow firefighters to gather information about the structure under ideal conditions
Can provide firefighters with critical information that might not be available during active fire
(Continued)
Firefighter II

53. Benefits of Preincident Planning Surveys
Allow firefighters to become aware of building components
Can greatly improve emergency operations, substantially improve firefighter, citizen safety
(Continued)
Firefighter II

54. Benefits of Preincident Planning Surveys
Include maps, drawings, photographs, written notes that may help firefighters
Firefighter II

55. Fuel Loads
Bulk of fuel available to burn and generally refers to the contents of a building
Major fuel sources
(Continued)
Firefighter II

56. Fuel Loads Knowing combustibles in a building
Imperative that this information be gathered during preincident surveys
Firefighter II

57. Conducting Preincident Planning Survey Outside Building
Make general observations, complete preliminary notes, take photographs
Note locations
Make notations of construction attributes, other information
Check address/accessibility issues
Firefighter II

58. Conducting Preincident Surveys Inside Building
When survey of exterior is completed, go directly to roof or basement and proceed with systematic survey
If floor plan drawings are not available from building owner, firefighters create
(Continued)
Firefighter II

59. Conducting Preincident Surveys Inside Building
To conduct a thorough survey, firefighters must take enough time to make notes, take photographs of observed hazards, unsafe conditions
Drawings of interior layout, high-hazard areas, egress routes, important features should be made
(Continued)
Firefighter II

60. Conducting Preincident Surveys Inside Building
Complete set of notes, photographs, well-prepared drawings of the building
Large or complex buildings
(Continued)
Firefighter II

61. Conducting Preincident Surveys Inside Building
If a floor plan used on a previous survey is available, make sure to record any changes made, update floor plan drawings accordingly
Firefighter II

62. Making Maps and Drawings
Large occupancies, complexes may already have maps
For buildings where existing maps are unavailable or outdated, firefighters should include simple plot plan drawing
(Continued)
Firefighter II

63. Making Maps and Drawings
In many cases, drawings are the most important product of survey
Data should be recorded by using common plan symbols as often as possible
(Continued)
Firefighter II

64. Making Maps and Drawings
Use of computerized Geographic Information System (GIS) or other electronic mapping programs can save hours, should be used where available
(Continued)
Firefighter II

65. Making Maps and Drawings
Components included in maps and drawings
Sectional elevation drawing of a structure may be needed to show elevation changes, mezzanines, balconies, other structural features
Firefighter II

66. Photographs
Can show important details that even accurate drawings cannot
Can quickly/easily record tremendous amount of information
(Continued)
Firefighter II

67. Photographs May include interior, close-up photographs Video
Firefighter II

68. Residential Fire Safety Surveys
Can only be conducted on a voluntary basis
Require great deal of advanced planning and publicity
Main objectives
(Continued)
Firefighter II

69. Residential Fire Safety Surveys
Provide other benefits in addition to reducing loss of life and property
Increase fire awareness, interest in public education efforts
(Continued)
Firefighter II

70. Residential Fire Safety Surveys
May be the best time for firefighters to distribute literature, promote programs
May include special cards or slips
Provide firefighters with valuable information
Firefighter II

71. Residential Fire Safety Survey Guidelines
Conduct surveys in teams of two
Dress and act professionally
Introduce team, provide proper identification
Explain survey procedure
(Continued)
Firefighter II

72. Residential Fire Safety Survey Guidelines
Maintain courteous, businesslike attitude
Focus on preventing fires, eliminating threats to life safety
Compliment occupants when favorable conditions found
(Continued)
Firefighter II

73. Residential Fire Safety Survey Guidelines
Offer constructive suggestions for correcting/eliminating hazardous conditions
Survey all rooms
Discuss survey results with owner/occupant, answer any questions
(Continued)
Firefighter II

74. Residential Fire Safety Survey Guidelines
Thank owners or occupants for invitation into their homes
Keep survey confidential
If no one home, leave appropriate materials between storm door and front door or partially beneath doormat
Firefighter II

75. Common Residential Fire Causes
Malfunctioning heating appliances and water heaters
Combustibles too close to heating appliances or lamps
Unsafe cooking procedures
Smoking materials
(Continued)
Firefighter II

76. Common Residential Fire Causes
Overloaded extension cords and multiple-outlet devices
Exposed electrical wiring
Defective electrical appliances
(Continued)
Firefighter II

77. Common Residential Fire Causes
Improper use of combustible or flammable liquids
Poor housekeeping
Untended candles
Firefighter II

78. Address During Interior Surveys
Combustible materials
Appliances
Electrical wiring/equipment
Portable heating units
Woodstoves/fireplaces
Heating fuel
(Continued)
Firefighter II

79. Address During Interior Surveys
General housekeeping practices
Smoke alarms
Electrical distribution panels
Gas appliances
Oil-burning units
Furnaces
(Continued)
Firefighter II

80. Address During Interior Surveys
Water heaters
Shop/work rooms
Accumulated waste
Flammable liquids
Firefighter II

81. Address During Exterior Surveys
Roof
Chimneys/spark arrestors
Yard/porch areas
Barbecues and fuel
(Continued)
Firefighter II

82. Address During Exterior Surveys
Outside waste burners
Garages, sheds, barns, outbuildings
Flammable liquids/gases
Lightning protection
Security devices
Power lines
Firefighter II

83. Home Safety Issues Maintaining clear/unobstructed exit pathways
Safety concerning water
Firefighter II

84. Fire and Life Safety Messages Must Be
Accurate
Positive
Targeted to specific audience
Firefighter II

85. Accurate Messages Conveying wrong information can be deadly
Sources available to assist in verifying accuracy of content
Firefighter II

86. Positive Messages Adults want to know what to do without being scared
Positive messages more likely to be remembered during emergency
Firefighter II

87. Targeted Messages
Fire, life safety educational messages can be based on variety of issues
Audiences may vary
Knowing audience helps prepare needs-specific presentation
Firefighter II

88. Presenting Fire, Life Safety Education for Adults
“Teachable moments”
Basic four-step method of instruction
Firefighter II

89. Basic Four-Step Method of Instruction
Preparation
Presentation
Application
Evaluation
Firefighter II

90. Presenting Fire, Life Safety Information to Young Children
Children often interpret literally
Children have limited attention spans
Remain flexible when presenting information
(Continued)
Firefighter II

91. Presenting Fire, Life Safety Information to Young Children
When in a classroom, decide with the teacher ahead of time how questions will be handled
Get down to the children’s eye level
Ask a misbehaving child for help to provide redirection
(Continued)
Firefighter II

92. Presenting Fire, Life Safety Information to Young Children
DO NOT scare children!
Remember that firefighters in protective clothing and breathing apparatus can be very frightening to children
(Continued)
Firefighter II

93. Presenting Fire, Life Safety Information to Young Children
Children learn by doing, not by listening
Home fire safety concepts are complicated, so messages for young children must communicate basic simple concepts
Firefighter II

94. Stop, Drop, and Roll Do more than simply inform of actions
Point out if someone’s clothes catch on fire, bystander may need to assist them
Firefighter II

95. Home Safety
Promote home escape plans, Exit Drills in the Home program, similar efforts
Communicate fire, life safety rules to residential occupants
Firefighter II

96. Candles Open flame that can ignite nearby combustibles
Accounted for 4 percent of all reported residential fires in 2004
Safety messages
Firefighter II

97. Smoke Alarms May be battery-operated
May be part of security alarm system hardwired, monitored by central alarm, reporting station
(Continued)
Firefighter II

98. Smoke Alarms Location Maintenance, testing Carbon monoxide detectors
Firefighter II

99. Fire Station Tours
May be spur-of-the-moment visits from people who walk in off the street or scheduled visits
Common during Fire Prevention Week
More than just an opportunity to enhance department’s public image
Firefighter II

100. Procedures During Station Tours
Firefighters should be dressed appropriately
Firefighters should conduct themselves with courtesy, professionalism
(Continued)
Firefighter II

101. Procedures During Station Tours
All television sets should be turned off, other activities should be as positive as possible
Firefighters should answer all questions courteously, to best of their ability
(Continued)
Firefighter II

102. Procedures During Station Tours
While some departments allow visitors to climb on apparatus or don equipment items, many others do not
Do not allow children to wear helmets
Visitors should never be allowed to roam around fire station unescorted
(Continued)
Firefighter II

103. Procedures During Station Tours
Special care should be taken to protect curious children, other individuals around shop areas or slide poles
All groups should be kept together
(Continued)
Firefighter II

104. Procedures During Station Tours
Equipment, apparatus should be demonstrated with appropriate caution to ensure no one endangered
(Continued)
Firefighter II

105. Procedures During Station Tours
Appropriate caution should be exercised when blowing sirens in presence of children because decibels produced can be harmful to their hearing
(Continued)
Firefighter II

106. Procedures During Station Tours
Remember that station mascots (dogs, cats, etc.) can be potential safety and liability hazards
Firefighter II

107. Summary
Inspections are sometimes conducted by fire inspectors, but are often conducted by company officers and their crews.
(Continued)
Firefighter II

108. Summary
Public education is the process of teaching members of the public how they can protect themselves from fires and other contingencies.
(Continued)
Firefighter II

109. Summary
Recognizing that the most conscientious code enforcement and public education efforts will not eliminate all uncontrolled fires, fire departments must prepare to suppress those fires that do start.
Firefighter II

110. Review Questions
1. What is the difference between a survey and an inspection?
2. List four common fire hazards.
3. List five items that should be identified in an inspection.
(Continued)
Firefighter II

111. Review Questions
4. What items should firefighters check in a preincident planning survey?
5. What are the main objectives of a residential fire safety survey?
(Continued)
Firefighter II

112. Review Questions
6. What are five questions that firefighters should ask themselves when conducting interior and exterior residential fire safety surveys?
7. What are the steps in presenting fire and life safety information?
(Continued)
Firefighter II

113. Review Questions
8. What are some important characteristics and needs of children when presenting fire and life safety information?
9. List common topics for fire and life safety presentations.
10. What precautions should be taken when giving fire station tours?
Firefighter II