Building a Safer Community

Fire Safety Tips and Links

Fire prevention and education is the most life-saving activity that any fire department does. Remember, no one that ever had a fire expected it to happen to them. The three simple things you can do to be prepared for the unfortunate event of a fire in your home are:

1. Have a home escape plan. Discuss with your family exactly how you will get out if there is a fire in your home. Always have TWO ways out. Once you're out, STAY OUT.  Have a meeting place that your whole family knows. When we arrive, our first and most important priority is your safety and then your belongings. NEVER go back into a fire for ANYTHING.
2. Have working smoke detectors.  It's simple: Smoke detectors save lives. A fire can occur at any time. A lot of people still don't understand that when you go to sleep, all your senses are asleep. Many fire victims are found in bed, overcome by smoke long before the fire reaches them. A working smoke detector on every floor and in every bedroom increases your chances of survival exponentially. Remember to check your smoke detector regularly and replace the batteries per the manufacturer's recommendation. Most smoke detectors have a 10-year life, so if you can't remember when you put them in, they probably need to be replaced.

3. Sleep with your door closed. Again, smoke is the killer in a fire. It's silent and deadly. A closed door is your line of defense from the dangers of smoke and fire. The fire service has learned through numerous studies the importance of hindering air movement in a fire building. Simply put, fire follows the path of least resistance. An open door gives fire and smoke a place to go. A simple closed door increases survival times if you are trapped. PARENTS: CLOSE YOUR KID'S DOOR. We know it's hard. Our children are the most important things in our lives, and we know you want to keep them safe and be able to "hear them."

   The safest thing you can do for them is close their door while they're sleeping.

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Health and Wellness

The Oil City Fire Department offers training in first aid, CPR, and STOP THE BLEED. Contact us for more information.