Fire Safety and Planning

Emergency Evacuation Guidance for Public Housing

Home fires can spread rapidly through buildings and can quickly engulf a residence, sometimes within minutes The amount of smoke and heat produced from these fires can be deadly, it is crucial to be proactive Housing Authorities should work closely with local/state fire officials to ensure that there is a viable evacuation plan in effect as well as fire safety training for residents and staff, conducted on a regular and recurring basis, at least once each year.

Residents, staff and the Fire Department should be aware of the evacuation plan in place through ongoing Fire Safety education programs Housing Authorities should confer with local/State Fire Officials to schedule recommended fire drills for their properties to test the effectiveness of evacuation plans, familiarizing everyone with the procedures that should address a variety of occupancy types and buildings as well as training on the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers Special procedures and training will need to be developed for buildings that house primarily elderly persons including those with mobility problems, disabled persons and or families with children.

Residents should also receive information and training on how to prevent fires and guidance on what to do before, during and after a fire Remember that every second counts, so it is crucial to be prepared Escape plans save lives It is recommended that a "Fire Safety Awareness Day" coinciding with National Fire Prevention Week be held annually.

For more information on emergency evacuation planning, please contact the NCHARRP Risk Control Consultant, Patrick O'Neal at 404.447.1474

North Carolina Forest Service Urges Outdoor Fire Safety as the Fall Approaches

As we transition into the fall, the Forest Service is reminding everyone to be proactive when burning fires outdoors Wildfires occur more frequently from October through early December Unattended outdoor fires can quickly become wildfires, threatening lives and property State officials say nearly 6 400 wildfires burned more than 24 000 acres in North Carolina last year and 99 of those wildfires were caused by humans

Please consider the following safety tips when burning an outdoor fire

• Check the weather and never burn on dry/windy days.
  
  
• Keep your fire small not tall.
  
  
• Be prepared to control a fire, you'll need a water hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.
  
  
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up burning.
  
  
• Douse burning charcoal thoroughly with water Drown all embers, not just red ones If you do not have water, mix enough dirt with the embers to extinguish the fire, being careful not to bury the fire Never dump hot ashes or coals into a wooded area.
  
  
• Never leave your fire Stay with it until it is completely extinguished.