Know Your Surroundings

At El Cajon Fire we strongly believe there is a lot WE can do to prevent a tragedy - especially a fire.

At home, make sure candles and cooking food are NEVER left unattended. That all electrical items such as: coffee pots, toasters, can openers, electric blankets, curling irons, fans and heaters are all turned off - even unplugged. And it would be a good idea not to leave a home clothes washer or dryer running while no one is at home. Clean the lint tray of your dryer after every load. It doesn't take much to start a fire - but there are a lot of things we can do to prevent a fire.

But what can we do if we are away from home? Read over the following, especially with your family:

Re: The Rhode Island Nightclub Fire - Educational messages for public assembly buildings from the NFPA

"How you can avoid such a tragedy!"

*Before you enter

Have a communication plan...

Identify a relative or friend to contact in case of emergency should you become separated from family or friends.
Plan a meeting place.
Pick a meeting place outside to meet family or friends with whom you are attending the function. If there is an emergency, be sure to meet them there.

When you enter...

Locate exits immediately
When you enter a building you should look for all available exits. Some exits may be in front and some in back of you. Be prepared to use your closest exit. You may not be able to use the main exit. Whether it's a night club, concert hall, movie theater, church, conference, restaurant etc.

Check for clear exit paths

Make sure aisles are wide enough and not obstructed by chairs or furniture. Check to make sure your exit door is not blocked or chained. If there are not at least two exits, or, exit paths are blocked, report the violation to management and leave the building if it is not immediately addressed. Call the local fire marshal to register a complaint.

During an emergency...

React immediately
If an alarm sounds, you see smoke or fire, or other unusual disturbance immediately exit the building in an orderly fashion.

Get out, stay out!

*Once you have escaped, stay out. Let trained firefighters conduct rescue operations

Source: NFPA Public Education Division

Courtesy of the El Cajon Fire Safety Educator - Monica Zech
Safety Office - (619) 441-1615.