Business Pre-Incident Planning Pre-Incident Planning is a recognized practice for Emergency Personnel to evaluate the protection, construction and operational features of businesses for increased awareness in times of emergencies at your location. CLICK HERE for more information.
Community Safety Pacific County Fire District 1 is active in our community in order to increase public awareness and fire safety.  One of the biggest and most important prevention activities involves our community's children.  The Fire District not only provides training in fire safety, but safety in other activities as well.  An example of this is the District's yearly Bike Rodeo offered to enhance the rider's ability to maneuver around obstacles.  At this event the District also offers pointers on how bike helmets should be fitted to ensure maximum protection.	Bike Safety Course
Fire Prevention Week	Yearly the Fire District goes into the schools during Fire Prevention Week (first week in October) and provides events to show students some of the jobs firefighters perform along with fire prevention education messages.

Pacific County Fire District 1 also partners with Pacific County Safety Task Force to offer instruction on the proper selection and placement of car seats.  The make and model of a vehicle are big factors in determining how and where to install a car seat.  Information regarding car seats can be received by calling the Fire District's office at 360-665-4451.

The Life Safety Project encompasses smoke detectors, reflective address signs, and lock boxes.  This project is funded by the Templin Foundation and gives the district a greater ability to educate the community and provide needed services to the community.

FIRE ESCAPE ROUTES

A fire escape route is an absolute must for every family to have and practice.  Nobody expects a fire. But it's very important to have a plan just in case there is one. Fire can happen anywhere: in your home, apartment or place of business.  In case of a fire, what you don't know can hurt you.  ESCAPE PLANS WILL DIFFER FOR EACH TYPE OF BUILDING! IT'S UP TO YOU TO PLAN THE PROPER ESCAPE FROM YOUR PARTICULAR BUILDING.

• Have a fire escape plan.
  Have a family meeting to discuss what to do if there is a fire. Practice your plan.
  
  
• Use approved window gates.
  Only use approved window gates. Do not use a padlock which will prevent your escape from a fire.
  
  
• Decide on a meeting place outside of the building.
  By deciding on a meeting place outside and away from the building, you will know if everyone has gotten out safely.
  
  
• Send the alarm.
  Dial 911 to report a fire. Use the local Fire Alarm Box.
  
  
• Walk quickly, Don't panic.
  Feel the door on your way out with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, do not open. Close door behind you to slow the spread of fire.
  
  
• Use the stairs.
  Don't use the elevator. It may stop and trap you. Try to place one hand in contact with the wall. This may prevent you from getting lost.
  
  
• Stay low and go.
  If there's smoke, escape by staying very low to the ground where air is cooler.
  
  
• Open window if trapped.
  Open window at top to let out heat and smoke; and at the bottom to breathe. If you cannot get out, wave a sheet out the window.
  
  
• Don't go back.
  Do not go back into a fire for anything! Your life is your MOST valuable possession.

 

BEACH FIRE/DUNE GRASS FIRE SAFETY

Landscaping Tips

• Remove weeds and keep grass cut.
• Any dead and piled up vegetation should be disposed of properly.
• If you have any firewood left over from the winter, stack it away from structures.
• Limit the use of flammable plants in your landscaping, contact your local home and garden center if you have questions about safe plants.
• Plants trees and shrubs with room to grow in sparse and separate areas, and choose trees that don't have too many branches. The distance from tree to house should always be greater than the height of the tree.
• Try not to use plants that develop dead undergrowth.
• Try not to place plants too close to structures and under overhangs or eaves.
• Provide adequate water to keep plants healthy and green.
• Keep sprinkler systems in good working order.
• Trim dead wood off of trees.

Home Maintenance Tips

• Trash and debris should be properly disposed of. Piles of trash, such as old home furnishings, boxes and even cars are potential fire hazards.
• Store flammable liquids properly.
• Always dispose of cigarettes carefully.
• Keep the roof clean and clear. If possible wash the roof on a regular basis.

Other Sources of Information
Check with your local library or garden center for availability of these published materials.

• Five Hot Tips for Homeowners on the Edge
  by Herbert McLean, in American Forest, vol. 99, no. 5-6, 1993
• Guide to Landscaping for Fire Safety, 2nd. Ed.,
  University of California, 1992
• Firescaping: Ways To keep Your House and Garden from Going up in Smoke
  by Joan Boulton in Horiculture, The Magazine of American Gardening, vol 69, no 8, 1991
• Protecting Residences from Wildfires: A Guide for Homeowners, Lawmakers, and Planners
  Technical Report No. 50, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1981