Fire Code & Public Education

FIRE CODE

Codes are simply rules and regulations that are adopted to provide some sort of standard for safety in a building. They can be adopted by a state, province, or even the local municipality. There is usually a large number of them to cover a wide range of standardization. Between the fire code, building code, electrical code, plumbing code, and a few others, conflicts can arise. That is why most municipalities streamline each set of codes to coincide with the other to prevent confusion or misinterpretation. The NFPA also has their own set of codes (National Fire Codes) to address fire and safety issues, which are usually at least partially incorporated into local code.

Unfortunately, just putting rules in a book doesn't mean anyone will follow them. Jurisdictions have to actually enforce the code. The penalties for violating building and fire codes start small- usually just a written warning- and continue to escalate until the problem is fixed. Once in a while jail sentences are imposed for serious violations, but typically it'll be a monetary penalty. Usually the fire marshall or fire inspectors handle this side of fire prevention.

Determining the cause of every fire possible can help prevent similar fires from occurring. Whether it's catching an arsonist or finding a faulty product (say 40 fires were caused by the same make and model of bedside lamp), it will always make progress toward fire prevention.

PUBLIC FIRE EDUCATION

Public education programs are designed to help people understand how to prevent fires from occurring, and teach them how to handle a situation correctly if a fire does happen. "Stop Drop and Roll", for example.

Station Tours are a great way to help people learn how the fire department operates. Every station does its tour differently, but make sure that it is focused toward the group. 5 year olds might want a coloring book, but an adult will probably prefer to check out the engine (unless you're like me- I love coloring books). If you can get kids involved somehow with their hands, the impression will last a lot longer. Always, always, always give them something to walk away with. Toys for the kids, or fire prevention checklists for the adults.