Preventing Fires in Urban Areas
Urban residents may enjoy the conveniences of city life, but they also need to feel safe. Fire prevention is an important factor in having a good quality of life. Here are ways that fire departments work to prevent blazes from breaking out in crowded cities.
Identify and Reduce Risks
In busy urban areas, fire risks can easily abound without organized risk assessment and reduction.
- Identify risks—This aspect includes regular inspections and strict enforcement of fire safety codes, including the number of people allowed into buildings at one time and the presence—or absence—of clearly marked emergency exits.
- Reduce dangers—With so many people living closely together, education plays a big part of risk reduction. Fire professionals include young children and older students in blaze prevention programs.
When the community is aware of potential dangers and common conditions conducive to fires, residents can work alongside fire professionals to reduce fire risks so that all can live more safely.
Working Fire Hydrants
Even with the best efforts to reduce fire risks, accidents sometimes happen. When a fire breaks out, firefighting professionals must react quickly with expert knowledge. However, they also need the right tools to help them extinguish the flames. Cities can help with this aspect by conducting regular fire flow testing to ensure that firefighters have the water they need in emergency situations.
Reviews and Investigations
Firefighting professionals perform regular reviews of multiple relevant areas to determine whether they pose fire dangers.
- Private and public utility providers and infrastructure
- Building permits
- Land use and development
Should a blaze break out, a thorough investigation reveals the source of the blaze and helps professionals gain better understanding of the way fires behave. This step also paves the way for criminal charges in cases of arson.
Flame Smart
Strong fire prevention actions help urban residents, including the firefighters themselves, feel safer in their surroundings. Fire prevention takes ongoing effort. When everyone works together to reduce fire risks, guided by professionals, residents can breathe easier.