Fire Prevention Education


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Be Prepared What to do in case of a fire Do your part to prevent fires Request a Fire Education Event

Be Prepared

What to do in case of a fire

In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.

If there is a fire in your home or building you should leave immediately. Do not waste any time saving property.

  • Check closed doors for heat before you open them by using the back of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and the crack between the door and door frame before you open it. Never use the palm of your hand or fingers to test for heat - burning those areas could impair your ability to escape a fire (i.e., ladders and crawling).
  • Do not open a hot door. Escape through a window. If you cannot escape, hang a white or light-colored sheet outside the window to alert firefighters to your presence.
  • If the door feels cool, brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route such as a window. If clear, leave immediately through the door and close it behind you.
  • Crawl low under any smoke to your exit - heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. The air is clearer and cooler near the floor.
  • Keep your mouth covered. The toxic gases from the smoke can disorient you.
  • If your clothes catch on fire, you should stop, drop, and roll - until the fire is extinguished. Running only makes the fire burn faster.
  • Close doors behind you as you escape to delay the spread of the fire.
  • If you are trapped in a burning building, stay near a window and close to the floor and, if possible, signal for help.
  • Stay out once you are safely out. Do not reenter.
  • Call 9-1-1 when you are safely out.

Do your part to prevent fires

There is a lot you can do to help prevent fires. Many everyday things can cause fires. Select the activity below to learn how to prevent fires.

Safety in the home:

Safety outdoors:

Request a Fire Education Event

Two boys checking out a firefighter with his mask on and a EMT

From left to right: Hudson and Parker Prentice check out firefighter's mask during a follow up visit to the fire station.

The Raleigh Fire Department offers fire station tours, fire truck visits, school educational presentations, and participation in community outreach events. The education division also offers classes and other outreach efforts for businesses, residents, and targeted high-risk communities.

For additional kid-friendly information including videos, music, brain busters, and more, learn from Sparky the Fire Dog by the National Fire Prevention Association.

Contact

 

Address
Raleigh Fire Department
310 West Martin Street
Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27601

If your call is an actual emergency, please call 9-1-1

Office of the Fire Marshal
fireprevention@raleighnc.gov
919-996-6392

Fire Administration
fireprevention@raleighnc.gov
919-996-6115

Herbert Griffin, Fire Chief
Office of the Fire Chief

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Service Categories:
Office of the Fire MarshalFire Education

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