From Sore to Soar

Fire Resources

“The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire” - unknown

The combustion of fuel & oxygen that produces bright light, heat, smoke, & burning. National disaster or man made fires can cause structural damage, building collapse, losses, pollutants, and hazards. Be aware- Irrational judgment occurs when oxygen levels fall. At 12 percent headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue occur; At 9 percent respiratory or cardiac arrest can occur and at 6 percent cardiac arrest and death occur.

Fire design & fire ratings should be evaluated. Citizens should plan and practice emergency plans as well as complete routine house inspections, build emergency kits, give blood, and purchase insurance (The American Red Cross, 2003; Venkatesh et al. 2020)

Lifelines, Helplines & Hotlines

FOUR-PART FRAMEWORK TO IMPROVE FIRE SAFETY (Venkathesh et al., 2020)

  1. Fire protection features: includes illuminated paths, unobstructed exits, evacuation plan, defend in-place measures, fire protection symptoms, fire suppression symptoms, reduced

  2. Regulation and Enforcement: enforce regulations with codes, standards, and annual inspections. classify buildings as critical, high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk and continuously monitor them. Label areas more prone to fire, ensure fire loads are below permissible limits, test equipment and add fines and penalties for non-compliance

  3. Technology: improve fire protection features in buildings, evaluate fire resistance for toxicity, combustibility, and strength of degradation, consider materials such as thermal insulation materials and ultra-high performance concrete, advocate for firefighting resources, active fire manes, functional fire extinguishers, response time, and emergency preparedness, strategically plan fire houses locations based on traffic conditions or water sources and develop cost-effective fire suppression materials

  4. Common Civic Sense: reduce panic by practicing fire safety awareness, practice rapid evacuation plans, knowing what to do in a fire when a fire results from cooking heating, electrical malfunction, carelessness, open flame, and arsons, enhance public awareness such as active fire alarms, right away to firefighters and make informed decisions, Build an emergency get, complete inspections

After: American Red Cross (2003)

  1. Call 911 using a cell phone or a neighbor’s home.

  2. Remain calm, stay positive, and accept help

  3. Get clearance before reentering the fire-stricken building Think about gas lines, structural damage, embers, wild animals, unsafe food, appliances, and locks. Take photos of damages for insurance claims and keep receipts for additional expenses

  4. Return to a routine, drink water, get rest, and avoid triggers.

  5. Take care of pets, allowing them to play safely

  6. Replace vital documents including driver’s licenses, government-issued ID cards, insurance policies, and military paperwork. passports, birth, death, or marriage certificates, social security cards, credit cards, deeds, stocks and bonds, wills, tax records, citizenship papers, mortgage papers, restore photographs, and heirloom pieces

  7. Plan for after-fire effects, like mold. Use TSP or Tri-sodium phosphate products to reduce orders. Use bleach when cleaning or pure vanilla extract with normal laundry detergent. Add lemon or salt to vinegar when cleaning kitchen utensils. Clean leather goods with saddle soap and dry them in the sun. Prep wallpaper and paint by contacting a paint store. Rebuild and reinstall sprinkler systems and smoke alarms

Supportive Advosources

  • American Red Cross

    • Website: https://www.redcross.org

    • Description: delivers vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies.

  • * Fire Help Services

  • * The September 26 Project:

    • Website: https://www.september26.org

    • Description: The annual emergency preparedness checkup for autism and special needs families in honor of Feda and Muhammad Almaliti.

References

  • American Red Cross (2003). Picking up the pieces after a fire: important steps for your safe and speedy recovery. American Red Cross Disaster Services. Retrieved from www.redcross.org.

  • Venkatesh, K., Kumar, P., Rafi, M.M., (2020). Fire hazards in building: review, assessment, and strategies for improving fire safety. PSU Research Review. 4:1. Emerald Publishing Limited