References:

• Essentials Of Fire Fighting, 4th Edition, IFSTA
• Company Officer, 3rd Edition, IFTSA

Motivation: A quality pre-incident survey offers advance knowledge of important issues such as building construction, building layout, hazardous materials storage, fire alarm or fire suppression system capabilities, and special occupancy concerns.

Objective (SPO): The individual will demonstrate a basic understanding of pre-incident survey preparation techniques as well as an ability to use gathered information during simulated or actual emergency conditions.

Overview:

Compiling And Using A Pre-Incident Survey

• Benefits of a pre-incident survey
• Scheduling
• Components of the pre-incident survey
• Documenting information gathered
• Training and application

SPO 1-1	The individual will demonstrate a basic understanding of pre-incident survey preparation techniques as well as an ability to use gathered information during simulated or actual emergency conditions.
EO 1-1	List the benefits of a departmental pre-incident survey program.
EO 1-2	Describe the appropriate process by which a pre-incident survey is scheduled.
EO 1-3	Describe the organized approach to gathering information for a pre-incident survey and demonstrate the procedure used to produce the finished product.
EO 1-4	Demonstrate the use of a pre-incident survey in a tabletop drill.

I. Benefits of a Pre-Incident Survey

• Identifies target hazards
  • Lumberyards
  • Bulk fuel storage facilities
  • Shopping centers
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Apartment complexes
  • Schools
• Enhanced firefighter and public safety
• Firefighters receive valuable site-specific information
  • No more guesswork
  • Departmental limitations might be discovered
• Augments knowledge of the “first due” area

• No surprises – contact owner/occupant to schedule the appointment
• Should occur at the owner/occupant convenience, within reason
• Schedule during daylight hours is ideal
  • Ensures an accurate survey
  • Allows for adequate time to complete the tour
• May need to occur during an off peak time period
  • Weekends
  • Holidays

• Personal preparation
  • Appropriate grooming
  • Uniform
  • Neat appearance
  • Effective interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of fire protection issues
    • Building construction
    • Fire safety requirements
    • Life safety requirements
    • Utilities
    • Suppression and detection systems
• Interview with owner/occupant
  • Introductions
  • Request for representative to accompany touring members
  • Verification of pertinent information
    • Address
    • Owner/occupant contact information
  • Number/location of people during business hours
  • Handicapped
  • Normal hours building is occupied
  • Know special hazards
• Accessibility survey
  • Are all four sides accessible
  • Street/parking lot condition
  • Overhead wires
• Exterior survey
  • Construction
  • Dimensions
  • Exterior staircases/fire escapes
  • FD connections
  • Hydrant locations
  • Exposures
  • Knox box location
  • Exterior utility shut-offs
  • Any forcible entry problems or challenges
  • Ventilation points (horizontal and vertical)
    • Skylights
    • Vents
    • Scuttles
    • Windows
    • Doors
• Interior survey
  • Systematic
    • Top floor to basement
    • Basement to top floor
  • Document layout
  • Identify and record location of sprinkler components
  • Stairwells
  • Alarm system panels and resets
  • Electrical rooms or shut-offs
  • Water shut-offs
  • Gas shut-offs
  • Elevators and elevator room
  • Dumbwaiters or other vertical shafts
  • Other paths of potential vertical or horizontal fire spread
  • Functional vs. storage areas

• Use a standard form as provided by the AHJ
• Finished product should be computer generated
• Ask if the occupancy can provide detailed drawings to assist
  • Plot plan
  • Floor plan
• Neatly sketch or computer generate if none are available
• Consider using photographs to illustrate key issues
• Provide exterior elevation drawings

• Distribute copies of the completed pre-incident survey to all first alarm companies
• Provide a copy for the area’s command officer (if applicable)
• At routine intervals, schedule tabletop exercises
  • Conduct a drill where various members discuss new surveys
  • Invite mutual aid companies who may respond on initial alarms
  • Use appropriate AV equipment to display components of the survey
  • Ensure the “Who”, “What”, “Where”, “When”, “Why”, and “How” are answered
  • Review and revise and necessary

Review:

Compiling And Using A Pre-Incident Survey

• Benefits of a pre-incident survey
• Scheduling
• Components of the pre-incident survey
• Documenting information gathered
• Training and application

Remotivation:

Assignment: