FHExpo16: How Research Drives Prevention Efforts

Several speakers at Firehouse Expo 2016 have acknowledged that community risk reduction (CRR) may not be the “sexiest” topic in the fire service, but it is one that may have the greatest potential to save the lives of both citizens and firefighters.

During his Friday session, “Effects of Fire Research on Community Risk Reduction,” Bozeman, MT, Fire Chief Josh Waldo looked at how departments can apply the latest fire research to improve their CRR efforts in their communities. He challenged departments that are still using more traditional—and sometimes outdated—fire prevention or CRR-related messages or campaigns in their communities, instead encouraging them to use the vast array of data available to them to push for more improved messaging that connects to the specific issues of the community. “We have more scientific data than we have ever had in such a short span of time,” Waldo said. “We have documented results and the support of nationally recognized organizations like UL, NIST and ISFSI,” but the key is using it, he added.

Waldo addressed the research on early notifications, fire sprinklers, fire load and building construction, door control and flow path, emphasizing that we need to take the data and apply it to not only our tactics but our CRR programs as well. He explained that we need to start being honest with the public about what the fire department can really do for them in the modern fire environment, which may be not much when you consider how quickly modern construction gets to flashover. “We need to put the facts out there that the public has to take steps to save themselves,” he said. “Tell them ‘if you don’t take steps on your own, you’ve got a 50/50 shot at survival.’”

With this in mind, it’s imperative that the fire departments adjust their prevention and CRR efforts to reflect the research. But they also need to be cognizant of their community’s needs, as what may be a high priority in one may be a low priority in another.

When it comes to smoke alarms, Waldo reminded that they are a great way to alert people about fire, and they should be used; however, numerous studies have shown that people don’t hear or respond to alarms how we would hope. So it’s important to get out in the community and ensure that homes have them installed and have enough of them, and that fire department members are educated about them in order to help citizens. “Do you know the difference between smoke alarms and smoke detectors?” Or photoelectric and ionization? You should,” he said. He added that vibrating alarms are expensive but grants will cover it.

Waldo also questioned the crawl low and two-ways-out messaging that is often shared with the public. He emphasized that two ways out is a preferable approach if it means keeping people out of areas where they could be breathing in toxic fumes—a concern that the public may not fully grasp. He indicated that if they are in an area where the smoke is so bad that they do have to crawl low, their chances of survival are greatly reduced. Further, he questioned if departments are still using the “feel the door” technique that studies show does not work. “If we know it doesn’t work, why are we teaching it?” he asked. “It gives people a false sense of security. I think there’s better information we could be sharing,” Waldo said. “And this is why having a plan is so important.”

Perhaps the biggest point to come out of the research that can be applied to fire prevention efforts is that of door control. But getting citizens to follow along with a “close the door” campaign won’t be easy. “If you think pushing transitional attack is hard, try talking to a group of moms and dads about closing the door,” he said. But it’s the cheapest and easiest thing the fire service can do to save lives, preserve property and improve conditions interior for firefighters.

When it comes to fire sprinklers, Waldo reiterated that, like smoke alarms, it’s important that firefighters understand how they work, how to operated them and be able to educate the public about their operations. He added that if we can educate the public about having working smoke alarms, we will save more lives than through any other method.

Waldo concluded by reminding attendees that it is vital to know your community so you can tailor your prevention and CRR efforts to the problems that need solutions. The key is to take a proactive approach. “That’s what Mrs. Smith deserves, but she doesn’t know it,” he said. “She thinks when she calls 9-1-1, you’ll fix the problem. But you know that you are trying to PREVENT Mrs. Smith’s problem.”