Archives: FAQs

Do I need to put a smoke alarm in every room? How many do I need?

Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, alarms should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. For more information, check out OCFA’s Smoke Alarm and Home Escape Plan.

When I go on vacation. Should I let the fire department know?

Contact your local law enforcement agency when leaving for vacation. Leave an emergency number with your neighbors where you can be contacted in case the OCFA must respond to an incident at your home. Also leave a key with a responsible party and let us know who the party is in case we have to … Continued

A member of my family is disabled. What does he/she do during a fire?

Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs. Call your local police department to make sure the person’s special needs are in the 9-1-1 dispatch system.

When there is only a small fire, why do so many fire engines respond?

The standard response to a residential structure fire includes 3 engine companies, one truck company, one paramedic unit and one Battalion Chief. If these units are not needed, they are released upon arrival. The main goal of the Orange County Fire Authority is to protect lives and property and this level of response is needed … Continued

How do I go about drawing up an escape plan for my home/business?

The four basic steps to draw up an escape plan for your home includes the following: Draw a floor-plan of your home Agree on a meeting place Practice your escape plan Make your exit drill realistic For a brochure on exit drills in the home, call the Corporate Communications department at (714) 573-6200.

What kind of fire extinguisher should I buy?

Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle class A-B-C fires. They should be designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes, including wood, paper, flammable liquids and electrical fires. Call (714) 573-6200 for a fire extinguisher brochure.

What can I do to protect my home from wildland fires?

To protect your home from wildfires, you must create a safety zone or firebreak by reducing the amount of dead or dying fuel (vegetation) around your home. This does not necessarily mean all vegetation should be removed. In fact, having fire-resistant plants and trees around your home that are properly trimmed and well watered can serve … Continued

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