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TheCityOfLoma LindaCalifornia

Fire Prevention

The most important job of the fire service is fire prevention. Of course, putting out fires is a much more visible and exciting activity. However, any fire department that does not reduce the number of fires has failed to properly serve its community. In Loma Linda, we are proud to say that, even in a growing city, we have reduced the number of devastating fires each year. The Bureau is comprised of the Fire Marshal and a Fire Inspector. 

A number of programs have helped to reduce our fire losses. State and city laws, which require smoke detectors in every home, continue to save lives through early warning. The city has adopted the most modern fire codes and building codes, which include residential fire sprinklers and a vigorous code enforcement program for new and existing buildings has been effective. Other ongoing programs include annual business inspections, the on going effort to educate the public in creating a defensible space around there homes to improve the chances homes will be protected against the deadly California wildfires. Drowning prevention and child safety along with juvenile fire setters programs.

We have also made public education programs a top priority, and our firefighters frequently spread the word through appearances at schools, scout meetings, business and civic organization meetings. Training for your employees or a presentation to your group can be easily arranged by contacting the fire department.

Unfortunately, fires do still occur. When that happens, our firefighters are ready to respond at a moments notice 24 hours a day. Our career firefighters are some of the best trained and educated in the State of California. All our firefighters train continuously, and advanced training is encouraged. The vehicles and equipment provided by the city are first rate, and we are proud to serve you whenever needed.
Home Fire Prevention
  • Develop & practice a fire escape plan with your family. Establish two escape routes.
  • Install and maintain smoke detectors in your home & near all sleeping areas.
  • Keep all lighters, matches & chemicals in a locked or high cabinet that is out reach from children.
  • NEVER leave a burning candle or cigarette unattended.
  • Clean lint from your dryer screen before each use. Don’t run the dryer while sleeping.
  • TEACH children not to play in the kitchen. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
  • Keep all flammable materials away from your stove, fireplace or furnace.
  • Do not plug in more than one appliance or extension cord into each outlet.
  • Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Place fire extinguishers near an exit on every level of your home.
  • List emergency numbers near each phone in your home.
Smoke Detectors & CO Detectors

Smoke is responsible for three out of four deaths:

  • A smoke detector should be installed in every sleeping area, outside every sleeping area and one smoke detector on each level near stairwells. 
  • A CO detector should be installed outside every sleeping area and one CO detector on each level near stairwell. 
  • Test every detector at least once a month. (See the manufacturer's installation guide for the location of the test button.)
  • Most Smoke/CO detectors require a battery and should be tested every month. 
  • Keep smoke detectors dust free. Replace batteries with new ones at least once a year, or sooner if the detector makes a chirping sound.
  • Smoke/CO detectors should be replaced every 10 years. 
  • If you have a smoke detector directly wired into your electrical system, be sure that the little signal light is blinking periodically. This tells you that the alarm is active.
Preventing Kitchen Fires

Careless cooking is the number one cause of residential fires.

  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • It's wise to have a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Keep it 10 feet away from the stove on the exit side of the kitchen.
  • Never pour water on a grease fire; turn off the stove and cover the pan with a lid, or close the oven door.
  • Keep pot handles on the stove pointing to the back, and always watch young children in the kitchen.
  • Don't store items on the stove top, as they could catch fire.
  • Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition, and turn them off and disconnect them when not in use.
  • Don't overload kitchen electrical outlets and don't use appliances with frayed or cracked wires.
  • Wear tight-fitting clothing when you cook. Here's why: An electrical coil on the stove reaches a temperature of 800 degrees. A gas flame goes over 1,000 degrees. Your dish towel or pot holder can catch fire at 400 degrees. So can your bathrobe, apron, or loose sleeve.
  • Be sure your stove is not located under a window in which curtains are hanging.
  • Clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly and wipe up spilled grease as soon as the surface of the stove is cool.
  • Operate your microwave only when there is food in it.
Fire Extinguishers

They remain your best bet if you're on the spot when a fire begins.

  • Fire extinguishers should be mounted in the kitchen, garage, and workshop.
  • Purchase an ABC type extinguisher for extinguishing all types of fires.
  • Learn how to use your fire extinguisher before there is an emergency.
  • Remember, use an extinguisher on small fires only.
  • If there is a large fire, get out immediately and call 911 from another location.
Thinking Ahead: Your Exit Plan

As with other things, the best motto is, "Be Prepared."

  • Prepare a floor plan of your home showing at least two ways out of each room.
  • Sleep with your bedroom door closed. In the event of fire, it helps to hold back heat and smoke. But if a door feels hot, do not open it; escape through another door or window.
  • Easy-to-use window escape ladders are available through many catalogues and outlet stores. For instance, First Alert sells one for around $90.
  • Agree on a fixed location out-of-doors where family members are to gather for a head count.
  • Stay together away from the fire. Call 911 from another location. Make certain that no one goes back inside the burning building.
  • Check corridors and stairways to make sure they are free of obstructions and combustibles.
  • To help cut down on the need for an emergency exit in the first place, clear all unnecessary items from the attic, basement, garage, and closets.
Smoking
  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Don't smoke when you are drinking or are abnormally tired.
  • Use large, deep ashtrays, and empty them frequently.
  • Never dump an ashtray into the trash without wetting the butts and ashes first.

Contacts:
Tom Ingalls, Fire Marshal 
909-799-2853
[email protected]

Matt Dingman, Fire Inspector
909-799-2859
[email protected]