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NFIRS Data Snapshot: Hospital Fires (2012-2014)
This two page document contains data and statistics surrounding hospital fires from 2012 to 2014. From the document: "For each year from 2012 to 2014, an estimated 5,700 medical facility fires were reported to fire departments in the United States. Nearly a fifth of those (1,100 fires) were in hospitals. It is estimated that these fires caused fewer than five deaths, 25 injuries and $5 million in property loss per year. The majority of hospital fires were fires that were confined to cooking pots (60 percent). Confined fires are smaller fires that rarely result in death, serious injury or large content losses. Fires in trash bins, incinerators or compactors composed 10 percent of hospital fires, while 3 percent were fuel burner or chimney fires. Nonconfined fires, generally larger structure fires, made up 27 percent of hospital fires."
United States Fire Administration; United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2016
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Campus Fire Fatalities in Residential Buildings (2000-2015)
"The goal of this report is to reveal the factors that are leading to the unnecessary fire deaths of college students. This study provides comprehensive information about campus fire fatalities to college and university fire and safety officials along with the local fire and emergency service organizations that serve these institutions so they can better plan to reduce and prevent injuries and deaths on college campuses in the future. This report examines data from fatal campus fires and the fatalities that resulted from these fires, beginning with the horrific fire that took place in January 2000 at a Seton Hall University dormitory, where three st"
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency; United States Fire Administration
2016?
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Civilian Fire Fatalities in Residential Buildings (2011-2013)
"These topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in the U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Incident Reporting System. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information. Also included are recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report or that put the report topic in context."
United States Fire Administration; United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2015-07
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Multifamily Residential Building Fires (2011-2013)
"'These topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in the U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Incident Reporting System. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information. Also included are recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report or that put the report topic in context. […] From 2011 to 2013, multifamily residential building fires accounted for an annual estimated 106,000 reported fires. These fires accounted for 28 percent of all residential building fires responded to by fire departments across the nation. These fires resulted in an annual average of 395 deaths, 4,250 injuries, and 1.3 billion dollars in property loss. Multifamily residential buildings include structures such as apartments, town houses, row houses, condominiums, and other tenement properties. Multifamily residential buildings tend to have stricter building codes than one- and two-family buildings. Many multifamily residential buildings are rental properties, and they are usually required to comply with more stringent fire prevention statutes and regulations involving smoke alarms and sprinkler systems."
United States Fire Administration; United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2015-07
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Operational Lessons Learned in Disaster Response
"The final two decades of the 20th century foreshadowed the future of the fire service in America. Forces
of natural disasters - earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes and acts of terrorism unleashed against
densely populated centers highlighted the role of firefighters in first response. The tragedies that arose from
the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina proved the value of firefighters in the emergency management
equation. This occurred simultaneously with the self-examination by the fire service of its own
record of occupational safety and an effort to learn from its mistakes.
The fundamental doctrine of emergency management encompasses specific phases of human intervention
(i.e., preparation, mitigation, response, recovery) intended as a means of focusing our effort to withstand,
recover and restore from disaster. Significant disasters arise from extreme physical forces of nature, failures
of technological systems, and acts of terrorism. Emergency managers use the term "all-hazards" to denote
such events. Any of these events may require a response from first responders. However, first responder
agencies may lack the capacity to mitigate the hazards posed by such disasters or may be rendered inoperable
to some degree by the catastrophic impact of the event.
From that assumption, the USFA [United States Fire Administration] conducted research to identify gaps and needs in first responder training
and resources and to present solutions that serve to better prepare local-level fire services for all-hazard
events and to interact with federal resources. Local fire departments routinely handle the majority of
fires, rescues and medical emergencies without outside assistance. We generally categorize these as low-risk/high-frequency
events. However, a given fire department will typically have less experience with
large-scale natural disasters, technological accidents, and terrorist attacks. We categorize these events as
high-risk/low-frequency, any of which may impact the operational capacity of a fire department."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency; United States Fire Administration
2015-06
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Sesame Street Seguridad contra incendios: Guia para educadores
"Como educador, usted puede capacitar a los preescolares con información y destrezas esenciales sobre la prevención de incendios que pueden marcar una gran diferencia durante una emergencia. Puede mostrarles a los niños qué deben hacer en caso de un incendio y las maneras de evitarlo. Al compartir esta información con niños pequeños, ¡estará inculcándoles hábitos de seguridad contra incendios para toda la vida! [...] Esta guía y el CD de seguridad contra incendios proporcionan herramientas únicas que le facilitarán la tarea de enseñar medidas de seguridad contra incendios a preescolares de 3 a 5 años. ¡Y los adorados amigos peludos de Sesame Street lo ayudarán a que los niños participen paso a paso! Cada sección incluye: [1] mensajes claves de seguridad contra incendios para que los niños aprendan y recuerden; [2] lecciones, juegos y actividades fáciles de hacer; [3] canciones de apoyo y cuentos para reforzar los mensajes de seguridad contra incendios; [4] un boletín familiar para ayudar a los padres y cuidadores a continuar practicando la prevención y seguridad."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency; United States Fire Administration
2015-06
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Sesame Street Fire Safety Program Educator Guide
From the Document: "As an educator, you can empower preschoolers with essential fire safety information and skills that can make a big difference in case of an emergency. You can show children what to do if there's a fire and ways to prevent fires from starting. By sharing this information while children are young, you instill lifelong fire safety habits! [...] This guide and the accompanying Sesame Street Fire Safety Songs & Stories CD provide unique tools to make it easy for you to teach fire safety to preschoolers ages 3-5. And children's lovable, furry Sesame Street friends will help you engage children each step of the way! Each section includes: [1] key fire safety messages for children to learn and remember; [2] easy-to-use lessons, games, and activities; [3] supporting songs and stories to reinforce the fire safety messages; [4] family newsletters to help parents and caregivers continue practicing fire prevention and safety with children at home."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency; United States Fire Administration
2015-06
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One- and Two-Family Residential Building Basement Fires (2010-2012)
"These topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in the U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Incident Reporting System. Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information."
United States. Department of Homeland Security; United States Fire Administration
2015-03
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Vacant Residential Building Fires (2010-2012)
"From 2010 to 2012, an estimated 25,000 vacant residential
building fires were reported annually in the U.S.
Vacant residential building fires are considered part of the
residential fire problem and accounted for 7 percent of all
residential building fires, resulting in an estimated 60 deaths,
225 injuries and $777 million in property loss each year.
A large number of vacant residential buildings can present
various problems. These buildings are rarely maintained
and often serve as a common site for illicit or illegal activity.
In addition, vacant residential buildings are sometimes
used by homeless people as temporary shelters or housing.
A major concern when a vacant building catches fire is
that little is known about the building's overall condition.
Many buildings are in disrepair and can be missing certain
structures, such as staircases or portions of floors. If individuals
are known to use the vacant building as a residence,
the unknown condition of the building and the unknown
number of people using the building as shelter can put the
firefighters' lives in danger when they enter the building to
attempt a rescue during a fire."
United States Fire Administration; United States. Department of Homeland Security; United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2015-03
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Fire Safety Program Toolkit: A Comprehensive Resource for Fire Safety Educators
"This toolkit was designed with fire safety education personnel in mind and aims to provide free tools and materials to assist in the development of educational programs. The toolkit breaks down the program development process into five basic steps to create or enhance a fire safety education program for your community. Additionally, a 'Beyond the Basics' in each section has even more resources, strategies, and tools. This overview gives you a snapshot of the process for developing a successful program." The five basic steps covered in this toolkit include the following: 1) Assess Your Community; 2) Develop Partnerships; 3) Plan & Implement Your Program; 4) Market Your Program, and 5) Evaluate.
United States. Department of Health and Human Services; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.); United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency . . .
2015-02-05?
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Coffee Break Training: Administration: Fire Department Overview, Part 1
"Of the approximately 105.5 credit points in the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS), 50 are based on the fire department evaluation. The three items that receive the largest amount of available credit are company personnel, distribution or deployment analysis, and training. People are important. The number of personnel available for response, their amount of training, and the time it takes to get the right equipment in place for fire suppression activities all largely affect the reduction of loss associated with protected risk. Engine companies: The Insurance Services Office compares the number of in-service pumpers and the equipment carried with the number of needed pumpers and the equipment identified in the FSRS. The number of needed engines depends on the basic fire flow, the size of the area served, and the method of operation. Reserve pumpers: The Insurance Services Office evaluates the number of reserve pumpers and their pump capacity; other factors include hose and equipment carried."
United States Fire Administration
2015-01-20
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Coffee Break Training: Administration: Emergency Communications Centers
"Getting word of a structure fire to emergency responders in a timely manner is essential to saving lives and reducing property loss caused by fire. This is where seconds really count, and it explains why emphasis on the communication facilities has been in the FSRS [Fire Suppression Rating Schedule] since its inception. There have been a lot of changes in technology recently. The new schedule identifies some of today's most relevant components of the receipt and dispatch of an alarm. Application of the 2012 FSRS developed by the Insurance Services Office produces a score from zero to 105.5. Of those points, 10 are available under the Emergency Communications section of the schedule. Those 10 points are broken down into three major categories: Credit for Emergency Reporting, Credit for Telecommunicators, and Credit for Dispatch Circuits. As always, if a community cannot make arrangements to provide for the receipt of alarms and dispatch of firefighters and apparatus with no delay, that community will not meet the minimum requirements of the FSRS. A vast majority of communities meet the minimum requirements for the dispatch of firefighters and apparatus with no delay."
United States Fire Administration
2015-01-13
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Coffee Break Training: Administration: Public Protection Classification, Part 2
"Have you ever wondered what components are evaluated during the Insurance Services Office's grading process of your community? Everyone in the fire service is aware of at least one component: the fire department evaluation. You may have often heard or used this statement during your conversations: "What is your fire department's Insurance Services Office PPC [Public Protection Classification] classification?" Well, the question needs to be rephrased to, 'What is your community's Insurance Services Office PPC classification?' There is a misconception in the industry that the PPC refers to the fire department's classification. Actually, it is a community's classification. Of course, the fire department plays a very important role in the evaluation."
United States Fire Administration
2015-01-06
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Fire Risk in 2011
"The risk from fire is not the same for everyone. In 2011, 3,415 deaths and 17,500 injuries in the U.S. were caused by fires. These casualties were not equally distributed across the U.S. population, and the resulting risk of death or injury from fire is not uniform -- it is more severe for some groups than for others. Much can be learned from understanding why different segments of society are at a heightened risk from the fire problem. […] Risk is a factor, element or course of action involving uncertainty. It is an exposure to some peril, and it often implies a probability of occurrence, such as investment risk or insurance risk. In terms of the fire problem, risk is the potential for injury or death of a person or damage or loss of property as a result of fire. This topical report focuses on how fire risk, specifically the risk of death and injury, varies with age and how other demographic and socioeconomic factors weigh upon that risk."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency; United States Fire Administration
2015-01
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Coffee Break Training: Administration: Public Protection Classification, Part 1
"Have you ever wondered what components are evaluated during the Insurance Services Office's grading process of your community? Everyone in the fire service is aware of at least one component: the fire department evaluation. You may have often heard or used this statement during your conversations: 'What is your fire department's Insurance Services Office PPC [Public Protection Classification] classification?' Well, the question needs to be rephrased to, 'What is your community's Insurance Services Office PPC classification?' There is a misconception in the industry that the PPC refers to the fire department's classification. Actually, it is a community's classification. Of course, the fire department plays a very important role in the evaluation. In addition to the fire department evaluation, the grading process also evaluates the emergency communication systems (formerly Fire Alarms) and the water supply systems serving the community. The community's risk-reduction efforts are also reviewed. In December 2012, the Insurance Services Office updated the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) with changes focusing on areas that have a proven effect on fire suppression and prevention, as well as revisions that align the schedule's requirements with those of nationally accepted standards. The schedule now recognizes proactive efforts to reduce fire risk and frequency (also known as community risk reduction)."
United States Fire Administration
2014-12-30
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Coffee Break Training: Administration: The Insurance Services Office: What is the Insurance Services Office? Part 2
"In Part 1, you learned about the history of the Insurance Services Office and what it does. You also read about its Specific Commercial Property Evaluation Schedule (SCOPES) methodology to analyze hazards in commercial properties. In this part of the series, you will learn about two other components of the national programs belonging to the Insurance Services Office that help recognize strong and resilient communities."
United States Fire Administration
2014-12-23
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Coffee Break Training: Designing Adult Training (Part 3 of 3): Course Design, Goals, Objectives and Learning Outcomes
"There are many variations or explanations for the definition of goals, objectives and learning outcomes; variations result from the fact that the terms are often combined or applied interchangeably. While they may seem to be interchangeable, in education or training development they are very separate concepts applied to the design and structure of a learning experience."
United States Fire Administration
2014-12-18
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Coffee Break Training: Administration: The Insurance Services Office: What is the Insurance Services Office? Part 1
"The Insurance Services Office, a subsidiary of Verisk Analytics (http://www.verisk.com/), is a provider of statistical, actuarial, underwriting and claims data. It also provides risk management and regulatory services, with a special focus on community fire protection efforts and building code effectiveness evaluation to property/casualty insurers and other clients. The Insurance Services Office is an advisory organization, and insurers may use, not use or modify information from the Insurance Services Office as they see fit."
United States Fire Administration
2014-12-16
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Coffee Break Training: Education as an Intervention Strategy in a Youth Firesetting Intervention Program
"The majority of cases identified by a youth firesetting intervention program will be classified as 'some risk.' Curiosity or experimentation is the prime motive for firesetting as defined in the 'some risk' category. 'Definite or extreme risk' firesetting situations also require educational intervention. However, sometimes the education will follow a referral for other types of interventions, such as clinical support or juvenile justice. The goal of fire safety education in a youth firesetting intervention program is to give children and adolescents information to make the right decisions so that future firesetting incidents do not occur."
United States Fire Administration
2014-12-14
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Coffee Break Training: Means of Egress: Handrails [December 9, 2014]
"Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in stairway-related accidents. The model building and fire codes provide requirements for handrails along most stairs to give people traversing them a stable and continuous surface to grip. In all but a few cases outlined in the codes, stairways are required to have handrails on each side." This document details the requirements for handrails as stated in building and fire codes.
United States Fire Administration
2014-12-09
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Coffee Break Training: Designing Adult Training (Part 2 of 3): Course Design, Goals, Objectives and Learning Outcomes
"Determine the organizational benefits of a needs assessment. This part of the process will assist decision-makers and stakeholders in understanding the concept of a needs assessment. A needs assessment based on the alignment of critical behaviors with a clear organizational mission will account for critical occupational and performance requirements."
United States Fire Administration
2014-12-04
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Coffee Break Training: Hazardous Materials: Detonation or Deflagration?
"News reports of disasters often quote witnesses who said they heard some sort of explosion connected to the event. While deaths, injuries and damage resulting from explosions are devastating in every way, there are distinctions in the model fire codes among explosion types. In general, an explosion is the rapid and violent expansion of gases, which may include a shock wave, that can disrupt materials and enclosures in the vicinity. Explosions can result from chemical changes (such as rapid oxidation), physical changes (such as catastrophic failure of pressure vessels), or atomic changes (nuclear fission or fusion). The model codes differentiate between two types of explosions based on the shock wave travel speed. […] The distinction between deflagrations and detonations exists to establish the code requirements for explosion control. In general, the codes allow deflagration effects to be mitigated through explosion relief, explosion prevention systems, or barricades. Meanwhile, items that detonate must be separated by barricades that are designed to withstand the rapid release of energy in an explosion and are fully confined, partially vented or fully vented, or by another effective method of shielding from explosive materials by a natural or artificial barrier. Explosion control is a sophisticated engineering challenge that should be addressed only by qualified personnel."
United States Fire Administration
2014-12-02
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Coffee Break Training: Petroleum Crude Oil: Implementing Response Objectives
"The initial stage of an incident involving crude oil should include an analysis of appropriate site-specific response procedures and potential effects that an incident would have on nearby life, property, critical systems and the environment. Traditional firefighting strategies and tactics may not be effective in these situations. These incidents also need to be approached and managed as a hazardous materials problem to ensure that proper and appropriate technical assistance and the support of outside resources are notified and requested as soon as possible. The following factors should be considered as part of developing the initial response strategy to determine whether the incident should be handled offensively, defensively or by nonintervention: (1) Are there any life safety exposures in danger that responders must address right now, and can responders safely evacuate or protect in place? Number of people to be protected, ability of public to move, available time, resources needed, adequate facilities to shelter evacuees; (2) Can responders safely approach the incident? Location of the incident, access and terrain, number of tank car(s), extent of damage, size of spill, leak or fire involved; (3) Do responders fully understand the nature and scope of the problem? A hazard assessment and risk evaluation must be completed, and the results must be shared with technical specialists from the railroad and/or shipper; (4) If a fire is involved, do responders have immediate access to sufficient foam and water supplies that are required for effective fire control/suppression operations?"
United States Fire Administration
2014-12-01
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Coffee Break Training: Hazardous Materials: Containment Pallets
"Last week's Coffee Break Training explained the difference between spill control and secondary containment for liquid and solid hazardous materials. In some applications, containment pallets provide a suitable alternative to permanent construction. Containment pallets are a portable alternative to spill control and secondary containment construction. Depending upon the design and manufacturer, they can be moved by some types of powered industrial trucks. (See Coffee Break Training FP [Fire Protection]-2006-39 for important safety warnings.) Depending upon the design and manufacturer, containment pallets may hold up to 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) of solid or liquid materials. Containment pallets may be constructed of low- or high-density polyethylene. Some include a drain plug to remove spilled liquids or accumulations of rainwater. […] Chemical compatibility is important to safe storage. Polyethylene is susceptible to attack by some chemicals that may cause stress cracking, swelling, oxidation or may permeate the polyethylene. These reactions may reduce the physical strength of the containment pallet or deck, causing it to collapse and spill the hazardous material away from the containment feature. It is also important to remember that most secondary containment products are designed to hold leaked chemicals for only a short time. Secondary containment units should be inspected regularly and cleaned of spilled materials. You should check with the pallet manufacturer to determine whether the materials to be stored are compatible with the pallet. One manufacturer has a lengthy list of incompatible materials."
United States Fire Administration
2014-11-25
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Coffee Break Training: Petroleum Crude Oil: Hazard Assessment and Risk Evaluation
"The hazard assessment and risk evaluation process is a critical step to identify the level of danger posed by an incident involving product(s), containers and their behavior, which is generally related to their physical and chemical properties. It is one of the foundations for the risk-based response process outlined in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472, 'Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents.' Risk-based decision-making is a systematic process by which responders analyze a problem involving a hazmat incident, assess the hazards, evaluate the risks, and determine appropriate response actions based on the facts, science and circumstances of the incident. The risk-based response model looks at the threat, vulnerabilities, consequences and likelihood of occurrence when making a risk-based decision. Risks refer to the probability of suffering harm or loss; they are different at each incident and need to be evaluated by the Incident Commander. The use of the risk-based response model will lead to a safer and more effective response to a crude oil rail transportation incident. […] Evaluate the risks of personnel intervening directly in the incident. Consider the limitations of the people involved and the ability to have adequate resources available on-site (e.g., sufficient firefighting foam concentrate, water supplies, appliances, equipment, trained personnel and technical expertise) and the ability to sustain operations for extended periods of time (hours or days). If your agency is not fully prepared and capable in terms of resources, equipment and properly trained personnel to intervene, defensive or nonintervention strategies will likely be the preferred strategic option."
United States Fire Administration
2014-11-24
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Coffee Break Training: Designing Adult Training (Part 1 of 3): Training Needs Assessment
"A training needs assessment is the process to determine the difference between the current situation and an intended situation, resulting in the identification of performance gaps. Assessments will aid an organization in determining solutions to resolve performance gaps and guide that organization's effort to meet its critical mission requirement through the development of a strategy to close existing gaps. While training is not the only solution that may be identified in the process, training might be appropriate when the performance issue is a 'can't do' issue, such as (1) Poor performance (resulting from a knowledge or skill deficiency); (2) Lack of basic skills (reading, writing, technology, math skills); (3) Legislation or policies requiring new knowledge or skills; (4) New technology; and (5) Higher performance standards.The assessment process is an organized method to explore the causes and reasons for the gap and methods for closing or eliminating the gap. Those methods include training development, policy changes, or organizational modification to existing procedures."
United States Fire Administration
2014-11-20
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Coffee Break Training: Hazardous Materials: Spill Control and Secondary Containment
"One of the model fire code control strategies for a liquid or solid hazardous material is to confine the product to its original container. In the event of spills or leaks, the codes employ additional strategies to limit the likelihood that the product will spread: spill control and secondary containment. Spill control is required to prevent liquids from flowing to other parts of a room, building or area. The liquid in a container that falls to the floor and bursts should be controlled so it does not spread to other areas. Spill control for liquids is required by the model codes when rooms, buildings or areas used for liquid storage hold individual containers having a capacity of more than 55 gallons (208 liters (L)) or where the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1,000 gallons (3,785 L). Spill control is accomplished by the construction of: (1) Liquid-tight sloped or recessed floors to confine the product; (2) Liquid-tight floors provided with liquid-tight raised or recessed sills or dikes; (3) Sumps and collection systems; and (4) Other engineered systems approved by the code official."
United States Fire Administration
2014-11-18
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Coffee Break Training: Petroleum Crude Oil: Railroad Safety Procedures
"In the event of a train derailment, emergency response personnel should always be aware of the potential for serious injury when working in and around rail cars, tracks and related equipment. The potential for injury always exists, especially if a fire or spill is involved. Regardless of the scope and magnitude of an incident, it is imperative that responders are keenly aware of the proper precautions to take to prevent injury and death. The following safe operating practices should be followed when personnel are engaged in emergency response operations at the scene of a crude oil train derailment: (1) Expect a train or rail equipment to move on any track from either direction at any time; (2) Watch for movement in both directions before crossing tracks. If the tracks are clear, walk single file at a right angle to the rails. Do not occupy the area between adjacent tracks in multiple track territory when a train is passing. If crossing between two stationary railcars, ensure that there is at least 50 feet between them; (3) Trains can approach with little or no warning. You may not be able to hear them due to atmospheric conditions, terrain, noisy work equipment, or passing trains on other tracks. Stand a minimum of 25 feet away from the tracks if possible, and face the train when rail equipment is passing through."
United States Fire Administration
2014-11-17
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Coffee Break Training: Automatic Sprinklers: Cross-Connection Control in Existing Buildings
"In recent years, some water purveyors have pursued aggressive retrofit programs requiring the installation of backflow prevention devices on existing fire protection systems. Their goal is to decrease the chances that the often dirty, static water that accumulates in a fire protection system will flow backward and contaminate a potable water supply. This effort is called 'cross-connection control.' While there has been considerable debate between fire protection and water company professionals regarding the likelihood of cross-connection contamination, one thing is clear: The selection and installation of backflow prevention devices on existing sprinkler systems must be done carefully to ensure reliable fire protection system operation. Some existing fire protection systems, especially hydraulically engineered sprinkler systems, may have been designed with very precise or no safety margins in their operating pressures. This means that any deterioration of the incoming water pressure may have a deleterious effect on the sprinkler discharge pressure and water distribution pattern. By requiring the installation of some sort of backflow prevention device in an existing system that may have a narrow safety margin, the friction loss characteristics of the backflow prevention device may significantly affect fire protection system performance. Of course, the influence of the cross-connection control device must be evaluated on any new fire protection system. For example, in the backflow prevention device illustrated here, its laboratory-controlled flow test reports indicate that it may reduce water pressure from 2 to 14 pounds per square inch (0.14 to 0.96 bar) between the inlet and outlet pressures."
United States Fire Administration
2014-11-11
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Coffee Break Training: Petroleum Crude Oil: Principles of Successful Incident Management
"The successful management of any incident, especially hazardous materials incidents, is based on the implementation of an Incident Management System (IMS). NIMS [National Incident Management System] is a systematic, proactive approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to work together seamlessly and manage incidents involving all threats and hazards -- regardless of cause, size, location or complexity -- in order to reduce loss of life and property and harm to the environment. The purpose of NIMS is to provide a common approach for managing incidents based on a flexible but standardized set of incident management practices, with emphasis on common principles, a consistent approach to operational structures and supporting mechanisms, and an integrated approach to resource management. Although a single Incident Commander (IC) normally handles the command function, an IMS organization may be expanded into a Unified Command. The Unified Command is a structure that brings together the 'ICs' of all major organizations involved in the incident in order for them to coordinate an effective response while at the same time carrying out their own jurisdictional responsibilities. The Unified Command structure links the organizations responding to the incident and provides a forum for these entities to make consensus decisions. Members of the Unified Command work together to develop a common set of incident objectives and strategies, share information, maximize the use of available resources, and enhance the efficiency of the individual response organizations."
United States Fire Administration
2014-11-10
