Fire Department

When applications are being accepted for employment with the Enid Fire Department, candidates can apply at Enid.org/careers.

Candidates must be 18 years of age at time of application and not older than 45 years of age by date of employment.

Benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, merit pay, incentive pay, and medical/dental insurance. Starting base salary is $40,097 annually. Regular-scheduled overtime and holiday pay brings the adjusted annual salary to $41,812.

Qualifications include U.S. Citizenship, HS diploma or GED and resident of Garfield County within 90 days of employment.

Applicants must meet the physical, medical, and educational criteria established by the OK Firefighter's Pension & Retirement Board and the Enid Fire Civil Service Commission.

Employees of this class perform fire suppression duties such as combating, extinguishing, and preventing fires, and responding to emergency medical and hazardous materials incidents, working in 24-hour shifts.

Applications may be completed online at www.enid.org/careers or at the City of Enid HR Department, 401 W. Garriott Road, 8 am - 5 pm, Mon. thru Fri. Applicants will have one opportunity to pass the physical agility test.

For more information contact Captain Josh Sandwick at (580) 234-0541.

Enid is an Equal Opportunity and Drug-Free Employer

Firefighter Employment Requirements

Firefighter candidates must be able to pass a written entrance examination composed of reading comprehension, mechanical ability/aptitude, general math, spatial comprehension, learning ability, and general physical science in addition to any psychological performance test(s). The candidate must also pass a drug test, the Oklahoma State Firefighter's Pension and Retirement system medical physical and a physical agility test. The applicants may also be required to pass other job related tests as determined by the Fire Department Civil Service Commission of the City of Enid.

• Applicant must possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and not older than 45.
• Applicant must be a United States citizen.
• All applicants will be required to submit to a pre-employment polygraph examination.

Essential Job Functions

1. To be eligible for entrance into the Oklahoma State Firefighter's Pension System as a paid firefighter, a candidate must meet minimum medical requirements which reflect the ability of the candidate to perform the essential functions of fire suppression, prevention and life safety as set forth in O.S. 11 §49-100.1, et seq. The essential job functions reflect the physical, physiological, intellectual and psychological demands of the occupation including;
   • Performing firefighting functions (e.g., hoseline operations, extensive crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilating roofs or walls using power or hand tools, forcible entry), rescue operations, and other emergency response actions under stressful conditions while wearing personal protective ensembles (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including working in extremely hot or cold environments for prolonged periods of time.
   • Wearing an SCBA, which includes a demand valve-type positive pressure facepiece or HEPA filter mask, which requires the ability to tolerate increased respiratory workloads.
   • Exposure to toxic fumes, irritants, particulates, biological (infectious) and nonbiological hazards, and/or heated gases, despite the use of PPE including SCBA.
   • Climbing 6 or more flights of stairs while wearing fire protective ensemble weighing at least 50 lbs or more and carrying equipment/tools weighing an additional 20 to 40 lbs.
   • Wearing fire protective ensemble that is encapsulating and insulating. Wearing this clothing will result in significant fluid loss that frequently progresses to clinical dehydration and can elevate core temperature to levels exceeding 102.2°F (39°C).
   • Searching, finding, and rescue-dragging or carrying victims ranging from newborns up to adults weighing over 200 lbs to safety despite hazardous conditions and low visibility.
   • Advancing water-filled hoselines up to 2.5 in. in diameter from fire apparatus to occupancy (approximately 150 ft.); can involve negotiating multiple flights of stairs, ladders, and other obstacles.
   • Climbing ladders, operating from heights, walking or crawling in the dark along narrow and uneven surfaces, and operating in proximity to electrical power lines and/or other hazards.
   • Unpredictable emergency requirements for prolonged periods of extreme physical exertion without benefit of warm-up, scheduled rest periods, meals, access to medication(s), or hydration.
   • Operating fire apparatus or other vehicles in an emergency mode with emergency lights and sirens.
   • Critical, time-sensitive, complex problem solving during physical exertion in stressful, hazardous environments (including hot, dark, tightly enclosed spaces), further aggravated by fatigue, flashing lights, sirens and other distractions.
   • Ability to communicate (give and comprehend verbal orders) while wearing PPE and SCBA under conditions of high background noise, poor visibility, and drenching from hoselines and/or fixed protection systems (sprinklers).
   • Functioning as an integral component of a team, where sudden incapacitation of a member can result in mission failure or in risk of injury or death to civilians or other team members (e.g., two in, two out as described in NFPA 1500).
2. Participates in fire company surveys and pre-fire planning of structures and facilities within the community.
3. Participates in fire service training drills, and attends classes in firefighting essentials, hazardous materials, first aid, and other specialized subjects. Attends courses and/or seminars at outside educational institutions upon request or as directed. Reads and studies assigned materials in preparation for monthly course examinations. Assists and/or instructs classes if qualified and requested by superior officer.
4. Performs routine general maintenance of fire department equipment, apparatus, vehicles, quarters, and grounds.
5. Conforms to the Fire Department Rules and Regulations as well as the policies and procedures of the City of Enid and the department. Adheres to the safety requirements of the department and the City and reports unsafe conditions to superior officer.
6. May be assigned to drive and operate apparatus under special instructions on a relief basis if certified.
7. Performs related work or as assigned by superior officer.

The above duties are general in nature and are not intended to reflect all of the duties, which may be required of the incumbent.

Download a complete job description for Firefighter(PDF, 170KB).

Running

Candidate shall complete a 1 ½ mile run within 13 minutes. A course has been laid out and will be explained to you by your evaluator. You must stay within the boundaries of the course as described. You may stop and/or walk a portion of the course but you must complete the required distance within the 13 minutes.

Sit-ups

Candidate shall perform 35 bent-knee sit-ups within a 2 minute period. Hands must remain behind the head, and the back must come down so that the shoulder blades touch the floor. Elbows should touch the knees in the up position. Legs may be held for assistance. A rest is allowed in the "up" position only. Any sit-ups with incorrect form will not be counted.

Push-ups

The candidate shall complete 25 standard push-ups without stopping. (No specified time limit). For the standard pushup, your body should be in a straight line from your shoulder to your ankles at all times. No sagging or flexing. The stopping point at the bottom of the movement for a standard pushup is to lower your body at least to the point that the upper arms are parallel to the floor. The chest can touch the floor, but cannot be used to create momentum and bounce out of the bottom of the pushup. Press back up until your arms are fully extended.

Pull-up (option): As an alternate to push-ups, the candidate may perform seven (7) pull-ups (palms away). Candidate will begin from a hanging position will arms fully extended and complete seven (7) complete pull-ups bringing their chin above their hands.

Flexed-arm hang (option): Also as an alternate to push-ups, the candidate may perform a flexed-arm hang (palms away) for a duration of 8 seconds. Candidate will hang in a fully-up position with chin above hands for 8 seconds.

Balance Beam

The candidate, given a beam secured to a level floor and measuring 20 ft. long by 3 to 4 inches wide, and given a rolled section of fire hose weighing at least 20 lb. shall walk the length of the beam, carrying the section of hose, without falling off, or stepping off the beam.

There is a marked section at the starting end of the beam. Candidate may practice and step on and off the beam in this area for a few moments prior to beginning the test. Once a candidate crosses the mark onto the main portion of the beam he/she must continue to the end of the beam without stepping or falling off. Candidates will have only one opportunity per testing session to complete the test.

Weight Carry

The candidate, given a weight of 125 lb. (barbell) shall lift the weight from the floor and carry the weight a distance of 100 feet without stopping or dropping/releasing the weight. A course will be indicated by the evaluator with a marker cone set at a 50 ft. distance from a starting point. Candidate must carry the weight past and around the cone, returning to the starting point for a total distance of 100 feet.

Lower Back Strength/Flexibility

The candidate, starting from an erect position with feet approximately shoulder-width apart, shall move a 15 lb. weight in the following manner:

Starting with the weight on the floor at a point between the feet, bend over and grasp the weight with both hands and lift it to waist level. The bend over and touch the weight to the floor approx. 12 inches outside the left foot, without releasing the weight with either hand. Raise the weight again to waist level and repeat this motion on the right side, touching the weight to the floor approx. 12 inches outside the right foot and return to a standing position with the weight at waist level.

Repeat this sequence of motion until the weight has been placed on each side a total of seven (7) times. The total horizontal distance of travel must be at least 21 inches greater than the space between the feet for each of the 14 moves. This exercise must be completed in less than 35 seconds.

Fire protection systems, whether required by adopted code or voluntary, non-required systems shall be installed in accordance with the most-current and appropriate referenced NFPA standard as follows:

• Portable fire extinguishers: NFPA 10, 2013 Ed.
• Automatic fire sprinkler systems: NFPA 13, 2016 Ed.
• Automatic fire sprinkler systems – One & Two Family Dwellings: NFPA 13D, 2016 Ed.
• Automatic fire sprinkler systems – Residential Occupancies (</= 4 stories): NFPA 13R, 2016 Ed.
• Standpipe and Hose Systems: NFPA 14, 2016 Ed.
• Water Spray Fixed Systems: NFPA 15, 2017 Ed.
• Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems: NFPA 17, 2017 Ed.
• Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems (UL 300): NFPA 17A, 2017 Ed.
• Installation of Stationary Fire Pumps: NFPA 20, 2016 Ed.
• Automatic Fire Alarm Systems: NFPA 72, 2016 Ed.

Construction plans & specifications for fire protection systems must be submitted to an approved, independent fire protection engineer/consultant for a preliminary review, technical opinion & report prior to submission to the office of the Fire Marshal, in accordance with IFC 104.7.2 which reads:

104.7.2 Technical Assistance. To determine the acceptability of technologies, processes, products, facilities, materials and uses attending the design, operation or use of a building or premises subject to inspection by the fire code official, the fire code official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide, without charge to the jurisdiction, a technical opinion and report. The opinion and report shall be prepared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or fire safety specialty organization acceptable to the fire code official and shall analyze the fire safety properties of the design, operation or use of the building or premises and the facilities and appurtenances situated thereon, to recommend necessary changes. The fire code official is authorized to require design submittals to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, a registered design professional.

J.C. Carroll
Fire Protection Consulting, Inc.
4709 Roundup Road
Edmond, OK 73034
Phone: (405) 509-2157
Cell: (405) 250-4296
fire_consult@cox.net

Adam Stuckey
Florian Protective Services, LLC
6608 N. Western Avenue, Suite 277
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
Phone: (405) 312-7250
Cell: (405) 595-7350
astuckey@florianprotective.com
www.florianprotective.com

Lance D. LaRue
Paradigm Engineering, PLLC
P.O. Box 204
Choctaw, OK 73020
Phone: (405) 306-1400
llarue@pbsengineering.com
www.PBSEngineering.com

Other independent third-party technical consultants may be used with consent/approval of the Fire Marshal.

Please provide four (4) sets of plans & specifications to the reviewer.

• One copy to be retained by the third-party technical consultant.
• One copy to be retained by the Office of the Fire Marshal
• Two copies (with notes & approval signatures) to be returned to contractor/owner.
• One copy shall be delivered and retained at the job site during construction/installation.
• Alternatively, you may provide two (2) hard copy sets along with digital (.pdf) files on disc or USB thumb-drive media to be used by the technical consultant and file copy for the Fire Marshal. The two hard copy sets will be signed and returned for contractor and job-site copies.

The technical consultant will retain a copy for their records and forward the remaining copies to the Fire Marshal along with the technical opinion and report as outlined above. Upon final approval, the Fire Marshal will return copies to the contractor/owner with notes for corrections/additions and approval signatures. The Fire Marshal will also issue a permit for construction and installation of the system(s).

Whenever possible, the independent technical consultant will also be retained to conduct 50% progress inspections and final inspections of systems to verify that installation is in accordance with the reviewed plans and associated standards. Plan review and inspection fees are to be paid directly to the independent consultant. Enid Fire Department plan review and inspection fees are waived.

Per IFC Section 105.4.6, “One set of approved construction documents shall be returned to the applicant, and said set shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress.”

No work is to be performed on the proposed systems until plans are approved and a permit issued.

Fire protection system permits can be revoked by the Fire Marshal of the City of Enid and are contingent on following all adopted codes and ordinances of the City of Enid pertaining to proper installation. Fire protection industry workers must be properly licensed by the State of Oklahoma. Workers may be required to show licenses to fire code official.

Things that you should do after you have had a fire.

• If you are not the building owner, notify the owner or agent.
• Notify your insurance company or agent if you have coverage on furniture, possessions, merchandise or other contents.
• Make sure the building or area is secure from looting, vandalism or the elements after the Fire Department leaves.
• Remove valuables from the building if there is doubt that it is secure. Notify the officer in charge of the fire if there are valuables in an unsafe or burned out area of the building and ask assistance in retrieving them.
• Notify the proper utility company if utilities have been disrupted or turned off. They will turn on gas and re-ignite pilot lights for gas furnaces, water heaters and stoves, if that service is in order. They will restore electrical service to the electric meter, if it is possible. You must engage your own electrician for the extension of electrical services within the building or for temporary wiring. Water is often turned off because of damaged soldered joints caused by heat of the fire. A plumber may have to be called to make repairs before water and/or gas service can be restored.
• Get a furnace service person to restore heat if this is necessary or possible.
• If freezing weather is imminent, drain the water system, including toilets and sink traps, or safeguard them from freezing with salt or antifreeze if heat cannot be restored.
• If the building is going to be occupied, be sure the fire alarm systems and fire protection systems are fully restored and the fire extinguishers are recharged.
• Call the American Red Cross for assistance should temporary housing or clothing be required. 237-599. (The Fire Department officer in charge of the fire will make this call for you if requested.)
• If the fire has caused more than furnishing or smoke damage, please call the Community Development Department (580-234-0400 ext. 345) for information. An inspector will provide information on how to proceed.

A fire investigator from the Fire Department may make a further investigation into the cause of the fire; please cooperate and answer all questions. The officer's job is to determine the cause of the fire so measures can be taken to prevent a recurrence to you or someone else.

Babysitters are given a lot of responsibilities. But the most important is the responsibility for the lives and safety of children. And fire safety is a big part of that job.

Prevention is always the best cure. You can guard against a fire emergency by taking a few simple precautions.

Close Bedroom Doors
When the children are in bed, close their bedroom doors. In the event of fire, this can slow smoke from spreading and may give you and the children extra time to escape. Remember: Closing bedroom doors means you'll have to listen more carefully for the children

Put Away Matches
Move matches, lighters, or any other smoking materials out of the reach of small children.

Give Space Heaters Space
Keep space heaters at least three feet (36 inches) away from things that burn such as furniture and paper. And keep children away from space heaters.

Be Kitchen Wise

Cook only with permission from the children's parents. Set a timer to remind you to turn everything off.

Turn Pot Handles In
Whenever you cook, turn pot handles so they don't stick out over the edge of the stove. This helps prevent dangerous spills of hot food and liquid.

Microwave Safety
Never put anything into a microwave oven unless you are absolutely sure it is safe. Paper, glass and microwave-proof earthenware are safe. Never put metals, including aluminum foil, in a microwave.

In Case of Fire

Get Out! Stay Out!
If you smell smoke, hear a smoke alarm, or see flames, get everybody out! Right away! Do not go back into the burning building. Go directly to the meeting place and count heads to make sure that everybody is there.

Take the children to a neighbor's house and call 911. Give the fire department the complete address of the fire, and stay on the phone until you are told you may hang up. Then call the children's parents.

Do Not Go Back!
Watch the children carefully while you are waiting for the fire department. Be sure that no one goes back inside the house for any reason. Keep everyone a safe distance from the house and away from fire fighters.

If You Can't Get to the Children
You may have to decide whether it is best to leave the children in the home while you get help. Heavy smoke or flames may be blocking the way to the children's bedrooms. If you can do it safely, get the children out right away. If it seems too dangerous, go straight to a neighbor's and call the fire department. Tell them that the children are still inside the house and where they are.

Plan Your Escape

If there is a fire, your most important job is to see that you and the children escape safely.

Know Two Ways Out
Know the location of all exit doors, and find two ways out of every room. This is important in case one escape route is blocked by smoke or flames.

Decide on a Meeting Place
Pick a safe place outside the house where everybody is to go in case of a fire. Make sure every child knows where to meet. Many families may have already taught their children to go to a specific meeting place. To avoid confusion, ask the parents about this before they go out.

Emergency Tips

When you babysit, you are in charge. During an emergency, you must act on your own and right away.

Cool a Burn
The best first aid for burns is to run cool water over the burned area for 10 minutes. If a burn starts to blister, get help quickly.

Stop, Drop and Roll
If your clothing catches on fire: 1) Stop, don't run. 2) Drop to the floor and cover your face with your hands. 3) Roll over and over until the fire goes out. Babysitters may have to help young children do this.

Crawl Low Under Smoke
Smoke rises. During a fire, cleaner air is always near the floor. Get down on your knees and crawl to an exit, telling the children to follow.

Important Things to Write Down

• The complete address of where you are babysitting
• Names and ages of children
• Important Phone Numbers
• Where the parents can be reached
• Neighbors

The Enid Fire Department brings you these Fire Safety Tips for Computers with the hope that they might prevent loss of life or property.

Make sure that a fire extinguisher rated for Class A, B, & C fires is within a reasonable distance from your computer installation.

If you must leave your computer on and unattended for whatever reason, turn off the monitor during your absence. Monitors generate high voltage internally, which has the potential to start an electrical fire, or trigger an explosion in a combustible atmosphere (such as that resulting from a gas leak or combustible fumes). Note: The switch for the monitor is usually located at the bottom of the screen, on the side of the monitor, or in some cases at the rear of the monitor. Turning off the monitor (leave the computer on) will not disrupt the computer's operation or compromise data integrity. When you return, simply turn the monitor back on and wait a few seconds for it to warm up.

Never operate a computer, monitor, or printer with the protective dust cover in place. Doing so could causes excessive heat build-up and trigger a failure, which can result in an electrical fire.

Never place beverages or other liquids on electronic equipment where the danger of spillage could occur.

Make sure that the electrical outlet servicing your computer is properly grounded and has a sufficient power rating to handle the components connected to it. The use of a quality surge protector is recommended to prevent damage to the computer from voltage spikes. Surge protectors with telephone connections are also available to protect modems. Computers should not be operated during thunderstorms to prevent damage and avoid the possibility of injury to the user. Many authorities suggest disconnecting the power cord and any telephone lines from the computer during thunderstorms for maximum protection.

Always keep a backup copy of your data in a separate building or safety deposit box; doing so will allow you to restore your data in the event of a fire or flood, rather than enduring the expense of recovery, or worse, complete data loss.

Ensure that your residence or business facilities meet our local fire safety codes. You may contact the Fire Marshal to schedule a free home safety check or an inspection of your commercial facility.

Examples of Fire Damage

Here is an example of a fire damaged system. The particular system pictured below was the source of a structure fire. The computer was inadvertently left on after the family retired for the night. Amazingly, all of the data from this computer was recovered with no losses by a professional data recovery service.

Note the condition of the floppy drives and remnants of the faceplate, as well as the overall condition of the case. A corner of the hard disk is visible through the rectangular opening at top center of the front sub-panel.

Inside, card guides were lying in solidified puddles at the bottom of the case. Circuit boards were charred, wires were melted or burned, and metal parts were warped and twisted. The hard disk's I/O connectors were melted and its circuit board charred. Traces of melted solder were also found at several places on the hard drive's circuit board, some of which had dripped across the surface of the board and collected at the edge of the drive's frame.

The residence suffered fire damage confined to the room of origin and smoke damage throughout the rest of the home. An installed smoke detector alerted the family and prevented the loss of life.

Monitor: The color monitor, which was located on top of the computer, was the source of the fire. The fire appeared to have started in the high-voltage fly-back circuit located at the rear of the monitor.

Printer: The printer was the least recognizable component of the system. It could best be described as two rods and a dot-matrix print head embedded in a pile of charred plastic.

Keyboard: The keyboard was somewhat sheltered by a keyboard shelf, still its plastic was melted by hot gasses

Mouse (Not Shown): No trace of the mouse could be found among the ashes. However, its serial port connector and several inches of wire verified its existence.

Early detection, rapid notification of the fire department using 911, and aggressive firefighting are credited with confining the fire to the room of origin and rapid extinguishment. Structural damage to the residence was estimated at $1500 while damage to the contents was estimated at $10,000.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries, with stove fires dominating this problem. Most cooking fires are caused by peoples' behaviors, not appliance failures. The main causes of cooking fires include: Leaving food cooking on the stovetop unattended, Leaving burners or ovens on after cooking, placing combustibles too close to heat sources, and wearing loose fitting sleeves near hot burners.

In Case of Fire

Take extra care when frying or deep frying food or when cooking with oils, lard, butter or other grease products. If a grease fire occurs, remember to:

• Turn off the burner, if you can do so safely.
• Use an oven mitt to put a lid on the pan.
• Or toss baking soda on the flames.
• Use an approved fire extinguisher
• Leave the house and call 911 if you can't put out the fire quickly and safely.

Important: Using water on a grease fire could cause the hot oil to splatter and spread the fire.

Most kitchen fires can be prevented simply by paying attention to the stove. Stovetop cooking should never be left unattended. While cooking, check the food on the stove or in the oven often.

Use a burner that is the right size for the pan. Using a burner that is too large can cause the pan and its contents to heat too quickly, leading to a boil-over, scorching and burning.

Do not increase temperature to shorten the cooking time.

Keep loose hair, clothing, dish towels, pot holders and the like away from the stove. Keep mitt-type pot holders handy to place a lid on a burning pot.

If you have young children, create a kid-free zone of 3 feet around the stove, and supervise older children as they cook.

The kitchen fan and its filters are grease collectors and they, too, can be fire hazards. The filter should be washed in hot water and detergent monthly. Also, at least once a year, clean the fan hood with hot water.

There is a very good chance that you know someone with heart disease. It is also quite likely that you will personally witness a heart attack in your lifetime. Without Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a person with a heart attack may have as little as a 1 in 20 chance of survival. If you perform CPR until a properly equipped team from the Enid Fire Department (or your local Emergency Medical Service) arrives, that person's chance of survival may increase to as much as 1 in 4. While CPR is only indicated in the most severe type of heart attack, you can clearly see the tremendous payoff in learning this life-saving procedure.

Do you know what to do for a heart attack or choking victim?

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation is a simple skill that is easily learned in a one session class sponsored by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. In CPR, mouth-to-mouth breathing and rhythmic chest compressions are used to supply oxygen to the brain and other vital organs of a person whose heart has stopped pumping. This can buy up to 20 minutes of time until Advanced Life Support measures can be administered by highly skilled EFD Paramedics. Worldwide, in thousands of cases every year, CPR from bystanders is credited as making the difference between life and death.

The sooner CPR is started, the greater the chances for survival. Unfortunately, many people who have been trained in CPR are reluctant to administer it for fear of doing it wrong. It is important to remember that when indicated: Good CPR is better than bad CPR, but even bad CPR is a million times -better- than no CPR at all!

Many people express a concern about the risk of HIV / AIDS and other infectious diseases when performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This is an understandable concern which has to be weighed in each case individually. Most layperson CPR however, is performed on a close friend or loved one. The background health history and risk factors will usually be known to the rescuer. Abolishing myths and minimizing any actual or perceived risks associated with CPR is a core element in most training classes.

CPR can not only be used when heart attacks strike, but may save victims of drowning, electrocution, suffocation and drug overdose. CPR not only saves lives, but provides peace of mind during and after an emergency. People often feel helpless when they witness a heart attack, but with CPR training, you will know exactly what to do. Regardless of the outcome, you will know that every possible measure had been taken to assist the person in need. You are likely to find this reassuring during what may be an otherwise difficult time.

It's simple to learn. Both the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross offer CPR and First Aid Training. The cost is minimal, and most training can be completed in a single session!

Five Steps of CPR

Make sure you and the scene are safe:

• Assess: Shout and tap or gently shake. If victim is unresponsive, call 9-1-1.
• Position: Place victim on their back, remove pillows from behind the head, open the airway using head-tilt/chin-lift method.
• Check for Breathing: Look, Listen, and Feel for five seconds. If victim is not breathing, give two slow breaths and check for any signs of body movement or circulation.
• Start Compressions: If no body movement or circulation is detected.
• Recheck Breathing and Circulation: After one minute, if there is still no pulse, continue cycles uninterrupted until medical help arrives.

Note: If for whatever reason you are uncomfortable with mouth-to-mouth breathing, at the very least do chest compressions until help arrives.

First Aid For Choking

Conscious (Awake) Adult: If the victim cannot cough, speak, or breathe at all, have someone call 9-1-1. Stand behind and wrap your arms around the victim. Place the thumb side of your fist on the middle of their abdomen, just above their navel. Grasp that fist with your other hand and give quick forceful upward thrusts into their abdomen until the object is coughed up or the victim becomes unconscious.

Unconscious (Not Awake) Adult: Have someone call 9-1-1. Position the victim on their back. Remove all pillows from behind the head. Open their airway using the head-tilt/chin-lift method. Attempt to give breaths. If unsuccessful, reattempt the head-tilt/chin-lift procedure and blow more forcefully. You may be able to blow past the object. If air won't go in, place the heel of one hand against the middle of their abdomen, just above the navel. Give up to five abdominal thrusts. Then, lift their jaw and tongue and sweep out their mouth. Tilt head back, lift chin, and give breaths again. Repeat breaths, thrusts, and sweeps until breaths go in. Once breaths go in, check victims breathing and pulse. If there is no breathing and no pulse, start CPR.

Virtually all fires are small at first and might easily be contained if the correct type of extinguisher is readily available and properly used. Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense against unfriendly fires and should be installed in all homes and businesses. Selecting the correct extinguisher is important both to insure suitability for the expected type of fire, and to reduce damage to valuables from extinguishing agents. Using the wrong type of extinguisher can needlessly ruin your expensive computer which gets blasted with over spray from a small fire in your office.

Selecting a Fire Extinguisher

Extinguishers are classified according to the type of fire for which they are suitable. The four basic classes are A, B, C and D.

• Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth and most plastics.
• Class B: Flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, oils, paint, lacquers and greases.
• Class C: Energized electrical equipment where nonconductivity of the extinguishing agent is important.
• Class D: Combustible metals such as magnesium or titanium. (highly specialized, will not be covered here)

Extinguishers also have a numerical rating which serves as a guide to the amount of fire the extinguisher will handle. The minimum rating for a Class A extinguisher on light hazards is 2A. For Class B or C hazards a rating of 10 is the minimum size recommended. Extinguishers which can handle several types of fires have combined ratings such as 2A:10BC.

Extinguishing Agents

There are five common groups of extinguishing agents. Choose one which will handle the correct class of fire while keeping damage at a minimum.

• Dry Chemical, standard type: Useful on Class B and C fires. Leaves a mildly corrosive residue which must be cleaned up immediately to prevent damage to electrical equipment. Best uses are automotive, grease fires and flammable liquids.
• Dry Chemical, multipurpose type: Useful for Class A, B and C fires. Versatile and effective on most common types of fires. Highly corrosive and leaves a sticky residue. Not for use around delicate electrical appliances or computers.
• Halogenated Agents: Useful on Class A, B and C fires depending on agent used, check label. Expensive but very versatile and clean. Leaves no residue. Mildly toxic. Excellent for delicate computers and electrical equipment. Also good for flammable liquids and automotive use. This is one of the best all around choices for offices, however, environmental restrictions and rising costs limit availability.
• Carbon Dioxide: Useful on Class B and C fires. Very clean, no residue. Short range, must be applied close to fire.
• Water Based Agent: Use on Class A fires only. Inexpensive to refill and maintain.

These are the most common extinguishers in use. Base your selection on the size and classification needed plus compatibility with what you are trying to protect. It is also necessary to familiarize yourself with the location, use and limitations of your fire extinguishers. Extinguishers which are required by the Fire Code must be serviced each year.

If an extinguisher is used, don't forget that you still need to call the Fire Department and evacuate the area. Don't put yourself in a dangerous situation. Even if you do put out the fire, call us anyway. We will check to make sure that the fire is completely out. A small fire which appears to be out may actually be burning unseen inside a wall. It can travel up to the attic and turn into a blazing inferno with surprising speed.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C.

US Consumer Product Safety Commission is re-issuing its guidelines for the safe use of electric heat tapes.

Electric heat tapes are frequently installed in attics and under porches of conventional homes and under floors of mobile homes to prevent water pipes from freezing. CPSC estimates that each year in the US about 1500 fires, 10 deaths, and 100 injuries result from faulty electric heat tapes.

CPSC has done extensive testing of heat tapes and has pushed hard for the adoption of a national voluntary standard for heat tapes. Newer heat tapes that meet the national standards have a much better safety record than old ones. In addition, people can make using heat tapes much safety by following a few simple safety precautions.

To help prevent fires, CPSC strongly urges homeowners to replace uncertified heat tapes more than 3 years old with new heat tapes that have been certified to meet voluntary safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and the Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC). Homeowners should check the installation instructions when they change types or brands of heat tape, which often come with different installation requirements.

CPSC also recommends the following safety information for purchasing, installing, and maintaining electric heat tapes:

• All approved new heat tapes have a 3-prong plug. Always plug the three prong plug into a three prong outlet to make sure the heat tape is grounded.
• Plug heat tapes into an outlet protected by a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI).
• Do not wrap heat tape over itself unless specifically permitted in the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply heat tapes directly on the pipe to be protected, never on top of the insulation covering the pipe.
• Since moisture can lead to a fire, keep the end-cap sealed and off the ground to prevent water from getting into the cap.
• Do not cover the heat tape with insulation unless advised by the manufacturer. Use non-flammable insulation such as fiberglass. Do not use foam or vinyl insulation that could catch fire from a failing heat tape.
• Do not use heat tapes designed for water pipes on gutters, driveways, or fuel lines.
• If the heat tape has a thermostat, check the instructions to see whether the thermostat should be placed against the pipe and covered with insulation or left hanging and uncovered.
  Inspect heat tapes each year, replacing them if they show signs of deterioration.
• Look for discolored surfaces (especially at the plug), charring, cuts, or breaks in the insulation, or bare wires.

Smoke Detectors Give You Time To Get Out

The majority of fatal home fires strike while people are sleeping. Poisonous gases can spread quickly through a building, killing victims before they wake up. You need smoke detectors in each sleeping area, outside each sleeping area and on each additional level of your home - including the basement. Smoke detectors are inexpensive, and they can save your family's lives! Follow the installation instructions carefully. If you have questions, call the Fire Department at 234-0541. Landlords are required by law to have properly operating smoke detectors in all residential rental property. If you rent and the property does not have a functioning smoke detector, call the Fire Department at 234-0541 and ask to speak to the Fire Marshal.

Make an escape plan
With a fire burning in your home, you may have to contend with fear, darkness, confusion, even blinding smoke and searing heat. If you plan and practice now, you and your family will know what to do in a real emergency. Sit down with your family today and plan how to escape in case of fire.

Know two ways out
Draw a diagram of your home. Plan two ways out of every room, especially bedrooms. If one of your escape routes must go out a second-story window, be sure you have a safe way to reach the ground. Make special arrangements for small children and people with disabilities.

In an apartment or office building
Use stairways to leave the building. Never use an elevator during a fire; it may stop between floors. Or even take you to the floor where the fire is burning!

Get out fast!
In case of a fire, don't stop for anything. Do not try to take possessions or pets. Just get out. Call the fire department from a neighbor's phone after you are out.

Don't go back, no matter what
Make sure everyone in your family knows that once they are out, they must not go back for any reason. If people are trapped, fire fighters have the best chance of rescuing them.

Choose a meeting place
Everyone should gather at one meeting place outside, preferably at the front, where the fire department will arrive. Each family member should know how to call 911 from a neighbor's home. Designate one person to make the call while the others wait at the meeting place.

Practice your plan
At least twice a year, have a fire drill in your home. Appoint someone as the monitor, to sound the alarm and make sure everyone participates. Because the majority of fatal fires occur when people are sleeping, start the drill by going to your bedroom, closing the door, and waiting for the monitor to sound the alarm. Remember, a fire drill is not a race. Get out quickly but carefully!

Test every door
Before opening a door, make sure there's no fire on the other side. Kneeling or crouching at the door, reach up high and use the back of your hand to touch the door, the door knob, and the space between the door and the frame. If any of these feels hot, use your second way out. If everything feels cool, brace your shoulder against the door and open it carefully. Be ready to slam it shut if heat or smoke rushes in. As you leave, close all doors behind you. They can slow down the spread of fire and smoke.

Crawl low under smoke
Smoke contains deadly gases and is hot, so it will rise to fill the room from the top down. If you must escape through an area with smoke, the best air will be 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) off the floor. Get down on your hands and knees and crawl quickly to the exit.

Expect the unexpected
Once everyone knows the basic plan, practice it in the dark. Pretend that smoke is blocking one escape route and make sure your family knows how to use their alternate routes. Make sure everyone can unlock all locks and open all windows and doors quickly, even in the dark.

If you are trapped
Close doors between you and the fire. Stuff the cracks around doors and cover vents to keep smoke out. Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight, if you have one, or by waving a sheet or other light-colored cloth. If there's a phone in the room where you're trapped, call the fire department and tell them exactly where you are.

At work and on the road, plan to escape
Make fire safety a habit. Identify fire escape routes wherever you are. Where you work or when you travel... look around and find two ways out in case of fire.

As the holiday season approaches, we are all looking forward to special gatherings and celebrations with friends and loved ones. Our homes will be decorated to enhance the atmosphere of the holidays. Holiday decorations can be joyful but also dangerous if improperly used, especially for children. Every year thousands of needless injuries and deaths are caused by decorations. A little caution and planning while decorating will help you avoid tragedy during the upcoming holiday season.

Trees

When buying a natural tree, the most important safety factor is freshness. The higher the moisture content the less likely it is to dry out and become a fire hazard. Check for freshness by examining the needles. Bend them between your fingers. They shouldn't break. Tap the tree gently on a firm surface, if many needles fall off, the tree is too dry. Do not rely on the tree color, many are sprayed green. To keep your tree fresh longer, cut off two inches of the trunk and mount in a sturdy water holding stand with wide spread legs. Locate the tree away from fireplaces, wall furnaces and other heat sources. Do not block stairs or doorways. Dispose of the tree when needles begin to fall off in large quantities.

Artificial trees should bear the UL label. Never use electric lights on metal trees. To avoid electric shock on metal trees, use colored spotlights securely mounted above or below the tree, never fastened directly on it. Plastic trees should be made of fire resistant material. This does not mean that the tree will not burn, but only that it will not catch fire easily. As with natural trees, keep away from heat sources.

Holiday Lighting

Use only UL approved lighting. Inspect electric lights for broken or cracked sockets and frayed wires, replace if necessary. Do not use indoor lights outdoors or visa-versa. Do not overload extension cords, and do not connect more than three sets of lights to one cord. Outlets should be readily accessible for quick disconnection if necessary. Never use lighted candles on or near a tree or other decorations. All lights should be securely fastened to the tree. No bulbs should come in contact with needles or branches. Turn off all holiday lights when you retire or leave home.

Outdoor lights should be weatherproof and clearly identified as designed for outdoor use. Remove outdoor lighting as soon as the season is over. Even these lights are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to the elements.

Poisonous Decorations

Beware of toxic decorations. Mistletoe and holly berries may be poisonous if more than a few are swallowed. Old tinsel may contain lead. Discard old tinsel if you are not sure of its composition. Fire Salts (which produce a multicolored effect when thrown on burning wood) contain heavy metals, which if swallowed may cause serious gastrointestinal problems and vomiting. If your child consumes any of these possibly hazardous substances, immediately call your physician or the Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222.

Tree Ornaments And Trimmings

Avoid placing small or breakable ornaments on lower branches where children or pets can reach them and knock them off. Every year many children are treated for cuts from broken ornaments, or from swallowing broken pieces and small parts.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces are very popular during the holidays. Before starting a fire, remove all decorations from the area and be sure that the flu is open. Do not burn wrappings or evergreen boughs. These can burn extremely fast, throwing off sparks and burning debris. Safely dispose of wrapping paper with your normal trash collection.

Residential fires during the holiday season are especially tragic. Celebration and joy can quickly turn to sorrow and anguish because basic fire safety guidelines were neglected. "It can happen to you," so be careful and have a safe and carefree holiday season.

Planning a trip soon? A vacation somewhere away from it all or perhaps to a resort that is exciting and filled with all those luxuries that will spoil you for a short time.

Remember, when you decide to travel, it is up to you to become familiar with your new lodging. It isn't home and you can find yourself easily lost and confused. With all this in mind, here are a few tips that can help you in preparing a fire safe trip.

Plan Ahead

• When you call to make your reservations, find out if the property has smoke detectors and fire sprinklers.
• Upon arrival learn where the exits are. Don't wait until you unpack, do it now! Before you unlock your door, look to the left & right and locate two exits from your floor. Walk to each one, counting the number of doors between your room & the exit. The exits will be hard to find in a fire because of all the smoke unless you know their exact locations.
• Find the fire alarms and fire extinguishers. Refresh your memory on how to use one.
• Never smoke in bed. Careless handling of smoking materials is still a major cause of fires.
• Become familiar with the window and air conditioning systems in your room. Know how to shut the A.C. off to prevent it from bringing smoke into your room.
• Look on your phone to see how to report emergencies.

Know What to Do

• If a fire starts in your room, get out quickly! Close your door to slow the spread of smoke & flames, sound the alarm & let the property management know where the fire is and what is burning.
• If the fire is not in your room, leave it only if it is safe to do so, or you have been told to evacuate. If you decide to leave the room take your room key with you. In case your exits are blocked, you may have to return to your room.
• Always use the stairwell, never use the elevators.
• If you can't leave the room then stay there. To slow the spread of smoke into your room, use wet towels or sheets to block the crack under the door, & stuff them into the air vents. If the fire appears to be close to the window, remove the drapes. Fill the ice buckets with water to keep the towels & sheets damp.
• Phone the front desk or the fire department to let them know your location. Try to signal the firefighters from your window.
• Above all, don't panic! Keep your family together, stay calm and think. The danger probably is not as great as you believe it to be.

The Maintenance Division consists of the Master Mechanic and three Assistant Mechanics. Each mechanic works on one of the three shifts of the Department to assure the rapid repair of apparatus and equipment during emergency situations.

The Prevention and Inspection Division is responsible for determining the cause and origin of all complex or suspicious fires and obtaining evidence for analysis and possible use during judicial proceedings.

The Maintenance Division is responsible for the scheduled preventive maintenance and repair of all apparatus and equipment. Mechanics are also responsible for facility maintenance. Work orders and repair records are computerized for fast access and tracking.

The certification of all fire engines is another important task that is accomplished annually by the Maintenance Division. The certification test insures that fire engines are capable of pumping a sufficient quantity of water at desired pressures for a predetermined period of time.

All mechanics are certified to repair the Department's self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). All SCBA air pressure regulators are computer tested annually or after repair by the Maintenance Division.

The Maintenance Division also assists with the preparation of new apparatus bid specifications for the Department.

The Prevention and Inspection Division provides enforcement of the Life Safety Code, building codes, and applicable City ordinances. The Fire Marshal, assisted by Inspectors, assist business and industry with compliance issues and reviews plan for new construction and remodels.

The Prevention and Inspection Division is responsible for determining the cause and origin of all complex or suspicious fires and obtaining evidence for analysis and possible use during judicial proceedings.

A Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention program is coordinated by the Fire Marshal and Inspectors. This program is designed to help identify juvenile fire setters and assist parents with a positive and effective intervention that prevents future episodes of this dangerous behavior.

Inspectors regularly visit schools, day-cares, medical facilities, businesses and industries within the community and ascertain their operational readiness in the event of fire.

Inspectors conduct home-safety inspections upon request.

The Suppression Division provides fire protection, rescue, hazardous materials, emergency medical services. Three shifts comprise the Suppression Division; A, B, and C. Each shift is commanded by a chief officer. The Enid Fire Department has five fire stations. Station 1. quarters one command unit, three engines, one rescue unit, one hazardous materials unit, one aerial platform, and one wildland fire fighting unit. Station 1. is commanded by two Captains while the sub-stations are commanded by a Lieutenant. The four sub-stations each quarter one engine and one wildland fire fighting unit.

Sub-station Engine companies normally consist of one Firefighter, one Driver, and one Lieutenant. The main function of an engine company is to extinguish fire as quickly as possible with a stream of water discharged from a fire hose. Additional fire ground duties include rescue, raising ladders, salvage, overhaul, ventilation, and emergency medical care of the injured.

Engine companies also perform other duties such as the extrication of vehicular accident victims, mitigation of hazardous material incidents, pre-fire planning, assistance calls, wildland fire fighting, the emergency medical care of the sick or injured, and rescue operations.

The Training Division is directed by the Training Officer. The Training Division develops annual training schedules, maintains the training, accident, injury, and health records of all personnel, and prepares monthly examinations.

The Training Officer also serves as the Safety Officer for the Department and responds to major incidents as a member of the Command Staff. Annual fit testing of the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) masks is the responsibility of the Training Division and is accomplished using computerized test equipment.

The Training Division utilizes the Fire Service Training Center located at Autry Vo-Tech. This facility includes a skills building, live burn structure, and a modern classroom facility. Multi-company and single company drills are conducted at the site as well as courses presented by Oklahoma State University/Fire Service Training and National Fire Academy.