Fire Safety Tips
Approaching a Fire Scene

When approaching a fire scene (or other emergency), please keep in mind that there are fire fighters and usually spectators that you may not see, and also that may not see you. Keep your eyes on the road, not on the fire or car crash nearby. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep the radio volume low in your vehicle and check the rear view mirror frequently. Be mindful that there may be additional emergency vehicles approaching from any direction.

If there are members of the fire department or police directing traffic, please obey their signals, and keep an eye on that person. The person may have signaled the vehicle in front of you to stop, and if you're looking at the burning building nearby, you may get yourself into an accident.

Fire Safety Tips
  • Home Escape Plan
  • Fire Safety for Those with Disabilities
  • A Child's Fascination with Fire
  • Approaching a Fire Scene
  • Emergency Vehicles Approaching
  • Be Alert... Be Prepared
  • 72 Hour Emergency Preparedness Guide
    • Send other fire safety tips
    to wedplyfd@yahoo.com.

    Please be aware of the following types of signals from traffic control personel:
  • Someone on the opposite side of the road, with their left arm held downward at a 45o angle away from the body with the palm of their hand facing you, usually wants you to stop near them so they can give verbal instructions.
  • At night time you may see a lighted wand at a 45o angle pointing towards the ground. This direction means the same as above.
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  • Someone with their arm extended straight towards you, and with the palm of their hand facing you usually wants you to stop where you are. This may be to allow other traffic to proceed, or due to another possible danger to you. Please note that this person may be back to you at times. Do not proceed unless you have eye contact with the person giving you the signal to go ahead.
  • Please note that the same thing would be done at night time, however this may be harder to see in the dark.
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  • If someone is moving just their fingers or hand in a certain direction, they usually want you to move in the direction specified at a slow speed.
  • At night time, the person directing traffic may have a lighted wand, and if small movements are made with it, it has the same effect as the directions mentioned above.
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  • If someone is using their entire arm to signal you to move in a certain direction, this usually means the way is clear, and to proceed with caution. Please note however that if someone is directing you towards the side of the road with one or possibly both arms, they more than likely want you to pull over so that an oncoming emergency vehicle may pass.
  • At night time the person directing traffic should have a lighted wand, and if making larger movements with it, it has the same directions as those mentioned above.
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    Please note that at night time, the person directing traffic should have on a reflective vest, and also be carrying a flashlight or lighted wand. The person may be harder to see, so watch their directions carefully.


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