Steve Rucker
419.627.5823
The SFD Fire Prevention Bureau's goal is to provide prevention programs, fire safety education and fire safety inspections for local  business owners within the City of Sandusky.  We also provide plan review for new construction and fire/arson investigations.

Open burning is regulated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and is prohibited without obtaining a permit from both the EPA and the City of Sandusky's Fire Department. 


The United States Fire Administration believes that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people basic facts about fire. Below are some simple facts that explain the particular characteristics of fire.


FIRE IS FAST!

There is very little time.

In less than 30 seconds, a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire.  It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house and become engulfed in flames.  Most fires occur in the home when people are asleep.  If you wake up to a fire, you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too quickly and the smoke is too thick.  There is only time to escape.

FIRE IS HOT!

Heat is more threatening than flames.

A fire's heat alone can kill.  Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level.  Inhaling this super hot air will scorch your lungs.  This heat can melt clothes to your skin.  In five minutes, a room can get so hot that everything in it ignites at once; this is called flashover.

FIRE IS DARK!

Fire isn't bright, it's very dark.

Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire, you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you've lived in for years.

FIRE IS DEADLY!

Smoke & toxic gasses kill more than flames do.

Fire uses up the oxygen you need and produces smoke and poisonous gasses that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and toxic gasses can make you drowsy, disoriented and short of breath.  The odorless, colorless fumes can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your door.  You may not wake up in time to escape.

Fire Safety Tips

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape first, then call for help.

Develop a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room. Practice feeling your way out with your eyes closed.

Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason; it may cost you your life.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.

fire pull smaller

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS





Instructions for Use - 
Instructions are on the extinguisher.

 Pull the pin.

  1. Stand 6' to 8' away from the fire.
  2. Aim/point extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  3. Squeeze lever & sweep side-to-side until flames are out.

Should You Fight the Fire?
Pull the fire alarm, make sure everyone is leaving the building. 
Make sure the fire department has been notified.
Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and not spreading.
Make sure you have an unobstructed escape route.

Extinguisher Types 
Class A - ordinary combustibles (anything that will leave an ash) 
Class B - Flammable liquids (gas, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint) 
Class C - Energized electrical equipment (wiring, fuse boxes, circuits) 
Class D - Combustible Metals

Extinguisher Sizes
1A - 40A 
Fire Extinguisher with a 2A rating will protect 3,000 square feet. 

Extinguisher Locations
Best if kept in high traffic locations. 
Always keep in plain sight (not under drapes, in closets, etc.).
Place extinguisher in wall brackets no more than five feet off the floor. 
Place near exits and in all hazard areas.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Smoke Detectors Save Lives