ask the fire inspector for thier expertise

Recently we learned how our city fire inspector would come to your residence to council you on fire safety and recommend remedies for any safety hazards that you have in your home. This a a free service provided to the residence of cities and all you have to do is ask. The inspection is custom to your home! Who knew! Well we think everyone should know and take advantage of this fantastic service. Our personal inspection suggested we add a smoke detector in the living room, however, our current ones were in good working order- so we scored points there. We also had a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and in the garage- so good for us. But the good news didn't last. We failed miserably on our many extension cords. We had extension cords plugged into extension cords. NOT GOOD! We also had no planned escape plan. There are many products on the market such as chain ladders to aid in second floor escape. Luckily, I can tell you for a fact that Yoshi will be on the bed sleeping through the excitement, which will make it very easy to find him. I would not even consider leaving without him. Pets have thier places just like children do. Don't forget to include them in your escape plan. Your city fire department can help you with the best plan for your family.
The experience in inviting the Rockledge City Fire Inspector Lori Matson and Battalion Chief Tim Matson to our home was a very positive experience and we wish to thank them for thier help and expertise. We totally recommend all city residents take advantage of this service. We will be taking all of thier advise and making changes in our home immediately.

more fire stats,survey your homes.

quoting the fire analysis and research division of the nfpa 2008.

every 22 seconds a fire department responded to a fire.

one vehicle fire reported every 134 seconds.

one structure fire was reported every 61 seconds.

one outside fire was reported every 45 seconds.

one civillian fire injury was reported every 31 minutes.

one home structure fire was reported every 82 seconds.

one civillian fire death occured every 2 hours and 38 minutes.

almost all u.s. homes have at least one smoke alarm, but 63% of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes without working smoke alarms.

Also the most adorable dog in the world!

While watching the evening news the other night another report highlighting a house fire was broadcast. The emotions one feels when seeing a family standing outside a burning shell of a building that used to contain all of their security and memories really is enough to make your heart break. Even total strangers, a family huddled together with tears streaming down their faces can make you cry too. Then your realize the family is safe and that's all that really matters. You can't help but wonder if it's because they had a plan.

Our sons have grown and left home to start families of their own. One has gone to war and came back. Now they are both firefighters. Jason is also a paramedic and Jeremy is no longer with the Air Force, but still a firefighter. We are very proud of them. They are our own personal heroes and I know others consider them their heroes too. Now our empty nest is filled with the sweetest, most gentle soul there ever was. His name is Yoshi, a Chinese Crested. He is, as silly as it sounds, another son to us. To say he is a member of the family would be an understatement. The thought of something happening to him, especially that which could have been prevented with a little preparation is devastating to us.

Then we consulted the experts, our sons. Our home was built in 1926 so we can't be too careful. Here are some helpful tips to share that we have learned that can help prevent disaster.

1. Listen to your pet. If you wake up in the middle of the night and your pet is acting strange, get up and investigate. Your pet counts on you to take care of him/her, let them return the favor.

2. Have a plan for the entire family and practice that plan periodically. Everyone can use a refresher course now and then. Give everyone a specific duty and make sure that includes someone to be responsible for your pet, however, no human life should be put in danger.

3. Make sure your emergency protection devices are in good working order. That includes fresh batteries in the smoke detector and an up-to-date fire extinguisher.

4. Let a neighbor know about each family members that occupy your home including your pets. Tell them where they are and where they have a tendancy to hide when afraid. I'm sure they won't mind, especially when you return the favor.

5. Don't forget that an animal that is in a crate can't even make a run for it. His fate would definetly be in a heroes hands.

6. A pet alert sticker is a good idea. Just make sure the information is accurate. There is no sense to risk someones life to save a pet thats no longer around. Make sure it is in a highly visable place, even have more that one. Firefighters walk around the house to look for the easiest access inside.

I know my Yoshi is spoiled, but there is nothing I would not do to keep him safe. I think that everyone feels that way about their own pet.

Yoshi- The Greatest Dog in the World

Our Yoshi is a Chinese Crested. He is the most gentle and loving creature on this planet. He is a member of our family and we would protect him as we would our children. We are concerned about his safety and what would happen if we had an emergency situation at our home, who would be there to protect him? Anyone would risk thier lives to protect a person, but is the risk too great to protect an animal? We are very concerned about this issue. Our sons are firefighters and they are helping us to prepare in case of emergency which includes Yoshi. Please consider your pets when you prepare your families for emergencies like fire or medical crisis.