Stay Fire Smart - Don't Get Burned!

When a smoke alarm sounds, we all know what to do right? Find the nearest exit, go outside, and stay out! Make an escape plan with your family and remember to practice it. Once you are outside, go to your meeting place. Never go back into a home or building that is on fire.

Below The Smoke! Crawl & Go, Stay Low!

Smoke can be just as dangerous as fire. Get below the smoke. Crawl on your hands and knees keeping your head one to two feet above the floor, where the air will be the coolest and cleanest. Stay low and go!

When escaping a fire, make sure you first test the doorknob and spaces around the door with the back of your hand. If it is cool, slowly open the door and look for signs of smoke or fire. If you should encounter smoke, heat, or flames try an alternate escape route.

Stop, Drop & Roll

Stop, drop and roll is the most effective way of putting out clothing that has caught fire. Learn these simple steps and practice the procedure.

If your clothes catch on fire: Stop, Drop, Cover Your Face, and Roll

1. Stop – where you are – do not run
2. Drop – drop down to the floor or ground
3. Cover Your Face - with your hands
4. Roll – roll back and forth many times until the fire is out

Dalmatians: The Official Mascot of Firefighters

In the 1700's Dalmatians were used to protect horses that pulled English stagecoaches. Typically, Dalmatians would run next to the horses as they pulled the coach. When other dogs tried to bite and scare the horses, the Dalmatian team would chase them away.

Over the years, Dalmatians formed a close bond with horses. Because of the dog/horse bond, the Dalmatian easily adapted to the firehouse in the days of horse drawn fire wagons. Since every firehouse had a set of fast horses to pull the pumper, it became common for each group of firefighters to keep a Dalmatian in the firehouse to guard the horses. When the alarm came in, the Dalmatian led the way for the horse-drawn pumper. Once on the fire scene, however, the dogs had other duties as well, including safeguarding the equipment from vandalism and theft.

So, it appears that Dalmatians have a variety of admirable traits that have endeared them to firefighters and secured them a permanent position in fire service history. Dalmatians continue to serve as a symbol of the fire service, however here in Mountain View we do not have a Dalmatian at any of our stations.

Why Firefighters Wear Funny Clothes

Firefighters wear special clothes that are made to protect them while they work in dangerous situations. This clothing is one of the many tools that helps them do their job while staying safe.

Additional Info and Activities

Please visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Kids website for more fire safety info and activities for kids.