Archives: FAQs

What should I do during an earthquake?

If you are indoors, stay there. Get under a desk or table, or crouch down along an inside wall or hallway. If you are outdoors, get into an open area away from trees, buildings, walls and power lines. If you are driving, pull your car to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses … Continued

Do I need to put a smoke alarm in every room? How many do I need?

Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, alarms should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. For more information, check out OCFA’s Smoke Alarm and Home Escape Plan.

When I go on vacation. Should I let the fire department know?

Contact your local law enforcement agency when leaving for vacation. Leave an emergency number with your neighbors where you can be contacted in case the OCFA must respond to an incident at your home. Also leave a key with a responsible party and let us know who the party is in case we have to … Continued

A member of my family is disabled. What does he/she do during a fire?

Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs. Call your local police department to make sure the person’s special needs are in the 9-1-1 dispatch system.

When there is only a small fire, why do so many fire engines respond?

The standard response to a residential structure fire includes 3 engine companies, one truck company, one paramedic unit and one Battalion Chief. If these units are not needed, they are released upon arrival. The main goal of the Orange County Fire Authority is to protect lives and property and this level of response is needed … Continued

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