The above is a YouTube video showing a real-time response by Vandergrift, PA firefighters to a house where a $hitload of live ammo was being stored in the attic. Hence, the crackling sounds. Be very careful how you store your ammo in your house.
Being retired EMS, I often look at these YT videos of firefighter responses just to see how the different crews respond. . Some of the lessons learned (for homeowners) include:
1) Always know the location of the closest Fire Hydrant to your house and tell the dispatcher that so the crew doesn't have to waste time looking for it. Some crews may not have "auto-location" systems or remember all of the locations.
2) Don't park in the street, if at all possible. The apparatus may not be able to get through. Especially in urban or city areas. Where I lived in the PRNJ, it was against township ordinances to park in the street, in front of my townhouse, unless it was a quick delivery or something. The streets were more narrow anyway. Even a type 3 ambulance could not get by, let alone a std. fire engine, if blocked by a parked car.
3) If you park in the driveway outside the garage, park a few feet away from the door, so whatever's burning inside doesn't catch the car on fire. Lots of things can fall from the roof and catch the car. Also, it gives the crew some room to work in re: sawing the door down.
4) Don't expect them to get water on your burning house for at least 10-15 minutes after they arrive. It takes that long to tap the hydrant, set the main 4" line from the hydrant to the pumping engine intake and then to charge all the outgoing lines. Even longer if they don't know where the hydrant is and they have to look for one (see #1 above).
5) Stay out of the A.O. I know you want to save your house, but understand... that's not likely to happen anyway by the time the apparatus arrives and they get water on it. Let them do their jobs as best they can. Expect to have holes cut in your roof or your garage door for venting purposes. And be sure your homeowners insurance is paid up! And if there are electricity lines nearby, it's even worse as it may take at least 1/2hr or more for the power co. to cut power. If a line burns down. it's on!
6) If you live in the "sticks" where there isn't a hydrant network, consider digging a duck pond that will serve as a water source for the apparatus, if you have the space for it. Gators...Shmators! Your house is more important! If not, then they'll have to bring in "tankers" with water to feed the engines. Advise the dispatcher accordingly.
I'm sure you folks know most of this already. But these are some of the things I see as I watch these videos Searching for the hydrant is the biggest one. Know where yours is and be able to tell them.
Be safe folks!
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