When it comes to fire safety, EVERY SECOND COUNTS!

In an emergency , time is very precious and could mean the difference between life and death. Below are a few key points to keep in mind when thinking about fire safety.

Visible Street Addresses 

It is important to have your home or business clearly marked with your address. In an emergency, a properly marked building address is vital in the response of First Responders. Without a properly marked address, First Responders may lose precious seconds locating your emergency.

Be sure to follow city code when marking your home or business street address.

• Home addresses should be visible from the street
• Numbers should be 4-6 inches on contrasting color

Yield Right of Way

IF YOU SEE THE LIGHT, MOVE TO THE RIGHT! If you see and or hear an emergency response vehicle, you must yield right of way. IT'S THE LAW!

• Move the the far right and stop
• If on the other side of a multi-lane highway, move to the right to give emergency vehicles more space to get trough.
• if traffic is heavy and you cannot vacate your lane, move over within your lane to make space

Have an escape plan: Plan 2 ways out!

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. That’s why home escape planning is so critical in a fire situation. It ensures that everyone in the household knows how to use that small window of time wisely.

• Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave — this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

If you have any questions or comments please contact the Richmond Fire Department at (281) 238-1210 or e-mail us at firechief@richmondtx.gov