Throughout our lives, lessons on fire prevention and safety have been engrained into our minds. As young as toddler-age, our parents discuss “what if” scenarios with us. The message becomes a bit more structured in kindergarten, grade school, and high school. Ironically, as we enter adulthood, some ambivalence creeps in. However, we must remain vigilant on fire awareness and implementation of safety measures at all times.

Every time Dewberry designs a new fire station, we remember the lessons we learned as children, and our critical mission becomes one of "seconds count." We use this mantra during all aspects of design, including:

• Distance from bunks to apparatus bays
• Lighting throughout the station
• Hide-away bunks positioned in the watch rooms for quick response to incoming calls
• The battalion chief's driver sleeping quarters inside the chief's suite
• Critical adjacencies of bunks, gear, etc., around the apparatus (fire trucks)
• Priority for Emergency Management System (EMS) mobilization out of the facility
• Vehicular maneuvering studies and traffic studies for quick departures onto thoroughfares

This “seconds count” principle at the fire station should also be applied at each and every residence. A working fire alarm, exit route (windows and doors), and accountability for each family member can mean the difference between life and death. While October is designated as Fire Prevention Month to bring attention to the matter, fire prevention and preparation is a year-long priority. Each and every time you see a fire truck in-route to a call, it should serve as a reminder to go home and revisit your fire safety measures. Stay safe!