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Fire Safety
and Disaster
Response in
Care Facilities
Teaching Guide:
Follow the procedures on this page to lead a
group in learning the materials in this lesson. The materials may also be
used for self-study by reading the content, doing the activities, and taking the
test. The lesson should take about one hour to complete.
INTRODUCTION
This lesson gives an overview of the basic procedures
for being prepared for and responding to a fire or a natural
disaster. The information about disasters applies to most natural occurrences such as tornadoes,
hurricanes, and earthquakes. It is general in scope, so if your area is prone to a specific kind of disaster
you may want to obtain further information from your local officials or from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). Your state, county, and city have regulations governing fire and life safety
codes, evacuation drills, emergency warning systems, and disaster preparedness and response. Since these
rules vary, this lesson only covers material that applies to the majority of facilities. You will need to check
with your local officials, such as your fire marshal, to be sure you are in compliance with local ordinances.
The information in this lesson comes from FEMA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
LEARNING GOALS
CONTENTS
At the conclusion of this lesson, the learner will:
1. Be able to explain basic fire prevention and safety measures.
2. Know basic disaster preparation and response protocols.
3. Know the disaster preparation and response procedures for your facility.
Î Teaching Procedures
Î Disaster Preparation
Î Disaster Response
Î Fire Prevention & Safety
SUGGESTED TEACHING PROCEDURES
Test
To get your learners to begin thinking about their fire and disaster readiness, try this activity:
Give each learner a copy of the “Disaster Situations” on page 6 and assign them to work on one
of the four situations. Assure them that this is not a test, but is an activity to stimulate thinking and
discussion. They may work individually or in groups to answer the questions. Give them several minutes
to work on this activity and then have them discuss their answers with the rest of the group. Hand out
the Learning Guide, pages 3-5.
To deliver the Learning Guide content to a group, refer to the Learning Guide and follow these procedures:
1. Show the learners your disaster supplies and be sure everyone knows where they are kept. Discuss
the supplies that might be needed in a disaster that lasts several days, and where they are kept (page 2).
2. Discuss evacuation and disaster drills. Be sure everyone knows what is required of him or her in an
emergency. Assign someone on each shift to be responsible for getting the disaster supplies. If you
have a rating system for evacuating residents, be sure everyone knows who should be assisted first.
Review locations of exit doors and fire extinguishers. Show your posted evacuation plan and be sure
everyone is familiar with it. Demonstrate how to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
3. Review the R.A.C.E. protocol for emergency response on page 3 of the Learning Guide.
4. Assign one of each of the three natural disaster response sections (“Before,” “During,” and “After”)
on page 4 of the Learning Guide to some of your learners. Give them a few minutes to read the
material, and then ask them to tell the group what they learned.
5. Review the fire prevention and safety guidelines and allow for questions.
To conclude the lesson and assess what your students have learned, do the following:
1. Administer the test. Grade the test as a group and discuss any wrong answers. Give out Certificates.
2. Evaluate your learners during your next disaster drill to be sure they have learned the material. If you
can, schedule a fire or disaster drill soon after this lesson to reinforce what your learners have studied.
Fire Safety and Disaster Response
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Fire and Disaster
Preparation and
Response: Tips for
the Facility Manager
Disaster Preparation
There are two essential parts of being prepared for
any fire or other disaster: supplies and a plan.
1. Disaster Supplies
Have the following supplies readily on hand, and be
sure your workers know where they are:
• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Portable battery-operated radio and batteries
• First aid kit and manual
In case of a long-term disaster, the following supplies should be kept stocked and accessible at all times:
• Drinking water (bottled or stored in a tank or barrel)
• Emergency food, such as canned and dried goods that do not require cooking
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medications
• Blankets
2. A Plan—Post Your Evacuation Plan Prominently on the Walls—Practice Your Plan
You should hold fire drills on all shifts monthly and a disaster drill at least annually, or more often
if your policies or regulations require it. Identify the area in your facility that is the safest place to be in the
event of a disaster (see “Before” on page 4). For a fire drill you must have a place designated outside the
building where everyone should meet. During the drill have everyone in the facility come to the
designated area. Practice finding and assisting all the residents to the assigned safe place. Take roll call of
residents and staff to be sure everyone has reached the designated area before concluding the drill.
An important part of disaster planning is to know your residents and have an organized way of
evacuating those that need the most assistance. Some facilities use a rating system that is readily accessible
to workers, designating the residents that will need help first to evacuate or get to safety in a fire or
disaster. These are the residents that every worker knows to go to first during an emergency.
Some local officials require resident participation in fire and disaster drills, and others do not. It is
not uncommon for the fire marshal to require a complete evacuation of the building every month to
practice and test your fire response. Even if this is not required, your residents should be periodically
involved as much as you can without putting them at an unreasonable risk. Consider your resident
population in making this decision. If your residents are mostly ambulatory and alert, include them in
your drills. If you are not required to have resident participation, you may do some of your fire and
disaster drills with only your staff, particularly if you have a large population of confused residents or
residents at risk of falling when outdoors. Your drills can be part of your activity calendar, as seen here:
Activity #1: Invite local speakers in for a lecture or demonstration about fire prevention and disaster
response. You can serve refreshments and invite families and the community to hear his lecture and see
your facility. Suggested speakers that should be available from your city or county: Fire Marshal,
Emergency Preparedness Officer, Police Spokesperson, Hospital Emergency Room Coordinator,
Hospital Disaster Response Coordinator, other city or county officials that deal with fires and disasters.
Activity #2: Play games with residents and staff that teach about emergency preparation and
response. Play “Emergency Trivia” using material from this lesson, or organize a Scavenger Hunt
where participants look for specific items related to emergency response.
Fire Safety and Disaster Response
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Fire Safety and
Disaster Response
Learner Guide
R
A
C
escue
Fire and Disaster Response—
Remember to R.A.C.E
Here is a general protocol that should be followed in
responding to any emergency, fire, or disaster. A swift
and smart response can save lives and property.
Your immediate response to any emergency, fire, or disaster should be to
rescue anyone in danger—including yourself. As soon as you become aware that there is a
problem, look around you and see where the danger is and who is in danger, and remove
everyone from the area at once. Go to the prearranged “safe” place as quickly as possible.
lert
As soon as possible, sound the alarm. Tell others about the danger by yelling or
making other loud noises. Activate the alarm or security system in your facility. Register an
official report and get the help of emergency medical personnel by calling 911. Enlist others
by calling out to them and asking for their assistance in rescuing or alerting.
onfine
Once those in immediate danger have been rescued and the alarm has been
sounded, you should try to confine the fire or other danger. Close doors leading to the room
with the fire or danger—you can close these doors as you are leaving the area in the process of
rescuing and alerting. If the fire or other danger can be prevented from spreading, there is a
better chance that no one will be hurt.
E
vacuate*
Get everyone in your facility away from danger and to a safe place. In a fire,
this means that everyone must leave the building and meet outside at the prearranged place, and
must stay out until the building is declared safe. In other disasters this might mean going to a
protected area of the building and staying inside. Follow the plan you have practiced in your
drills. Be sure everyone is present and accounted for.
*E
xtinguish a small confined fire if possible. With a contained blaze like a
wastebasket fire, you may be able to put out the fire without having to evacuate everyone.
If the fire cannot be extinguished within the first few seconds, the R.A.C.E. protocol
should be followed, because even small fires can quickly blaze out of control. Do you know where
your fire extinguishers are and how to use them? Fire extinguishers must be properly maintained.
Natural Disasters—Preparing and Responding
The most catastrophic natural disasters include hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
Every occupant of an area that is prone to one or more of these should become familiar with the special
needs and problems associated with them. The amount of warning you will have varies among these
disasters. Earthquakes generally come without any warning. Hurricanes begin at sea, normally allowing
several hours or even days of warning from the National Weather Service and local officials before
striking land. Tornadoes usually occur along with severe thunderstorms and move very rapidly, changing
direction without warning. Often the National Weather Service will issue watches or warnings when
tornadoes are possible or have been spotted. Tornadoes are the most unpredictable of storms, and
sometimes no warning is possible, so it is best to take shelter early if tornado conditions exist. Be familiar
with your area’s warning system for severe weather conditions. Stay alert and be aware of the weather
when conditions are threatening, and keep a radio tuned to the local news or to a weather station so you
will know how and when to respond.
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What to Do Before, During, and After a Natural Disaster
Plan ahead to identify the safest
place in your facility in the event of
an emergency. Plan the various routes that are
available to get to that safe place in case some
routes are blocked. The designated area must
have no windows, skylights, mirrors, or glass
doors and should be in the most interior part of
the building. A basement is best, but if there
isn’t one then find an inside room without
windows on the very lowest floor. A center
hallway, bathroom, or closet is a good choice,
but if your facility has more than one story, be
sure there is nothing heavy on the floor above
that could fall through—such as a refrigerator or
piano. Do not get near pictures or shelves that
could fall. Do not use elevators. When assisting
residents to the safe area, have everyone wear or
Before
bring sturdy shoes and a wrap. Gather the
emergency supplies. If you have sufficient
warning, such as before a hurricane, do some of
the following: Bring in outdoor objects and
secure buildings by closing and boarding up
windows. Turn the refrigerator and freezer to
their coldest settings and keep them closed.
Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, bottles,
and cooking utensils.
Sometimes officials
instruct people to leave an area when a hurricane
is about to strike. If evacuation is necessary,
follow the evacuation plan you have established
in advance. If you see weather signs such as a
dark or green-colored sky, a large, dark, low-lying
cloud, large hail, or you hear a loud roar that
sounds like a freight train, you should take cover
immediately and help your residents take cover.
The most important thing to do in any natural disaster is take shelter. Once everyone is in the
safest part of the building, you should provide additional protection by having them cover
their heads and bodies with blankets, pillows, or mattresses. If there is nothing else to use and time is
short, have everyone cover their heads and necks with their hands and arms and stay crouched low in a
ball on the floor. Remember that everyone must stay away from windows, skylights, mirrors, and glass
doors. If there is no way to get to a safer place, get under a door frame or some other heavy, sturdy
structure such as a large table or counter that may offer protection against falling and flying debris. Stay
close to an inside wall. Do not light any lamps, candles, matches, or lighters. Do not stay under overhead
light fixtures or near anything breakable. Stay off the phone and away from electricity. Stay inside!
During
Half of all injuries from natural
disasters occur during the aftermath
and rescue efforts. If any damage has been done
to your facility, the gas, electricity and water
should be turned off until rescue workers have
determined that everything is safe. Do not use
matches, lighters, appliances, or light switches
until you are told to do so. Sparks from
electrical switches could ignite gas if there is a gas
leak. It is best to turn off the water at the water
main so you can preserve the water that is
already in your building in the water heater tanks.
Check for injuries and begin first aid. Do not
move seriously injured people unless they are in
immediate danger of further injury. If you are
trapped, try to attract attention to your location
by yelling and shining your flashlight. Listen to
After
your radio for continuing emergency updates.
Do not enter any part of your facility that has
been damaged unless it is necessary to save lives,
and then be very careful. Watch for exposed
nails and broken glass. Do not touch downed
power lines or any objects touching a downed
line. If possible, be sure all telephones are on
their bases so the lines are not unnecessarily tied
up. Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
If you need additional safe drinking water, melt
ice cubes from the freezer. Clean up spilled
chemicals or medicines that could be hazardous.
You may anticipate that residents will become
very anxious during and after a disaster, even if
no damage actually occurs in your building. Be
prepared to offer calm reassurance and firm
guidance.
Fire Safety and Disaster Response
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Fire Prevention—it’s everyone’s responsibility
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
1. Always be alert for damage to electrical cords and plugs. Replace cords if there is
any cracking or fraying, as damaged cords can cause fire or electrical shock.
2. Do not overload electrical sockets.
3. Remove electrical cords from under rugs or furniture.
Unplug small appliances when not in use.
Clothes dryers cause over 14,000 fires a year. Lint filters must be kept clean and unclogged so air
can flow freely. The duct and the inside of the dryer should be vacuumed on a regular schedule.
When cooking, keep towels, potholders, and loose clothing away from the stove. Don’t wear
long, loose-fitting sleeves. Do not leave foods cooking on the stove without watching them.
Keep baking soda or a fire extinguisher near the stove to extinguish grease fires—NEVER throw
water on burning grease.
Check smoke detectors at least monthly to be sure they are working. If they have batteries,
change the batteries as often as needed, but at least annually.
If space heaters are allowed and are in use, keep people, clothing, bedding, furniture, magazines,
paper, and any other flammable materials at least three feet away from them. Unplug them when
not in use, and only plug them directly into a wall outlet, never into a multiple plug. Space heaters
must not be left on when the room occupant is sleeping.
Never leave burning candles unattended.
No one should ever smoke in bed. Burning cigarettes should not be left unattended. Smoldering
ashes should not be emptied into trashcans. Ashtrays must be kept away from upholstered
furniture and curtains.
Fire Safety—teach your residents
Get out of the building as fast as possible and go to the designated outdoor meeting place.
Do not stop to collect any belongings.
Do not go back into a burning building.
If there is smoke in the room or building, stay low or crawl to the nearest exit. Most victims of
fires die from smoke or toxic gases and not from burns. Exposure to smoke and gases
can cloud thinking and slow reactions, preventing escape. Sometimes the smoke and
gases kill people in their sleep when they are not alerted to the fire.
If escape is impossible, put wet towels or sheets around doors to block smoke. Crawl to a
window and open it. Call for help out the window and wave a sheet or towel to get
attention. If there is a phone in the room, call for help.
During a fire, a confused person may try to hide in his or her room where he or she feels safe
instead of going outside. Practice drills can help, but it is essential that facility workers
know which residents will need assistance with evacuation because of confusion or
disability.
If someone’s clothes catch on fire, they should stop where they are, drop to the ground, and
roll over and over with their hands over their face.
If you are rescuing someone who is on fire, smother the flames with a blanket or use the fire
extinguisher.
Remember that fire needs three things to get started: Air, Fuel, and Heat. Once a fire
has started, smother the flames to remove the source of air and stop the fire.
Fire Safety and Disaster Response
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Disaster
Situations:
What Should
You Do?
Situation #1
Imagine that you are working in the facility and have just
been notified that a natural disaster is very likely to hit your
building or area very soon. This is the kind of disaster you can be
warned about, like a tornado or hurricane.
Answer these questions individually or as a group and be
prepared to tell your ideas to the class:
1. What should you do? Prioritize the importance—what will you do first? Second? Third?
2. What supplies or resources will you need?
3. What residents will you check on or get to safety first?
Situation #2
Imagine that you are working in the facility and the fire alarm goes off. You are pretty sure
this is not a drill.
Answer these questions individually or as a group and be prepared to tell your ideas to the class:
1. What should you do? Prioritize the importance—what will you do first? Second? Third?
2. What supplies or resources will you need?
3. What residents will you check on or get to safety first?
Situation #3
Imagine that you are working in the facility’s laundry area and you suddenly notice flames
coming from one of the dryers.
Answer these questions individually or as a group and be prepared to tell your ideas to the class:
1. What should you do? Prioritize the importance—what will you do first? Second? Third?
2. What supplies or resources will you need?
3. What residents will you check on or get to safety first?
Situation #4
Imagine that you are working in the facility when a natural disaster occurs without warning
and your building is damaged. You are not hurt, but others might be.
Answer these questions individually or as a group and be prepared to tell your ideas to the class:
1. What should you do? Prioritize the importance—what will you do first? Second? Third?
2. What supplies or resources will you need?
3. What residents will you check on or get to safety first?
Fire Safety and Disaster Response
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Fire Safety
and Disaster
Response: Test
The following questions can be used as a test, or as part of a
trivia game. To play as a game, write the questions on index
cards and have the participants draw a card and try to give
the answer. Participants may work in teams or individually.
Or, take the test by answering the questions.
Name: __________________________________________ Score: ________ (9 correct required)
Circle or write the correct answer.
1. The most important thing for you and your residents to do during a natural disaster is:
a. Turn off the utilities
b. Take shelter indoors
c. Get the first aid kit
d. Warn others
2. Write the four parts of the emergency protocol that should be followed in a disaster or fire:
(Worth 4 pts.)
R_______________ A_______________ C_______________ E_______________
3. To plan ahead for a fire or natural disaster, be sure you do the following:
a. Identify the safest place to meet (outside for a fire, inside for a natural disaster).
b. Plan and post various ways to get to the safe place.
c. Practice getting yourself and your residents to the safe place.
d. All of the above.
4. Most victims of fires die from:
a. Burns
b. Panic
c. Smoke or toxic gases
d. Heart attacks
5. Write down where the fire extinguishers in your building are located: _________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
6. Write down where the first aid kit is located in your facility: _________________________
7. People should be taught to do the following in the event of a natural disaster:
a. Protect their heads with anything they can find.
b. Go outside the building.
c. Turn off the lights and use candles.
d. None of the above.
8. In a natural disaster, the safest place is indoors near an interior wall with no windows. T or F
9. Fire prevention is your supervisor’s responsibility; so don’t worry about it. T or F
Fire Safety and Disaster Response
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Fire and
Disaster Test
Answer Key
The following questions can be used as a test, or as part of a
trivia game. To play as a game, write the questions on index
cards and have the participants draw a card and try to give
the answer. Participants may work in teams or individually.
Or, take the test by answering the questions.
Name: __________________________________________ Score: ________ (9 correct required)
Circle or write the correct answer.
1.
The most important thing for you and your residents to do during a natural disaster is:
a. Turn off the utilities
b. Take shelter indoors
c. Get the first aid kit
d. Warn others
2. Write the four parts of the emergency protocol that should be followed in a disaster or fire:
(Worth 4 pts.)
Rescue
Alert
Confine
Evacuate (and/or Extinguish)
3. To plan ahead for a fire or natural disaster, be sure you do the following:
a. Identify the safest place to meet (outside for a fire, inside for a natural disaster).
b. Plan and post various ways to get to the safe place.
c. Practice getting yourself and your residents to the safe place.
d. All of the above.
4. Most victims of fires die from:
a. Burns
b. Panic
c. Smoke or toxic gases
d. Heart attacks
5. Write down where the fire extinguishers in your building are located: This answer will be
individual for each facility.
6. Write down where the first aid kit is located in your facility: Individual for each facility.
7. People should be taught to do the following in the event of a natural disaster:
a. Protect their heads with anything they can find.
b. Go outside the building.
c. Turn off the lights and use candles.
d. None of the above.
8. In a natural disaster, the safest place is indoors near an interior wall with no windows. T or F
9. Fire prevention is your supervisor’s responsibility; so don’t worry about it. T or F
Fire Safety and Disaster Response
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Certificate of Achievement
Awarded to: ___________________________________________
For Completing the One-Hour Course Entitled
"Fire Safety and Disaster Response"
Date of Course: __________ Presented by: ___________________________
Facility Name:
(Presenter’s name, or write “self-study”)
_________________________________
Fire Safety and Disaster Response
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