Groundhog on the banks of the Mississippi; Mississippi National River & Recreation Area, Minnesota. 
Groundhog
January 2013
Prevention 52 fire helmet
Take Action

1) Find out if your office has a fire escape plan. Can you locate the 2 closest doors that lead outside? Does the plan tell you where to meet?

 2) If your office does not have a fire escape plan, ask your supervisor why not. 

 3) Take it home:  Make a fire escape plan for your home. 
NPS Fire Facts
Read about the site of the first large scale strike of women workers in the country and one of the worst industrial fire disasters in American history. This event led to dramatically improved fire and safety features required in buildings today. This location is now a National Historic Landmark. 

Resources
The Structural Fire Program has many resources to help you provide an effective fire prevention program in your park.

 

Visit our website at:
  

Regional Structural Fire Staff:
 
Alaska - Alan Wetzel
Intermountain - Todd Neitzel
Midwest - Kip Schwabe
National Capital - Don Boucher
National Capital Fire Prevention Specialist - Raul Castillo
Northeast - Joe Mazzeo
Northeast Fire Prevention Specialist - Donna Baumgaertner
Pacific West - Curtis Troutt
Southeast - Jim King

For more fire prevention resources go to:
  

Submit ideas and feedback:
 
Interview with a Groundhog
Author: Kathy Komatz, National Structural Fire Training Specialist

 

NPS Structural Fire Chief Hal Spencer: Good morning, Phil and thank you for talking with me. If you could, please tell our readers why groundhogs are considered among the best at planning for escape from emergencies.


Punxsutawney Phil: Yes, or course. We g
roundhogs spend most of our time in underground burrows. These burrows, like many homes, have one main entrance, but also have up to four auxiliary entrances. This allows groundhogs many options to enter and exit their homes in case the main entrance is blocked.
Left: Alternative burrow entrance; Badlands National Park, South Dakota. Right: Main Entrance; Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania.

Hal: Great planning! Now, in preparation for the long winter indoors, what do you do to ensure your family will be safe in case of an emergency?

 

Phil: Emergencies, like a blocked exit, can develop quickly and unexpectedly, and this doesn't leave time to plan an escape. Planning before an emergency strikes greatly increases everyone's chances of escaping safely. I follow these three simple steps:  

  1. Have a Plan.
  2. Know the Plan.
  3. Practice the Plan.

You can find more information from Prevention 52 - Fire Escape Planning.

 

Hal: I realize that groundhogs don't have windows in their burrows, but what if you did? How can you use windows in an escape?

 

Phil: If you plan to use windows as emergency exits in your home, practice using them. Be sure that all the windows open easily and that you can safely get to the ground. Don't forget a plan for opening those screens and security bars. They need to open from the inside without special tools or specialized knowledge.

 

Hal: That is some very sound advice Phil. Do you have any other helpful hints for our readers?

 

Phil: Now it will depend on if I see my shadow or not Feb 2nd, but if we are going to have six more weeks of winter, be aware that according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), house fires are more prevalent in winter than any other season.

 

Groundhog Phil: Before I go, remember to check out our website for annual Groundhog Day events; and "Like" us on Facebook! Be safe everyone, and look for me on the 2nd! 


Disclaimer: this was not a real interview.
 
Just for You 
Employees

Do you have children, persons with disabilities and/or seniors living in your home? It is especially important to have an escape plan and to have practiced it. Click here for a quick guide on how to make a fire escape plan for your home

 

Do your kids attend sleepovers? Read this.

 

Park Leadership

A written emergency evacuation plan is required by OSHA in work places with more than 10 employees. Assure current emergency evacuation plans are written, known and rehearsed by all employees within NPS owned and managed buildings. Click here for required elements of a plan.

 

Contact your park's Structural Fire Coordinator or Regional Structural Fire Manager for additional guidance. 

 

Regional/National Leadership

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 requires emergency evacuation plans in workplaces with more than 10 employees. Assist park managers in becoming compliant with this OSHA regulation by making the necessary tools and resources available. 

Prevention 52 begins with you!

Prevention 52 intends to educate and empower all NPS employees to help prevent structural fires.

Prevention 52 provides you with relevant fire prevention messages every week of the year - 52 to be exact.

You have the opportunity every week to make a difference. Don't let historic ashes become your legacy.
National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

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