FAQ
Fire Safety
How do I create a home fire escape plan?
Every household should have a fire escape plan and practice it twice a year. Follow these steps to create your plan:
- Draw a floor plan of your home showing all rooms, doors, and windows
- Mark two escape routes from each room (door and window)
- Choose a meeting place outside and away from the home
- Teach everyone to test doors for heat before opening
- Practice crawling low under smoke
- Designate someone to help young children, elderly, or pets
Important: Once you're out, stay out! Never go back inside a burning building. Call 911 from a safe location and let firefighters do the rescue work.
More Answers About Fire Safety
Fire Safety
Can I have a control burn?
Control burns in Johnson County, Texas are allowed as long as there is not a burn ban. You must have water available and someone must be with the fire at all times. If you plan to conduct any outdoor burning, when a burn ban is not in effect, please contact...
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Fire Safety
Can I get a free smoke detector?
The Briaroaks Fire Department purchases a limited number of smoke alarms for distribution to residents who may otherwise not be able to afford them. Please submit a contact form with your request and someone will be in contact to discuss the options with you. The fire department can also assist...
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Fire Safety
How many smoke alarms do I need?
One smoke alarm isn’t enough! You should have at least one smoke alarm in every bedroom and in the hallway outside each bedroom. A typical three-bedroom home would need at least four properly installed smoke alarms to provide a reasonable amount of protection for your family. Smoke rises, so the...
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Close Your Door Before Bed
Keeping your bedroom door closed while you sleep can hold back flames and toxic smoke for several minutes, giving you critical extra time to escape. A closed door can mean the difference between a survivable and unsurvivable room temperature during a house fire.
Grease Fires and Water Do Not Mix
Never throw water on a grease fire — it will cause the burning oil to explode and spread the fire rapidly. Instead, turn off the heat source, carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames, and leave it covered until it cools completely. If the fire is too large to control, evacuate and call 911.