Most people that die in a fire die from smoke inhalation, not the fire. A quick response with adequate fire suppression personnel and equipment is their best chance for survival. Below is an explanation of how our department operates and why.

Fire fighting is one of the most dangerous occupations in the world. Fire doubles in size every 20 seconds with temperatures rising to over 1800 degrees. Smoke is so thick that you can not see your hand in front of your face. Firefighters are wearing approximately 70 pounds of gear and have to crawl while pulling hose and carrying equipment. The stress and exertion levels are high, and although in good shape, exertion comes quickly. . The success of a good fire department comes from good training, good equipment, physical fitness, and enough firefighters on the scene to perform this dangerous job safely and efficiently.

The Public Safety Department is responsible for providing emergency services to our city of 11.78 square miles. 

The Department policies and procedures follow accepted industry standards. These policies and standards ensure the safety of our personnel while doing a highly dangerous job.

Most fire deaths and injuries occur in the home. Is your home fire safe? Those most likely to die in home fires are children under five years old and adults over 65. The United States and Canada have the highest fire death rates of any industrialized countries.  Why? Our buildings are built to high standards and our fire departments are among the best in the world. The problem is people, and their lack of awareness about the importance of making fire safety a part of their everyday lives.

IS YOUR FAMILY FIRE SAFE? Nearly all home fires are preventable.  Each of us can share the responsibility of keeping fires from starting. Fire Safety Checklist     Print this page! Baseboard and portable heaters are away from anything that can burn; furniture, curtains, papers, clothing, etc. The fireplace is equipped with a sturdy metal screen. The chimney is checked before each heating season and repairs are made as necessary. Extension cords and multi-plug adapters are used as little as possible. Extension cords are not tacked to walls, under rugs or through doorways. Cooking food is never left unattended while on the stove or in the oven. If you have to leave the kitchen for a short time while cooking, set a timer or take something with you to remind you that the stove or oven is on. The stove and oven are kept clean of grease and spilt food. In the event of a fire, you know that the best response is to put a lid over the flames. Matches, lighters and other smoking materials are kept out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet. Always place candles in non-tip candleholders before you light them. Keep them out of the reach of children. Extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed, as unattended candles start many fires each year. No smoking in bed is a rule in your home. Drowsy or medicated people may forget lit materials and start a fire. Be sure Smoke alarms are installed on a ceiling or high on a wall outside of the bedroom(s) on each level of your home. No smoking in bed is a rule in your home. Drowsy or medicated people may forget lit materials and start a fire. Once a year you install new batteries in your smoke alarms and you test them once each month. Be sure your family knows what to do if there is a fire. Prepare an Escape Plan and have a Home Fire Drill so your family can practice their escape.

How long do you have to escape from a fire in your home?

When people were asked this question in a recent survey, they answered in ways that surprised us. 58% said two minutes or more. 24% estimated they had more than 10 minutes to escape a home fire. The truth is, you may have much less time to escape.

A typical living room fire can threaten the entire house in just a few minutes, producing life-threatening conditions in upstairs bedrooms less than two minutes after the smoke alarm sounds. Your family needs to know how to get out at the first sign of a fire.

Don’t wait, plan your escape today!

Discussing how to respond to an emergency can help reduce fear. It is critical that everyone recognizes the sound of the smoke alarms and knows two safe ways out of each room. When the smoke alarm sounds, every second counts

Citizens Fire Academy

The City of Oak Point Citizens Fire Academy is a program designed for persons living or working in the City of Oak Point who wish to learn more about how the  Fire Department is organized and operates. Covered in this program are such topics as department training, educational requirements, emergency operations, fire and life safety training, and much more.

The Academy is taught by fire fighters from several Departments in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Academy participants are given the opportunity to participate in demonstrations of emergency operations and to ride with on-duty fire fighters on emergency calls.

When:
The Academy is offered twice a year and meets Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:00pm - 9:30pm each week for ten weeks and every other Saturday.

Where:
The Academy meets at the Oak Point Department of Public Safety, 100 Naylor Road, Oak Point, Texas

Cost:
Free

Limited Space:
There are only 25 seats available for the inauguration class of the Oak Point Citizens Fire Academy.

How to apply:
Applications are available at the
Oak Point Department of Public Safety
100 Naylor Road
Oak Point, TX 

Please fax, mail or deliver the completed application to the Oak Point Department of Public Safety.

For more Information Contact:
Jesse Torres.
Public Education Coordinator
972-294.0000
972-294-33333 (fax)

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