Sue Gardner

In this episode, Reuben and Tessa are joined by Sue Gardner, a retired firefighter, to discuss fire safety. They cover topics such as the causes of house fires, the difference in fire behavior in old and new houses, the importance of smoke alarms and fire escape plans, and the use of fire blankets and fire extinguishers. Sue also shares a story about pre-planning a fire and the importance of following established procedures. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of fire prevention and preparedness in keeping homes and occupants safe. Please see link for the video of the comparison between legacy room and modern room during fire: https://youtu.be/IEOmSN2LRq0?si=6zfkzVpdRQdFAr0h Takeaways Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and ensure they are in working order. Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family, including identifying a meeting place outside the home. Consider having fire extinguishers and fire blankets in your home for added safety. Be cautious with space heaters, ensuring they are not placed near flammable materials and are in good working condition. Understand the fire behavior in different types of structures and take appropriate precautions. Follow building codes and regulations to enhance firefighter safety and prevent fire incidents. Firefighters need to take their time and be cautious during firefighting operations. Fire safety includes having an evacuation plan, checking smoke detectors, and having the right fire extinguishers. Space heaters should be updated to avoid drawing too much power. Listeners are encouraged to email the podcast with thoughts, questions, concerns, or show ideas. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Listener Request 01:10 Introduction of Sue Gardner 02:12 Sue's Career as a Firefighter 03:43 Difference in Fire Behavior in Old and New Houses 06:03 Causes of House Fires 07:07 Faster Fire Spread in Newer Construction 08:32 Impact of Building Codes on Firefighter Safety 10:55 Importance of Smoke Alarms 13:19 Types of Smoke Alarms 16:11 Importance of Fire Escape Plans 17:36 Fire Escape Ladders 19:03 Fire Extinguishers 20:06 Increased Fire Risk in Winter 22:27 Fire Behavior in Different Structures 24:00 Preventing Fires from Space Heaters 25:21 Fire Blankets 28:07 Chimney Fires 30:40 Sue's Story: Pre-Planning a Fire 34:55 Firefighting experiences 35:28 Fire safety tips 36:10 Conclusion and closing remarks