Twist Lock Higbee
Here is a helpful tip that makes a simple job even easier. Undoubtedly, every one of us has had to try multiple times to hook up a twist lock electrical connection. Common, admit it, not even at 03:30? …Thought so. The idea is to simply mark the odd prong on each connection. A few sharpie markers (black and silver) are all you need. Simply connect (but don’t twist) the plug and draw your mark on both the male and female ends of the plug. Then when its time to make the connection, just line up the marks, and you’ll have success first time, every time.
Look Before You Leap 
Twist Lock Higbee
Here is a helpful tip that makes a simple job even easier. Undoubtedly, every one of us has had to try multiple times to hook up a twist lock electrical connection. Common, admit it, not even at 03:30? …Thought so. The idea is to simply mark the odd prong on each connection. A few sharpie markers (black and silver) are all you need. Simply connect (but don’t twist) the plug and draw your mark on both the male and female ends of the plug. Then when its time to make the connection, just line up the marks, and you’ll have success first time, every time.
Look Before You Leap
At first glance, the outside team might breathe a slight sigh of relief when a porch roof or balcony is found on the structure. Under most circumstances a balcony or porch roof offers a stable platform for performing VES operations. However, like so many things in modern building construction, it is not always what it appears.
In this particular set-up, the first floor balcony doesn’t really exist. Apparently, it just appears to have one in order to match the second and third floor balconies. In this instance, the absence of a sliding glass door on the balcony should be an indicator. This set-up was present at every building in the complex, so it’s not just a replacement or repair issue.
An important part of throwing ladders to the structure is truly evaluating their placement, and their effectiveness. Don’t waste time, or ladders, because the situation wasn’t fully evaluated.
Watch Those Corners
We’re sure many of you have seen this video before, but it’s always fun to see it again. Watch closely as the ladder truck rounds the corner. Of course we all know this wouldn’t have happened if the Engine would have left the front of the building for the Truck Company! Just kidding.
Don’t Forget to Knock 
From the front it appears that it is a house under construction and the work has been stopped for some time. We have always advocated checking buildings under construction or renovation; it is one of the best methods to learn building construction. This one should be of special concern because of its current state.
Well don’t forget to knock…Check out the building from side. Hopefully the existing structure is not currently occupied, but that would not be uncommon. Many people build a new house around an existing one. They even remain occupying the original structure during renovation. Besides the possibly unexpected occupants, think about this structure after the renovation. This “structure inside another structure” situation creates some pretty hardened voids that will make us work a little harder when looking for hidden fire and taking this building apart during overhaul.
Ratchet Strap 
The owner of this commercial occupancy found a creative way to secure the rear door. Apparently this supplemental lock is in response to some recent break-ins. As you can see, the supplemental lock is simply a heavy ratchet strap from the panic hardware to a nearby railing. The interesting this about this set-up is that there is absolutely no indication on the outside of the door. It just another one of those things you wouldn’t expect.
Controlling Utilities
Just another quick thought about controlling utilities. For some reason I have found that sometimes crews are a little reluctant to shut off gas to the building. Especially when presented with a gas meter setup like the one pictured below. If you have time you can trace the pipe and try to isolate the specific meter needed, or you can do my favorite and just shut them all down. I understand that this may make things more difficult for the building owner and gas company, but it’s a little bit of piece of mind to the outside team to be able to confidently say “utilities secure.” Beware of the meter bypass line that may make it appear the line has been secured, again when in doubt, turn them all off! You can’t see it in the picture but their may be one valve (behind the milk crate) that would shut the entire riser down at once.
Enter This! 
I believe this post discussed how sometimes building owners and contractors really don’t think like us. In the photo above, the building owner had this concrete structure placed over the front of the building to make it look more “aesthetically pleasing.” It’s blocking the window mounted AC units. Since I know this building, I can tell you that this facade is made of solid concrete! Think about the effect this would have on your tactics if you pulled up with heavy fire showing and found someone hanging out of the window awaiting rescue? No one ever said this job was easy!
Hidden Crib
The brothers from Engine and Ladder 1 were dispatched to smoke in a residence upon the arrival of Engine and Ladder 1 they found heavy smoke on the 2nd floor. They found the source of the smoke and vented the residence. Upon further investigation they found this.
The master bedroom had a 6 ft by 6ft bookcase near the window on the division A side. They found a crib in between the window and the back of the bookcase. If this had been an active fire situation and at night how many of you would have realistically taught to look behind there during a primary search? Something to think about.
You can notice in the photo above it looks like a bay style window that helps conceal the crib.
In Good Fun
The Truck’s perspective:
The Engine’s perspective:
’nuff said
Copyright 2008. Bartlett Fire Fighters Local 3583. All rights reserved.
