In addition, the importance of the block wall in the back is important for orientation as well. If we get inside and get to a wall that is block, we have a pretty good idea of where we are. We only would know this by pre-planning and/or doing our 360.

Everyone has their own ideas about why they carry a certain length of webbing or rope. But, don't limit yourself to the harnesses and escape systems that utilize webbing. The pieces I keep are for a multitude of basic practices that assist me, when needed, in actual firefighting.

When firefighters become lost or disoriented we are taught to find a window or door on an outside wall. The inside of this building may feel like windows to the gloved hand, but in reality it has been blocked up.

The picture is a bulk head for a basement. We have always been taught and trained to look for and create a secondary means of egress for upper floors. Well, it’s no different for basements.

Make sure you wear personal floatation devices that are appropriate for emergency services. Make sure those PFD’s are on all apparatus and ready for service.

Deploy your resources accordingly through what ever a first alarm will bring you. If you want to expand your alarms, hey, have at it.