Vehicle fire emergencies can ignite at any moment—whether during travel or on the job site. To protect against unexpected hazards, Dawood equips company vehicles with fire extinguishers and first aid kits. We also train employees on how to use equipment and respond to immediate dangers.
Recognizing the destructive nature of fires, companies should adopt robust safety plans to minimize accidents and swiftly respond to active threats.
A Proactive Approach
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were approximately 208,000 vehicle fire incidents in 2021. Many were unintentional, highlighting the importance of preventive measures. To avoid property damage and injuries, the Texas Department of Insurance recommends the following precautions:
- Maintain vehicle maintenance and inspections.
- Avoid parking in areas with tall grass that could touch heated vehicle parts.
- Do not store gasoline in the vehicle.
- Stay alert for damaged wiring, blown fuses, loud exhaust noises, or sudden fuel and oil level changes.
When Emergency Strikes
In emergencies, every second counts. If you smell burning rubber or see smoke coming from your engine or brakes, retreat from your car as a fire might be imminent. In the event of a vehicle fire:
- Pull over and turn off the engine.
- Exit the vehicle and move to a safe distance of 100 feet from the car.
- Dial 911 and wait for further instructions.
- Do not go back to retrieve items—things are replaceable, people are not.
Fire Extinguisher Awareness
While fleeing from a scene is the safest choice, there may be times when combating a fire is necessary. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends the following questions to ask:
- Have I alerted others about the fire?
- Did someone call the fire department?
- Am I physically capable of using the fire extinguisher?
- Is the fire small and contained in a single object or surface?
- Am I safe from the smoke?
- Do I have a clear escape route?
If employees can answer “yes” to each question, they should use the PASS method to properly utilize a fire extinguisher.
- Pull the fire extinguisher pin.
- Aim at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle.
- Sweep side-to-side, expelling the extinguishing agent across the base of the flames.