Smoke inhalation is the number one cause of fire-related deaths, mostly while people are in their homes sleeping. Every home needs at least one smoke detector. If you have a two story home, you need one on every floor. They should be placed outside of sleeping areas. Check the detector once a month by pushing the test button. If the alarm does not go off, or if the detector begins to "chirp" on it's own every 30 seconds, replace the battery.
Fire Department
Fire Safety and Prevention
Fire Safety Tips
Inside your home
✔ Protect children and seniors
Children and senior citizens are particularly vulnerable during home fires. Ninety percent of fire deaths involving children occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
A working smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half by providing early warning and critical extra seconds to escape.
✔ Be cautious when people smoke cigarettes
If you have a party at your house and people are smoking, check all seat cushions and trash cans before you go to bed. Cigarettes can smolder for hours after you go to bed and then turn into a raging inferno.
✔ Be careful how you discard your Christmas trees
Green trees will burn, but dry trees will burn in seconds creating intense heat. Children will sometimes pick up discarded trees and make forts. This can become a death trap for them if they are playing with matches or lighters. It's important to remove trees after the holiday season. See the Heavy Brush and Bulky Items Pick-up Schedule, or visit the Solid Waste Department's page for more information.
Outside your home
When you call 911, you expect a prompt response from the fire and police departments.
The following suggestions can help us find you when you call 911.
✔ Have a visible address number
City ordinance requires all buildings to have address numbers that are visible and legible from the street on the front of your home or business.
✔ Make sure your address number is a contrasting color
If the numbers are on the trim of the house or business and you repaint the trim, please no not paint over them because they become invisible. The numbers should sharply contrast in color with the surface they are secured on.
✔ Make sure your address number is not obstructed
Make sure trees, shrubs or other types of foliage are not blocking the view of the numbers from the street.
✔ Do not spell out your address number
It is best to use actual numbers instead of scripted written numbers. It can be very difficult reading Seven Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Seven from the street. It is much easier to read 7687.
✔ Use steel or wooden cut-out address numbers
Please do not rely only on painted numbers on the curb in front of your house or business. Painted numbers wear off as car tires rub against them. When it rains, the curbs fill with water and cover the numbers. When cars are parked in front of your house or business, the numbers are covered. If these numbers are all you have, you may have nothing when you need the numbers the most.
Marina Fire Safety Tips
Marina fires can grow so rapidly that firefighters have a difficult time confining and extinguishing this type of fire. Rapid extinguishing of this type of fire is not likely. Many times firefighters find themselves just trying to limit the fire growth and protecting exposures. The key to saving lives and property lies in fire prevention. Educating boat owners who may not have the skills or knowledge to recognize fire hazards that may exist aboard their vessels is the first step in prevention. Below is a list from Seaworthy Magazine that list causes of fires started aboard a vessel.
- AC and DC wiring/appliance - 55%
- Engine/Transmission Overheat - 24%
- Fuel Leaks - 8%
- Miscellaneous - 7%
- Unknown - 5%
- Stove - 1%
A marina occupied by tenants who are knowledgeable in fire prevention helps create a safer marina that all can enjoy.
Fire Prevention for Boat Owners
- When choosing a marina, check around for fire protective measures such as fire extinguishers, cleanliness, clear dock passageways, security, good lighting, etc.
- Be proactive about regular maintenance of your vessel, especially electrical and fuel systems.
- Use only UL listed marine approval cord sets and connectors.
- Never leave operating electrical equipment unattended.
- Smoke alarms should be installed in vessels.
- Have a U.S.C.G. approved fire extinguisher on board and know how to operate it.
- Properly dispose of oily rags in an approved container.
- Fuel portable tanks on the dock, not on your vessel.
- Before fueling, close all compartments, hatches, and covers. After fueling open everything up and ventilate.
- Tenants must take responsibility for preventing fire on their vessel. If you see a fire hazard bring it to the attention of marina management.
Marina Emergency Response Plan
The emergency response plan should outline the responsibilities of tenants and staff personnel. The establishment of a marina safety committee to develop an emergency plan that outlines the duties of staff should follow in the event of a fire. The committee should include marina management as well as a member of your local Fire Department. Below is a list of some of the components that should be included in your response plan.
- Dial 911 to report the emergency
- Evacuate tenants and visitors
- Shut down the fuel dock
- Shut down the utilities
- Attempt to move adjacent boats away from fire area
- Move vehicles that are blocking access to fire area
- Have a staff member be in contact with the fire incident commander
The training of staff personnel should include giving pertinent information when reporting a fire, conducting an evacuation, and extinguishing a fire using a site source. The scheduling of a marina fire drill should include fire response personnel and should be conducted at least twice a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a fire report?
There are two (2) ways to obtain a structure/building fire report. Reports can be requested over the telephone, (361) 826-3930 or email Desiree Meave at DesireeM@cctexas.com. You will need to furnish the following when calling: your name, phone number, date of loss and address where fire occurred. Upon locating the reports, you will be contacted to come to the office and fill out a request for records (very simple form).
If faxing a request, please provide: your name, phone number, date of loss, address where fire occurred and a reason for the request (i.e. insurance, files, etc.). After the location of the reports, they will be faxed to you.
How do I obtain a vehicle fire report?
To obtain a vehicle fire report, please call (361) 826-3930. You will need to furnish the following: your name, phone number, date of loss, and address where fire occurred (i.e. insurance, files, etc.). Upon locating the reports, you will be contacted to pick up the reports. You will need to bring the following: proof of insurance with vehicle listed or a current vehicle registration for that vehicle. If unable to provide the proof of insurance or registration, the request will have to be obtained through the Legal Department by the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). That request will need to be faxed to the City Secretary’s Office, (361) 826-3113.
How do I obtain an Environment Site Assessment Survey from the fire department?
Please email Desiree Meave at DesireeM@cctexas.com. Please provide: your name, phone number, location and what type of information you are requesting. Please provide an exact location, the fire department cannot conduct abstract descriptions (i.e. adjacent, surrounding area, etc.)
If requesting a site assessment requiring several city departments, the request will have to be obtained through the Legal Department by the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). That request will need to be faxed to the City Secretary’s Office, (361) 826-3113.
You will need to call (361) 826-3930 to schedule any inspections (annual, foster, group, etc.) All applicable permits will need to be paid prior to any scheduling of tests. The fire department requires a 24 to 48 hour notice for scheduling inspections/tests.
What if I need a Knox Box for my business?
You will need to access the Knox Box website: www.knoxbox.com on this website it has two zip codes for Corpus Christi. Please choose the zip code of 78408. The 78418 zip code is only for use on the Navy Base. The box will be shipped locked. You will need to call (361) 826-3930 to set up an appointment to open the box for installation. Upon completion of installation, you will need to call again to have it locked. A 24 to 48 hour notice is required for scheduling. You will not have/receive a key for this unit. The Corpus Christi Fire Department will have the only secured key for these boxes.
How do I schedule presentations/engine companies (fire trucks)?
Please call (361) 826-8428. If you should get the voicemail, please leave your name, telephone number, date and time of requested presentation and a brief description. Please call at least a minimum of 2 weeks prior to any presentations. Learn more below:
How do I report a fire code complaint?
Please call (361) 826-3930.
Just for Kids
Being a Hero is Fun!
Visit Ready.gov's fun website! Play games and test your knowledge. Learn how to build the perfect emergency kit.
Sparky the Fire Dog
Visit the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) website to learn about fire trucks, dalmatians, and play fun games.
Smokey the Bear
Explore the different ways you can help prevent wildfires.
About Us
The Fire Department functions to protect life, property, and the assets of the City from any emergency situation through preparedness, prevention, public education, the development and enforcement of fire codes, emergency medical services, fire suppression, and hazardous material incident response.
Contact Information
Address:
2406 Leopard, Suite 300,
Corpus Christi, TX 78408
Phone: (361) 826-3900
