What kind of local research would be helpful in targeting efforts where they will do some good?
There are two types of research that are useful for fire prevention: “pure research and applied research” (Crawford, 2011 p.120). Whereas pure research is about fact finding, applied research, on the other hand, focuses on finding solutions. Technology and human behavior are applications that can aid the prevention and management given they are not based on hunches but evidence. “Internet search on the topic or attendance at a trade meeting” are the easiest ways to identify current research relevant to the fire prevention field (Crawford, 2011 p.120). Some research methods that have been listed include fire-tracking methods through a fire incident reporting system and software programs used to track patient information. The most effective of all is performing community assessment. Reason being community assessment analyses the type of hazards in the community and finds a way to prevent fire rather than managing it. It is also more accurate and reliable. All types of research are indispensable, as they ultimately lead to effective fire prevention programs.
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What kind of challenges does it present to give the fire commissioner data that would indicate the fire problem is much higher in another neighborhood of May?
The fire commissioner has a potentially useful idea of installing smoke alarms, but only for the upscale parts of the city of May where fire incidents are lower. The commissioner may have particularly targeted the upscale part of May for reasons that may include their financial capability. He certainly did not consider all the factors. Presenting him with new information about fire incidents being higher in other parts than the upscale area he targeted will present a challenge to his original plans and assessments he might have conducted. It might force him to devise a new plan that caters for all the parts of May could call for more resources, time, and planning. Financial restraints may be an issue for the individuals that do not reside in the upscale parts of May. Consequently, the commissioner may need to find a way for these expenses to be covered by the government. The fire commissioner might perhaps have to consider another method of prevention. One would; however, advise him to proceed with the idea of smoke alarms in the whole city of May with financial support from the government. Statistics in Oklahoma indicate: “20 fatal and 24 non-fatal injuries were prevented” due to use of smoke alarms in five years hence resulting in net savings (Haddix et al., 2001).
What type of search could be done to identify the materials already available to the target audience?
To identify the materials needed, fire risk assessment and community assessment should be conducted. Community assessment will identify the type of hazards in May, which will help in finding materials necessary for fire prevention, and where to locate fire prevention equipment. The “fire risk assessment” will identify the largest buildings in the community and evaluate them for needed fire flow (Fan & Mahoua, 2000 p.166). Size and material used in building determine the needed fire flow, which will be useful in determining the number of engines, ladder trucks and fire-fighters needed to put out the fire.
What is the value of research for fire prevention efforts and in this case in particular?
Applied research is meant to be informative and useful during fire prevention and management. This includes performing community assessment to analyze the possible hazards in a certain area, conducting a census of the area, and analyzing fire reports and their causes. The commissioner in this case study can be said not to have conducted research on the parts with the most fire incidences since he proposes a useful idea to be used in a place with lower fire incidences. Due to this omission, he may have to allocate other resources to conduct comprehensive research and come up with a new plan that shelters the whole city of May. Research such as the fire risk assessment also approximates the equipment and personnel needed for fire emergencies. Pure research is useful in identifying whether a certain technology will work or not. All types of research are therefore useful in efforts to prevent and manage fire outbreaks.
References
Crawford, J. (2011). Fire prevention organization & management with my fire kit . Prentice hall.
Fan, W. & Zhong, M. (2000). Review on modeling of fire physics & risk assessment. Retrieved from http://www.iafss.org/publications/aofst/4/165/view/aofst_4-165.pdf.
Haddix, A. C., Mallonee, S., Waxweiler, R., & Douglas, M. R. (2001). Cost effectiveness analysis of a smoke alarm giveaway program in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Injury Prevention , 7(4), 276-281.
