Words of Wisdom for Firefighters

The only safe assumption is to assume the worst.

One should not stand too close to the guys who are always bandaged up.

In most cases, extinguishing the fire solves the majority of the problems.

Effective analysis must always be mixed with water in order to put out the fire.

You should never develop a plan that is so smart that you can't explain it to the people who have to carry it out.

The fire department is not usually called because someone did something smart.

The Incident Commander should be the first person who thinks a fire is burning and the last person to believe that it is out.

Safety zones and escape routes work best when everyone knows where they are.

If the fire isn't going out, you're not putting enough water on it.

You should avoid situations that are so exciting that you don't survive.

Instructions are most effective when they are understood.

The very worst plan is no plan; the next worst plan is two plans.

If you have a lot of ideas, you need a lot of equipment.

Very little on the fire ground falls up.

Safety prevents meetings.

You can fool the spectators, but you can't fool the players.

Retreats are far superior to funerals.

If you aren't dressed to play, stay in the bleachers.

Don't assume that you're communicating just because you're talking.

The longer you take to make a decision, the fewer options you will have.

When the wind picks up, something will happen.

Never challenge a fire to a foot race.

Never trust a smiling dog.

When they say "Somebody do something!," you're the somebody they're talking about.

Never eat more than your mask will hold.