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Respect for Firefighters Includes Community Preparation
Gratitude for firefighters can become practical before a fire starts. In a community at risk, residents can learn how warnings are delivered, discuss routes out, and plan for people who may need help leaving.
Preparation does not make residents responsible for the fire, and people have unequal resources and mobility. A useful plan accounts for those differences. It reduces avoidable confusion when responders and neighbors need to act quickly.
During an emergency, follow local warnings and evacuation instructions and keep routes available for responders. Respect can be both thanks for the people who answer the call and care taken before they have to.