A fire protection technician assists private citizens and business owners in becoming better prepared for fire emergencies. Smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, fire-resistant insulation, and other protective and preventive equipment are designed and installed professionals. They also provide public education and training to teach others how to follow proper emergency procedures and how to escape dangerous situations. The majority of fire protection technicians work for municipal government agencies or local fire stations, though some work for nonprofit organizations or private retailers.
A fire protection technician’s responsibilities can change from day to day. A technician might go to a construction site and work with inspectors to spot potential fire hazards and advise site supervisors on how to best avoid them. He or she can explain why it’s important to follow local or regional fire codes. Many technicians use computer drafting software to analyze building blueprints and determine the best locations for sprinklers and smoke alarms. They may even perform their own installations to ensure that systems are reliable and operating properly.
When homeowners or business owners decide to upgrade their safety systems, they frequently seek the advice of a fire protection technician. A professional can walk through a facility, identify potential hazards, and make recommendations for how to address them. A technician may also organize public safety events at schools or community centers to educate the public about fire dangers, proper extinguisher use, and the importance of regularly checking smoke alarms.
Many firefighters are also trained firefighting technicians. They can assist in extinguishing flames and bringing people to safety in an emergency. Following a fire, a technician will frequently return to the scene to assess the damage and investigate what occurred. He or she makes a list of potential hazards and broken safety equipment to give to detectives. Following a suspected arson act, a fire protection technician may be called to give expert testimony in court.
Working as a fire protection technician has different requirements depending on where you live. The majority of technicians have earned associate’s degrees or certificates from community colleges’ accredited two-year fire science programs. Before starting work, a prospective technician may have to pass written or physical exams at a fire station. To perfect their skills, new workers typically spend several months in on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced technicians. A caring, hardworking, and responsible individual can have a long and rewarding career in this field.