DFES WA Career Firefighter Aptitude flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Catastrophic fire danger

The highest bushfire danger rating. On such days, fires are uncontrollable and deadly, and the safest option is to leave the area before fire threatens.

Ember attack

Burning fragments carried by wind ahead of a bushfire. Embers ignite roofs, gutters, and vegetation and cause most home losses in bushfires.

Total Fire Ban

A declaration banning all open-air fires and activities likely to start fires, usually on hot, dry, windy days. Penalties apply for breaches.

Defendable space

The area of reduced fuel around a building that lowers radiant heat and gives firefighters a safer place to defend the property.

Smoke alarm placement

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a home and outside sleeping areas. Test monthly and replace batteries at least yearly.

Cooking oil fire

A pan fire caused by overheated oil. Cover the pan and turn off the heat; never pour water on it, as this causes a violent flare-up.

Stop, drop, and roll

The action for clothing on fire: stop moving, drop to the ground, and roll to smother flames. Running feeds flames with more air.

Home escape plan

A practised plan with two exits from each room and an outside meeting point. Households should rehearse it at least twice a year.

Cyclone eye

The calm centre of a tropical cyclone. After it passes, destructive winds return from the opposite direction, so do not go outside.

Storm surge

A rise in sea level pushed ashore by cyclone winds and low pressure. It causes most cyclone deaths through coastal flooding.

Cyclone category scale

A 1 to 5 scale based on maximum wind gusts. Category 5 is the most destructive, with gusts exceeding about 280 km/h.

Cyclone season

The period when tropical cyclones are most likely in Australia, roughly November to April, driven by warm ocean temperatures.

Severe thunderstorm criteria

A thunderstorm is severe when it produces damaging winds of 90 km/h or more, hail 2 cm or more, or heavy rainfall.

Lightning safety rule

If you can hear thunder, lightning can strike nearby. Shelter indoors away from windows, plumbing, and corded phones.

Downed powerline safety

Fallen powerlines may still be live. Stay at least 8 to 10 metres away, keep others back, and report them to emergency services.

Flash flooding

Flooding that occurs within about six hours of heavy rain. It is the leading cause of death in thunderstorms and arrives with little warning.

Flood warning classes

Flood warnings are issued as Minor, Moderate, or Major based on expected river heights compared with defined local flood thresholds.

Floodwater driving rule

Never drive through floodwater. About 30 cm of moving water can float a small car, and depth and current are hard to judge.

Flood watch vs warning

A flood watch means conditions favour flooding. A flood warning means flooding is occurring or expected in a specific area.

Tsunami natural warning

Strong or long earthquake shaking at the coast, a sudden sea retreat, or a loud ocean roar means move inland and uphill immediately.

Tsunami wave behaviour

Tsunami waves arrive in a series. The first is often not the largest, and danger can persist for many hours after arrival.

Tsunami evacuation target

Move at least 1 km inland or 10 metres above sea level, or go to a tall, sturdy building if you cannot leave the area.

Drop, Cover, Hold On

The earthquake response: drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Aftershock

A smaller earthquake following the main shock. Aftershocks can continue for days or weeks and may further damage weakened structures.

Earthquake magnitude vs intensity

Magnitude measures energy released at the source. Intensity measures the effects felt at a particular location, such as damage and shaking.

Hazmat hot zone

The contaminated area of a hazardous materials incident where only trained responders in protective equipment may enter.

Hazmat approach rule

Approach a hazardous materials incident from upwind and uphill, and stay out of low-lying areas where heavier gases collect.

UN number identification

A four-digit number on placards and in the Emergency Response Guidebook that identifies a hazardous substance and its initial isolation distance.

Australian Warning System levels

Three levels: Advice (yellow), Watch and Act (orange), and Emergency Warning (red). Emergency Warning means act immediately.

Emergency Alert

A system that sends warning messages to mobile phones and landlines in a threatened area, based on location or billing address.

People at higher risk

Groups needing extra support in emergencies, including older adults, young children, people with disability, and those socially isolated.

DFES

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Western Australia. It supports career and volunteer firefighters and the State Emergency Service.