SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
The type of salvage operations required in a particular building will depend to some extent on its
construction.
Size-up of the fire situation will indicate which salvage operations should be initiated first, and where.
Salvage should begin along with fire attack. That is, the building and its contents should be protected from
water damage when water is first directed into the building.
Protecting Building Contents
Building contents are protected mainly by covering them to keep them from being damaged by water and
debris. The flow of excess water should be directed away from stock, furnishings, and equipment.
1. Covering Building Contents
Salvage covers should first be spread over the building contents that are in the most danger of
being damaged by water. Once the contents of this area are well protected, covers should be
placed on the contents of surrounding areas. Cover the items that could suffer the most water
damage because of either their position or their value.
2. Catchalls
Salvage covers can be rigged as basins, generally referred to as “catchalls,” to catch and hold
water dripping from a ceiling. Catchalls are effective in keeping moderate amounts of water off
building contents, and in preventing water from moving around the floor or seeping down to lower
floors.
Removing Water from Buildings
Ladder/Truck Company personnel must remove water before it causes extensive damage or causes the
building to collapse.
1. Chutes
2. Drains
3. Toilets
Chutes can be used to direct water from one floor out through the window (or other openings) of
the floor below.
Floor and wall drains can be used if they are located fairly close to the accumulations of water.
Water should not be moved very far across floors if this can be avoided.
A toilet can be unbolted from the floor and lifted out of place and can be used to remove much
water quickly from nearby areas if the drain is kept from clogging. Ceilings below the toilet
should be checked for leakage.
4. Sewer Pipes
Sewer pipes provide another effective means for removing large quantities of water.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 225
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley