Not many people are aware of the issues of public health and or safety within their community. Little do they know, everywhere you go, theres always a chance where an incident of catching a disease and/or being in danger. Public safety is a very important part of public health, and certain objects in an area are essential in most public places. For our "This is Public Health" project, our group, Chelsea Leahy, Vincent Escuyos, and Judy Nguyen, decided we should have our sticker at a local gas station off of Fletcher Avenue. "Where is public health here?" Vincent asked. The three of us then spotted a fire extinguisher and thought, this is consider public health because it has the potential to protect someone in case of a fire from the gasoline. As you can see, the fire extinguisher was place in an area where it is easily seen and can be easily accessed. Chances of a fire or any flammable event may occur whenever people over pump their tanks, leaving leaks of gasoline on their car and/or the floor ground. With the addition to Florida's heat, a fire may occur quickly. Thus, a fire extinguisher is the first line of defense in case a small fire happens at a gas station. Furthermore, ambulances might take a while to come and regular water will have no effect to treating chemical fire, therefore having the extinguisher can be very useful. By having fire extinguishers at every gas pump, the safety of the people in that are increases dramatically if there were ever to be a fire. Also, each station has directions in how to use the equipment properly. With that being said, Public Health is marked ready for safety and protection at these local gas stations near the University of South Florida.
I think your location is really unique! Never would I have thought of looking at a gas station, but now that I think about it a fire extinguisher placed here is perfectly logical! I think a fire extinguisher, instructions, and such details also provide awareness, which is key in public health. Also, it provides a safe work environment for the workers (which is one of the five branches of public health). Good job guys!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting direction to take with the idea of public health. Most people think immediately of clinics, vaccines, and maybe clean water when considering public health. The truth is public safety such as these fire extinguishers are just as much public health as vaccines. Regulations for public safety at gas stations extends further to encompass other measures. These additional measures include a master shut off switch for all gas and laws against open flames and smoking at gas stations due to the potential safety hazard.
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ReplyDeleteThis is a really good point you guys make here with the fire extinguisher, especially in a very flammable area. It is also the right kind of fire extinguisher to deal with gas and diesel, cause if somebody were to try to use water it would just enlarge the flames and put more people in danger. The fact that it is at every gas pump at this gas station can save lives if incase a fire were ever to occur. This post was enlightening and showed me the protecting the people side of public health.
ReplyDeleteFrancisco Moreno
I completely agree with you guys that a gas station and fire extinguisher are perfect examples of public health in the community. It really just reinforces the fact that public health is EVERYWHERE! You may think you are safe in your car, but you do have to get out to pump gas sometime! Vaccines and health clinics are on the same level as the outdoor environment and fire extinguishers. They come supplied with instructions and promote awareness for the proper procedures involving this tool. This is an overall great example! Way to be simple, but also think out of the box!
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting to me because fire extinguishers are so common in public areas that I never noticed them at gas stations until I read this post. It does make perfect since for an extinguisher to be located at a place where flammable liquids are present. Fire extinguishers serve as a secondary measure in maintaining public health because if they are ever needed, they will limit the spread of fire. The warning label that is always on the located on the pump is the primary preventive measure because it educates the users on how to prevent a fire from occurring.
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice! Like Diris said, I can't recall ever actually noticing the fire extinguishers at gas stations. Kind of makes me wonder what I would do if a fire DID break out. I love how you were able to work in how public safety is public health! Very creative! It makes complete sense to have them displayed outside where patrons could access them in an emergency, rather than behind the counter. Awesome blog guys, keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteLooking at this photo, I can this is one of the greatest ways of showing public health. Without the fire extinguisher be in place there can be many emergencies that can occur that would be solved. When it comes to public health it keeps are environment in a safe situation. The extinguisher can can make a big problem like a fire gas leak seem little by killing it before wild. Good public health safety.
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