There are more than 1000 home fires every day in our country. That translates to one home fire about every 85 seconds. Some of the most common causes of home fires involve cooking, heating, electricity, and smoking. Help prevent a fire from starting in your home. Conduct a quick home inspection to find and remedy the potential fire hazards you have.
Cooking
Are cooking areas including the stove top and exhaust filters kept clean of grease? If not, this grease can fuel and spread a fire that starts by other means.
Do you keep loose-fitting clothes and sleeves secured or out of the kitchen when you are cooking? Draping fabric can easily come in contact with a flame or heating element and catch fire.
Eliminate Home Fire Hazards
Are pot handles turned inward on your stovetop while you cook so they cannot be bumped and the pot contents accidentally scald someone?
Heating
Are all combustibles such as paper, boxes, and trash kept at least three feet from your furnace and hot water heater?
Has your furnace and chimney been inspected and cleaned?
Do you have a tight-fitting metal or glass screen or door on all wood-burning devices?
Electricity
Are all appliance and extension cords in good condition? Worn or damaged cords can start a fire.
Are all electrical cords out from under rugs, out of doorways. Do not drape cords over nails, staple them to a wall or floor, or securing them with fasteners that can damage the insulation over time. Damaged or exposed wire can cause a fire.
Are all light bulbs and appliances with hot surfaces kept clear of combustibles (drapes, clothing, paper, cardboard, wood etc.)? Don’t forget to look in your closets.
Smoking
Are all cigarettes and cigars extinguished and completely cooled before disposing of them?
Are you careful to never leave a cigarette burning when you are feeling drowsy or leaving a room where it is burning? Smoking is the leading cause of fatal home fires in the United States.
Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS (Liaison to the Fire Department Community) – Alan’s career in the fire service spans more than 30 years. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of numerous similar safety organizations. Alan consults with numerous fire departments throughout Ohio and in 2005 was chosen by the Ohio Department of Health as the fire service member on the Ohio School Inspection Advisory Committee. He was also awarded Ohio Fire Official of the Year in 2009 by the Ohio Building Officials Association. Alan is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department in Dublin, Ohio.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses.
Tags: Cooking, electricity, fire, fire hazards, Heating safety, smoking, WTFD
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This year, more than 10% of Washington Township Fire Department’s calls have been for incidents resulting from falls. Sixty percent of these calls involved adults over the age of 65.
According to the American Geriatrics Society, more than one third of people over the age of 65 have at least one fall each year. Even falls without injury can have negative effects on older adults. Often we find that elderly patients voluntarily restrict their activity because they fear falling. A viscous cycle of less exercise and activity results in further weakness that in turn may result in another fall. While falls resulting in injuries tend to occur more frequently in the elderly population, they are not isolated to this group. Everyone is at risk for falls.
To reduce your risk:
- Begin a regular exercise program. Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling. Exercises that improve balance and coordination are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or health care worker about the best type of exercise program for you.
- Make your home safer. About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:
- Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
- Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
- Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
- Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
- Have handrails and lights installed on all staircases.
- Wear shoes that give good support and have thin, non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.
- Have your health care provider review your medicines, including ones that don’t require a prescription such as cold medicines. As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed, which can lead to a fall.
- Have your vision checked by an eye doctor. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.
Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS (Liaison to the Fire Department Community) – Alan’s career in the fire service spans more than 30 years. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of numerous similar safety organizations. Alan consults with numerous fire departments throughout Ohio and in 2005 was chosen by the Ohio Department of Health as the fire service member on the Ohio School Inspection Advisory Committee. He was also awarded Ohio Fire Official of the Year in 2009 by the Ohio Building Officials Association. Alan is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department in Dublin, Ohio.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses.
Tags: American Geriatrics Society, Fall prevention, Senior Citizens, WTFD
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Wintry weather such as heavy snowfall, icy conditions and extreme cold can immobilize our area at anytime during the winter. These storms can result in closed or blocked roads, downed power lines and hypothermia. Before the winter storms and extreme cold arrive, make sure you are prepared:
- Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather. Be familiar with winter storm warning messages.
- Assemble a disaster supply kit. Store drinking water, canned/no-cook food, baby formula, pet food, non-electric can opener, first aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, spare blankets and a week’s supply of medication where you can get to them easily, even in the dark. Include specific items such as rock salt to melt ice on walkways, sand to improve traction and other snow removal equipment.
- Prepare for the possibility that you will need to stay in your home for several days. Ensure that you have sufficient heating fuel for emergency heating equipment in case electricity is cut off. This may include a supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Before Winter Storms Be Prepared!
- House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternative heating sources such as space heaters without taking the necessary safety precautions. Use approved heating appliances per manufacturer’s instructions. Maintain a three foot clearance between all heaters and combustibles. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use them.
- Find out ahead of time what you can do to help elderly or disabled friends and neighbors.
- Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another. This may be necessary if school children are released early due to inclement winter conditions. It’s important to have a plan for getting back together.
Free copies of Washington Township’s 65-page Community Emergency Preparedness Manual are available upon request at our Township Administration Building, 6200 Eiterman Road. The manual can also be downloaded at www.wtwp.com.
Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS (Liaison to the Fire Department Community) – Alan’s career in the fire service spans more than 30 years. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of numerous similar safety organizations. Alan consults with numerous fire departments throughout Ohio and in 2005 was chosen by the Ohio Department of Health as the fire service member on the Ohio School Inspection Advisory Committee. He was also awarded Ohio Fire Official of the Year in 2009 by the Ohio Building Officials Association. Alan is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department in Dublin, Ohio.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses.
Tags: emergency, fire safety, hypothermia, NOAA, radio, winter
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As the holiday gift-giving season is upon us, so begins our shopping for the toys we enjoy giving the special children in our lives. Selecting the right toy can be a challenge as there are millions from which to choose and new ones appearing on the shelves each year. Although toys are intended to be fun, they can be pose hazards to their users if not soundly designed and constructed or if the toy is not intended for the age of its user.
Visit www.cpsc.gov for information.
Nationwide, nearly 181,500 children (ages 14 and under) were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries last year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Do you know what toys are safe for your child? When evaluating the ones you are considering this year, remember to:
- Consider the child’s age, interests and skill level. Look for quality in design and construction, and follow age and safety recommendations on labels.
- Consider purchasing a small parts tester (also known as a choke tube) to determine whether small toys may present a choking hazard to children under the age of three. Small parts testers or choke tubes can be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores.
- Check the National Safe Kids Campaign web site, www.safekids.org, for updates and information on recent toy recalls.
- Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, toys that produce loud sounds, or projectiles (ie. darts, firing rockets).
- Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than seven inches that may pose a risk for strangulation.
- Avoid electric-powered toys with heating elements for children under the age of eight.
- Avoid cap guns as the caps they use can be ignited by the slightest friction and can cause serious burns.
Article provided by Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, Washington Township Fire Department.
Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS (Liaison to the Fire Department Community) – Alan’s career in the fire service spans more than 30 years. He is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of numerous similar safety organizations. Alan consults with numerous fire departments throughout Ohio and in 2005 was chosen by the Ohio Department of Health as the fire service member on the Ohio School Inspection Advisory Committee. He was also awarded Ohio Fire Official of the Year in 2009 by the Ohio Building Officials Association. Alan is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department in Dublin, Ohio.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses.
Tags: December, Gifts, holiday giving, safety, toys
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Imagine having 24-hour fire protection in your home. Sound impractical? Sprinkler systems save lives and reduce fire damages by over 80%. When coupled with smoke alarms, they provide early warning and extinguishment. Sprinklers are so effective because they react quickly, allowing people the time to evacuate the home.
Fire Sprinkler Systems Great for Homes Too
Sprinkler systems have been used in commercial buildings for many years. However, their use in residential settings is increasing. Several factors have contributed to this trend including new technology quick-response sprinkler heads, reduced installation and water supply connection costs, the use of plastic pipe, and the ability to blend the sprinkler heads into the décor of the room.
Homeowners’ most common concerns about fire sprinkler systems such as accidental discharge, water damage, and activation as a result of kitchen cooking are unfounded. The National Fire Protection Association’s records indicate the probability of a sprinkler discharging accidentally due to a manufacturing defect is one in 16 million. And, in a typical home, water damage will be considerably less from unwanted sprinkler discharges than from plumbing mishaps. Lastly, smoke resulting from burned toast or other food preparations cannot cause a sprinkler to operate. Only the high temperatures that result from a fire will activate the sprinkler. Even then, all the sprinklers will not activate at the same time. They work independently. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates and, 90% of the time, one sprinkler contains the fire.
Sprinklers are installed by specially trained and certified contractors. The best time to install a system is when you are building a new or remodeling an existing home. Installing sprinklers can add about 1% – 1.5% to the total cost of construction. Retrofitting an existing home with sprinklers generally costs more and the cost varies depending on the structure in which they are installed. Many insurance companies offer a range of discounts for homeowners with home fire sprinkler systems.
So if you will be building a new home or embarking on a renovation or remodel in the future, consider installing sprinklers in part or all of your home.
Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: fire, fire sprinklers, home fires, nfpa, Sprinklers
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Everyone can become momentarily disabled in a fire from blinding smoke and poisonous gas, but those with physical and/or cognitive disabilities face an even greater danger. Long term conditions such as paralysis, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy are what most people think of first when they think about disabilities. But short term disabilities such as those we face when recovering at home from surgery are even more common and warrant the same fire safety considerations as long term disabilities.
Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD)
If mobility is limited, a ground floor dwelling with a special safety exit and/or ramps for escape may be needed. Make sure all doors open outward from the inside by reversing the hinges. Make sure smoke alarms are installed in or near every sleeping area and that a telephone or telecommunications device is accessible by the person with the disability.
Those who are deaf or hard of hearing should have a smoke alarm that uses a flashing strobe light or motorized bed shaker to wake them. Almost half of all fatal fires start at night when people are asleep. Because smoke can put people in a deeper sleep, is it is important to have the early warning that smoke alarms provide to ensure that they wake.
Plan and practice home fire escape plans including emergency escape routes. Designate a helper to assist those whose mobility is impaired. Emergency telephone numbers need to be posted in central locations. Keep a communications device nearby. Teletypewriters (TYY) or Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) should be placed close to the bed so that communication with emergency personnel is possible should a fire or smoke trap them in their room.
If you would like assistance reviewing emergency escape procedures for your home or would like the Washington Township Fire Department to include someone in your household in our database of children and adults with special medical conditions, contact the Division of Fire Prevention at 614-652-3920. The information collected for our database is confidential and is used solely for the purpose of locating, rescuing, and/or treating those in your home who have special medical conditions, requirements, or limitations in the event of an emergency.
Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: deaf, disabled, Elderly, fire safety, Multiple sclerosis, Senior Citizens
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Propane, also called LP-gas, is a safe, economical, clean-burning, and versatile fuel when properly used. Regardless of the type of energy you use, safety is extremely important. An understanding of how your delivery system and appliances work, and what to do in case of a leak or other safety-related emergency are extremely important when dealing with propane as with electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and gasoline. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 84% of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas fires in homes involve ignition by some form of equipment. The most common types involved were open-fired grills, hot water heaters and stoves, due to part failures and leaks.
Handle Propane with Care - safety is important!
Follow these important safety tips when using propane at home:
- Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer¹s instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment such as stoves and ovens must be located outside of the home.
- Never store or use propane gas cylinders larger than one pound inside the home. Any gas leaking from a cylinder could build up and be ignited by a flame or spark, causing an explosion or a fire.
- Never operate a propane-powered gas grill inside the home or on a balcony or porch. High levels of carbon monoxide gas can be generated causing serious illness or death.
- Have propane gas equipment inspected periodically by a professional for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.
- Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning lighting an appliance pilot.
- If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home. To make propane easier to detect in the event of a leak, manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it the distinctive rotten egg smell.
- For more information visit, the Propane Education and Research Council Web site at www.propanecouncil.org.
Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: fires, gasoline, nfpa, propane
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Come join us for the Campus Fire Forum 2011 – the Campus Fire Safety educational event of the year! Located at the Indianaoplis Marriott, November 7-9, 2011.
We’ll be offering educational workshops,conducted by some of the nation’s leading fire safety and industry professionals, and hosted networking receptions. We’ll also be showcasing the advancements in products that provide solutions to campus fire safety enhancements. And don’t forget our Town Meeting, which has always been a highly successful group discussion forum.
For CCFS Members … we’ll be holding our annual member meeting and luncheon immediately after the forum.
Training - Exhibits - Networking - CEU's...and More!
Here are some highlights of the conference:
- Discussing achievements of campus and fire safety professionals.
- Learning what others have done to contribute to campus fire safety.
- Finding solutions and safety enhancements through product advancements.
- Offering educational workshops conducted by leading safety professionals.
- Including technology exhibits and networking receptions.
- Conducting our Town Meeting, a highly successful group discussion forum.
- And much more! Registration is now open.
Campus Fire Forum History:
Campus Fire Forum is the only national conference that focuses exclusively on campus fire safety issues
and continues to offer you the opportunity to learn from the experts and interact with campus fire safety
professionals from across the country. Hundreds of attendees representing colleges, universities,
fire officials, city and state authorities and many other disciplines will be in attendance.
This the official Campus Fire Forum, presented by The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS), the nation’s only
non-profit organization devoted to reducing the loss of life from fire at our nation’s campuses. Beginning over
11 years ago, as an “invitation only” event, the Campus Fire Forum has steadily grown in popularity and is now now the nation’s premiere conference focusing specifically on fire safety in the campus community.
Join your colleagues and network with your peers from across the country and around the world. From the educational sessions, vendor’s exhibit and the popular Town Meeting, you’ll gain new ideas and proven techniques to protect your campus community.
10 State Street, Newburyport, MA 01950
978.961.0410 | SupportTeam@campusfiresafety.org
Click or Visit www.campusfiresafety.org/campus-fire-forum
Tags: Campus, CCFS, center for campus fire safety, fire safety, Indianapolis
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Working or playing in hot temperatures can trigger a variety of medical emergencies. Everyone is susceptible to heat related illnesses in a warm environment, even athletes in superb condition. Heat illnesses occur when the body¹s own cooling mechanisms become overloaded. During the dog days of summer, it is especially important to pay close attention to symptoms that could indicate a heat-related emergency and know how to treat them before they become critical.
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes like calcium and sodium. These minerals are needed by the body to perform a variety of functions and are lost with water in perspiration.
Heat cramps usually begin in the arms, legs or abdomen, and often worsen without treatment. Treatment is to rest in a cooler place, lightly stretch the affected muscle and drink water. If individuals suffering heat cramps are not treated, their condition could progress to heat exhaustion.
Heat emergencies are of three types: heat cramps (caused by loss of salt), heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration) and heat stroke (shock). Remove the victim from the heat and have him lie down. Apply cool compresses, elevate the feet, drink fluids and use a fan to blow cool air. Get medical help if needed.
Heat exhaustion victims will perspire profusely and are most likely to be pale with a body temperature near normal (98.6°F). Treatment involves resting in a cooler place, removing or loosening any tight-fitting clothing, and applying cool, wet cloths to exposed areas, especially the head. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related injury. It occurs when the brain has lost its ability to send messages to the body to regulate temperature. Those suffering from heat stroke have dry, hot, red skin, extreme confusion, a rapid, weak pulse, shallow breathing, temperatures as high as 105°F, and may lose consciousness. Heat stroke victims need professional emergency care quickly. Call 9-1-1 immediately! While waiting for help to arrive, have the person lie down in a cool place with their legs elevated. Loosen or remove sweat-soaked and tight-fitting clothing. Apply cool cloths or ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles and groin. Offer cool water only when the person is fully conscious.
Remember, both people and pets can suffer a heat-related injury. Reduce the risk by following these tips:
· Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
· Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity in the sun, particularly during
the hottest part of the day.
· Drink plenty of water regularly. Hydration is especially important
before and during any activity in hot temperatures. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol are not a substitute for water because they cause the body to lose more water than they contain.
· Do not leave children or pets in vehicles in warm temperatures, even
if the windows are open.
· Make sure pets have plenty of water and areas of shade to which they
can retreat.
Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: heat, heat exhustion, heat stroke, hydration
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Did you know that all thunderstorms produce lightning and lightning can strike as far as ten miles away from any rainfall? Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people wait to the last minute before seeking shelter. According to the National Weather Service, 29 people were killed by lightning last year. Hundreds more were struck and survived, suffering life-long injury and or permanent disability.
If you are outdoors and see lightning, move indoors to a completely enclosed building or into a hard-topped vehicle and close the windows. Avoid being in or near high places and open fields, isolated trees, unprotected gazebos, car ports, pavilions, tents, shelters, baseball dugouts, flagpoles, light poles, metal or wood bleachers, metal fences, and water. Don’t hold on to metal items such as golf clubs, umbrellas or tools.
To determine how far a thunderstorm is from you, use the 30-30 Rule. When you see lightning, count the number of seconds that pass until you hear thunder. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, the storm is within six miles. Seek shelter immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before leaving shelter.
If you are at home when a storm is expected, unplug major or unnecessary appliances such as televisions and air conditioners, as power surges can damage appliances beyond repair. Avoid using corded phones or any electrical appliances.
When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
Lightning can enter your home as a direct strike, through wires or pipes that extend outside your home (i.e. water, gas pipes), or through the ground. Once it makes it into your home, the current generated by the lightning strike can travel through electrical lines, plumbing, phone lines, radio or television reception systems. Flexible gas line is more susceptible to lightning damage than iron pipe. Look, listen and smell for gas leaks and any evidence of a fire. If the fire is small (smoldering) and in a remote location such as the crawl space, basement, or attic, you may not be able to see flames but you can often smell or see smoke.
If you detect any unusual odors or see any smoke, call 9-1-1 immediately.
National Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 19-25. Take a few minutes this week to make sure your family members know what to do when they are outside or at home and hear thunder. Don’t wait for the rain to begin to take shelter. A comprehensive list of safety tips and other lightning resources are available at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov .
Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.
Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.
Tags: lightening, thunder, tornado, weather, Weather Tips
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