Enjoy your patio fire pit…carefully September 1st, 2010

Enjoy your patio fire pit…carefully.

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are becoming an important feature of many residential back yards. They are relatively inexpensive and provide ambiance and relaxation during a cool evening. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, they can be as simple as a metal bowl with a protective screen, the popular chimineas or more elaborate and expensive outdoor fireplaces. Both the Ohio Fire Code and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency permit these types of open burning with restrictions.

1. Recreational “small” fires must be confined to an approved outdoor container if the open burn is within 50 feet of a structure.

2. The container keeps the size of the fire to less than three feet in width and no higher than two feet as required by the fire code and EPA.

3. The small fire is controlled by the burn container, which reduces the fire exposure risk to nearby structures.

When it comes time to use your fire pit etc., here are some important tips to keep in mind.

• The fire pit or approved container must be at least 15 feet away from any structure or combustible surface that can catch fire. This minimal distance is per national, state and local fire code requirements for open burning in approved containers.

•Avoid windy conditions that can blow hot embers onto combustible surfaces. It’s possible that conditions in Ohio could prompt burn bans depending on dry weather conditions.

•Remove leaves and other combustible materials around the pit to ensure the fire doesn’t accidentally spread.

•Always have a container of water nearby and a garden hose on standby before starting the fire.

• Do not use lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline to start a fire because of the risks of severe burn injuries. Instead, place a crumpled piece of paper or cardboard or a store-bought fire starter and cover with kindling. As the wood catches fire, add larger pieces until you’re able to add a dry seasoned log or two.

• Keep children and pets a minimum of three feet from the open burn.

• Extinguish a fire by spreading the ashes over a large surface area to cool. Then, pour water over them to make sure they are completely extinguished Ashes can re-ignite.

• If you have a fire that escapes your fire pit and moves into a nearby pile of kindling or a combustible surface, call 9-1-1 immediately.

• Check your home insurance policy to ensure that you’re properly covered when using an approved outdoor fire container.

• Permanent outdoor fireplaces can present zoning issues if there are existing deed restrictions and/or property set back requirements which restrict any type of structure constructed.

• Keep in mind that outdoor fire containers can produce smoke pollutants, which can be a health hazard to you and your neighbors. They can also produce smoke scares during night- time hours, if the source of the smoke is not readily apparent. These calls are treated as potential fires, commiting firefighters and equipment until the source of the smoke is identified.

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, home fires
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Fire Safety Reminders for College-Bound Students August 23rd, 2010

Fire safety tips for college-bound students who are going to be living on or off campus.

Very shortly, many college students will be on their way to college. Some will be living on campus or in off-campus housing. So, here are some safety tips that students should be aware of. All students should review these tips and parents, please share these tips with your child before he or she heads off to college this year.

Have an escape plan. Learn where all the exits are to make a faster escape in a fire emergency. On campus, there should be a plan in place already. If you don’t know what it is, the Public Safety Office should be able to tell you. If this information is not readily available or you are living off campus, take a few minutes to walk around and do your own pre-plan.
Know how to make a notification of a fire emergency . Find out where alarm pull boxes are and what number to call to report a fire.
If the alarm sounds, leave immediately and close the door behind you. Remember to take your keys should you have to re-enter the room if your escape route is blocked with fire or smoke.
Don’t hang anything from sprinkler heads. This could disable or block the flow of water, which is necessary to help contain or extinguish flames.
Make sure there are working smoke detectors outside and inside your sleeping quarters. Test monthly. Never disable a smoke detector or the fire alarm. These are installed to give warning to you and your neighbors so you can quickly exit should smoke or fire be detected.
Only use fire extinguisher for emergencies. They are there for you to use should you have to put out a small, contained fire. Don’t waste this equipment on a midnight water fight! For an extra level of safety, keep an ABC extinguisher in your room and learn how to use it. They are labeled with simple instructions.

Know how to escape:

If you have to escape through smoke, get low and get to the nearest exit. The cleanest air is close to the ground.
Before opening a door, feel the door with the back of your hand. If it’s hot, don’t open it. Find a second way out.
If you are trapped in your room, seal your door with towels, rags, or clothing so that smoke cannot enter from the hall.
Get out and stay out. No textbook, homework assignment, laptop, cell phone or wallet is worth going back for. You were lucky to get out safely once. You might not be as lucky a second time.

Article provided by, Wendy Liu. Wendy is a mother, and also the Public Information Officer for the Sayville Fire Department who also enjoys spending time volunteering within the community. To learn more about Wendy and preview her other article, please visit: http://sayville.patch.com/users/wendy-liu/articles.

Images provided by www.google.com/images.

Tags: college, escape plan, escape route, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, smoke alarms
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Fire Safety for the Disabled August 9th, 2010

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.

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.

Tags: deaf, disabled, fire safety, Washington Township
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Propane Safety August 5th, 2010

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.

Follow these important safety tips when using propane at home:

Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer’s 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.

Tags: fire safety, propane
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Electrical Appliance Safety July 29th, 2010

Electrical fires in homes claimed the lives of 370 people in 2006, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Most of these fires are caused by misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances. The kind of appliances most often involved in electrical fires are stoves, ovens, clothes dryers, central heating units, TVs, radios, and CD/DVD players. Help prevent an electrical fire in your home by taking the following preventative measures:

Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring for cracked wires. Replace worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
Use extension cords only temporarily and don’t overload them by attaching more electrical appliances to them than they are designed to handle.
Pinching cords against walls or furniture or running them under carpets or across doorways can cause a fire.
Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp’s recommended wattage.
Purchase only electrical appliances that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), indicating it has met safety standards.
Keep children from playing with or around electrical appliances such as space heaters, irons, and hair dryers. Homes with young children should have tamper-resistant electrical receptacles.
Keep clothes, curtains, and other similar combustible items at least three feet from all heaters. Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn, including lamp shades, furniture, bedding, clothing, and flammable or combustible liquids.
Check your electrical tools regularly for signs of wear. Replace any tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts, or gives off smoke or sparks.

If an electrical appliance catches fire, first try unplugging it or shutting the electricity off at the fuse or circuit breaker panel. If you cannot shut off the electricity, use a portable extinguisher with the rating of “C” on it, indicating it is approved for use on electrical fires. If you do not have a fire extinguisher, or the fire is too large to fight (larger than a household waste basket), leave the house and call the fire department. Do not use water on the fire as it conducts electricity and you could be shocked.

To learn more about extinguishers and get first-hand experience using one on a real fire, take advantage of one of our group training classes, offered by appointment. Request a date for your group by completing the online program request form at www.wtwp.com.

Tags: appliances, electrical, Electrical Safety
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Visible House Numbers Important for Emergencies July 18th, 2010

Most fire departments have detailed maps of the neighborhoods they protect and are familiar with the locations of streets, commercial buildings and hydrants within their jurisdiction.

Because emergency response crews need to find addresses as quickly as possible when called, they often rely on house numbers for quick reference. If the numbers on your home are not easy to find or read, it will take longer for crews to reach you. Victims of heart attack, stroke, or choking need immediate care. Minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

House numbers should meet the following requirements:

• Must be Arabic numerals. Fancy numbers or numbers that are spelled out may be aesthetically pleasing but are very difficult to read from the street.

• Need to be a minimum of four inches high and in a contrasting color to their immediate background. Brass or bronze numbers are difficult to see in the day or nighttime.

• Must be displayed on the front of the dwelling and visible from the street.

• If the dwelling is located more than 45 feet from the front lot line, the number should be displayed on a gate post, fence, mailbox, or other appropriate place that will make it visible from the street from all directions when approaching from the street.

• Cannot be obstructed by shrubs, trees, decorations, etc.

Take a moment to look at your house number. Make sure your numbers follow the above guidelines. It will help emergency crews find you easier and faster.

For more information about the requirements for house numbers in the City of Dublin, Ohio, consult the City’s building code ordinance #150.125 (Manner of Numbering and System) and the Washington Township Fire Code Section 505.1 (Address Numbers).

Images: Courtesy of Google Images

Tags: education, emergency, home fires, house numbers, Washington Township
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Know and Test All Exit Routes July 11th, 2010

About 3,000 people die every year in home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Most fatal home fires begin at night while we are asleep. Unprepared for the effects of the smoke, disoriented from being awakened abruptly and frightened, many people make poor decisions for escape and haven’t identified and tested all their escape routes. Your family will have a better chance of escaping safely from a fire if they practice a home fire escape plan, know how to stay low and crawl under smoke the nearest exit, and are able to locate and use multiple emergency exit routes.

In most homes and apartments, emergency exits are usually windows and stairways. Make sure windows can be opened and screens and storm windows can be removed from the inside. Confirm that children can operate the window locks and know how to get out quickly. If they cannot get out, they should know to wait for help at the window, where firefighters can see them.

If bedrooms are on the second floor, have a folding escape ladder available and practice putting it in the window. Non-combustible escape ladders that have been tested and listed by an independent testing laboratory are available from most hardware stores. Don’t count on being able to create a ladder by tying bed sheets together. There is usually not enough time or enough bed sheets nearby and jumping from a second story window can cause severe injuries.

If you live in an apartment or condominium and enclosed stairways are your emergency exits, practice finding these in the dark. Count the number of doors from your bedroom to the exit stairway. You probably won’t be able to see the lighted exit sign above the doorway through the smoke. Keep the doors to all exit stairways closed to help prevent smoke from entering your escape route.

Generate as many different escape routes for your family as possible and practice all of them at least twice a year. Always choose the escape route that is safest, the one with the least amount of smoke and heat. When you do your fire drill, everyone should practice getting low and going under the smoke to your emergency exit. Practicing can help reduce your family members’ response time, an important factor in a fire situation. When time is short, fast action is needed.

If your family does not have a home fire escape plan, contact the Washington Township Fire Department at 614-652-3920 for information.

Images: Courtesy of Google Images and www.nfpa.org/…/ ClearEscapeRoutes.jpg

Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making fire 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: emergency, exit routes, fire safety, home fires, Washington Township
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Focus on Fireworks Safety June 28th, 2010

Every year in the United States, we celebrate the Fourth of July with community parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks – the things of which happy memories are made. But sadly, Independence Day also includes tragic events resulting from fireworks use. The safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by communities. Learning fireworks safety tips can help ensure that everyone has a happy and safe summer holiday.

By the Numbers: Fireworks

* 30,100: Estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year

* 7,000: Estimated number of injuries caused by fireworks in 2008

* 7: Fireworks-related deaths occurred in 2008

* $34: million Amount of direct property loss caused by fireworks

Sources: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

Who is at Most Risk?

In 2008, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 7,000 people for fireworks-related injuries. 70% of these injuries occurred between June 20 – July 20. Of these:

* 46% of injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.
* 56% were burns, while 21% were contusions and lacerations.
* Two of 5 people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
* 62% of injuries were to males; 38% were to females.
* Devices such as sparklers, fountains, roman candles, and novelties accounted for 40% of injuries; firecrackers caused 18% of injuries.

DOWNLOAD:

2008 Fireworks Annual Report: Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Department-Treated Injuries, and Enforcement Activities During 2008 (PDF, 300 Kb):http://www.cpsc.gov/library/2008fwreport.pdf

This report provides the results of the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission staff analysis of data on non-occupational fireworks-related deaths and injuries during 2008.

How and Why Do These Injuries Occur?

* Availability: In spite of federal regulations and varying state prohibitions, many types of fireworks are still accessible to the public. Distributors often sell fireworks near state borders, where laws prohibiting sales on either side of the border may differ.
* Fireworks type: Among the various types of fireworks, some of which are sold legally in some states, bottle rockets can fly into peoples’ faces and cause eye injuries; sparklers can ignite clothing (sparklers burn at more than 1,000°F); and firecrackers can injure the hands or face if they explode at close range.
* Being too close: Injuries may result from being too close to fireworks when they explode; for example, when someone leans over to look more closely at a firework that has been ignited, or when a misguided bottle rocket hits a nearby person.
* Lack of physical coordination: Younger children often lack the physical coordination to handle fireworks safely.
* Curiosity: Children are often excited and curious around fireworks, which can increase their chances of being injured (for example, when they re-examine a firecracker dud that initially fails to ignite).
* Experimentation: Homemade fireworks (for example, ones made of the powder from several firecrackers) can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions.

Did You Know?

* 92% of the fireworks injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.

* The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees – this is hot enough to cause third degree burns.

What Can I Do?

* The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home — period. Attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

* Kids should never play with fireworks. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold.

* Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.

* Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

* Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they’ll run loose or get injured.

Links:

Consumer Product Safety Commission: Fireworks Fact Sheet:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/012.html

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: Fireworks-Related Injuries:
http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Fireworks/fireworks-factsheet.html

National Fire Protection Association: Fireworks
http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=297&cookie_test=1

For additional information, please download this PDF from USFA on Fireworks and Fire Safety: www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/…/jun_2010_fireworks.pdf

Article Credits: FEMA, U.S. Fire Administration

Tags: CPSC, FEMA, fireworks, nfpa, USFA
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When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors June 18th, 2010

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, 34 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.

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 20-26. 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.

Images: Courtesy of Google Images

Tags: Electrical Safety, fire safety, lightening
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Yield to Emergency Vehicles June 10th, 2010

In a crisis situation, it is imperative that emergency responders arrive as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, many are delayed by motorists who don’t yield the right of way, causing serious accidents and increasing the time it takes emergency personnel to reach the scene. Because every second counts in an emergency, even a brief delay can mean the difference between life and death for someone.

There are many reasons why drivers fail to yield. Some are not paying attention to traffic behind them as well as in front of them. Some cannot hear the siren because their car stereo’s volume prohibits it or their attention is on a cell phone conversation. Some may not know what to do when an emergency vehicle approaches.

When an emergency vehicle responding to a call approaches:

Pull to the right and stop. State laws requires all drivers to yield the right-of-way by immediately driving, if practical, to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right edge or curb.
Always make sure all public safety vehicles have passed before proceeding.

Be sure to check your rearview mirror before pulling back into the travel lane.
Don’t block any intersection. If it is not possible or safe to clear the intersection, move as far as possible away from the center of the intersection.

It is extremely frustrating for the driver of an emergency vehicle to try to navigate moving cars and blocked intersections. Although it may pose a temporary inconvenience for travelers, yielding to vehicles on emergency calls is critical. It could be your loved one they are trying to reach.

Images: Courtesy of Google Images

Tags: driving, emergency, ems
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