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Candles are a Growing Cause of Fires
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

Candles have become very popular over the last ten years. The industry is a $2 billion industry. The large variety of shapes, sizes, colors, containers, and fragrances offered have contributed to their popularity and wide use in nearly every room of the house. Seven out of ten homes in the U.S. use candles throughout the year to decorate, create a desired mood, celebrate, add fragrance, mask odors and generate light.

During 2007, candles in U.S. homes caused an estimated 12,700 reported structure fires, 200 deaths, 1,040 injuries, and $367 million in estimated property damage. The winter holiday season is a peak time for candle burning as we take part in end-of-year holiday celebrations. Historically, the number of home candle fires in December increases by more than 50% compared to other months of the year. Start implementing safe habits for candle use throughout the year.

Blow out your candles before leaving the room!

Never underestimate the damage that a small flame can do.

  • Extinguish candles before you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire such as flammable decorations, curtains, carpets, books, papers and Christmas trees.
  • Burn candles on a heat-resistant surface in a stable, non-flammable container that grips or holds the candle securely, can catch any drips or melted wax, and is not subject to cracking or breaking when heated (tempered).
  • Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4  inch.
  • Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers repeatedly, or the flame becomes too high.
  • Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder and votive and container candles before the last half inch of wax begins to melt.
  • Keep candles away from flammable liquids and never use one to check a pilot light or when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern.
  • The flame could ignite the fumes into flame. Flashlights and other battery-powered lights are much safer light sources than candles during a power failure.
  • Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room but away from drafts, vents and air currents to help prevent rapid, uneven burning, smoking, and excessive dripping. Drafts can also blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flame where they could catch fire.
  • Don’t allow teens to have candles in their bedrooms. Forty percent of candle fires start in the bedroom.

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

Images provided by www.google.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.

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Wag’N Enterprises Winter Pet Safety Tips
Friday, February 19th, 2010

GUEST POST from our friends at Wag’N Enterprises:

One of the best ways to get through bad snow storms is to stay inside. If you know that a major snow storm is headed in your direction, make sure that you have enough supplies for a few days.

FIRE HYDRANTS
Because we cannot protect successfully against all fire hazards, make sure you mark fire hydrants in your community. If snow plows cover them make sure to prioritize these spots. Make notice on paper where all the hydrants are in your area. Should they be covered you will at least be able to communicate with your fire department and locate them faster.

POWER ISSUES
During very severe snow storms, it is possible for the power to go out. In order to prepare for this, it is good to have flashlights, replacement batteries, candles, and matches on hand. Candles must however be handled with extreme care to reduce fire hazards.

DOWNED POWER LINES
National Weather Service reminds us of the following:
Winter weather can cause power lines to fall to the ground. Never touch, move or go near any kind of downed or hanging line, even if it looks harmless.

Use extreme caution! Stay away from any downed lines because it may be dangerous. Getting near it could cause serious bodily injury or even death. In fact, anything touching a downed line may be dangerous. Warn others to stay away. Immediately report a downed line to your local utility company emergency center and in addition call your local police. Do not assume that the downed line is merely a telephone or cable television line. Do not put your feet into a puddle where a downed line is laying. In some instances wet or snow-covered ground can conduct electricity. Don not try to move tree limbs that are on or near power line. Remember, only knowledgeable utility company employees or someone under their supervision who is protected by the appropriate safety equipment should touch or move a downed line.

If you see someone who has been shocked and is in direct or indirect contact with a downed power line do not try to touch the person. Efforts to pull an electric shock victim away could make you a second victim. Never attempt to remove a power line. The only safe procedure is to immediately call your local police or emergency services and your local utility company’s emergency center.

If a power line falls on a car, you should stay inside the vehicle. This is the safest place to stay under the circumstances. Honk your horn to alert passers-by. Roll down the window and warn people not to touch the car or the line. Ask someone to call the local utility company and emergency services. The only circumstances in which you should consider leaving a car that is in contact with a downed power line is if the vehicle catches on fire; open the door, but do not step out. Make sure that you jump completely free of the vehicle with both feet together to avoid contact with the live car (metal) and the ground at the same time. Hop as far away as possible from the vehicle keeping both feet together.

Remember, winter storms can bring down power lines. When line are down, stay away. Warn others to stay away and call your electric company or emergency services.

KEEP CANDLES OUT OF REACH OF PETS AND CHILDREN -  CANDLE SAFETY
Tails and children should not be able to easily access the candles. The candle holder should be completely noncombustible and difficult to knock over. The candle should not have combustible/flammable decorations around it.
Keep matches out of reach of children and pets. They can start a fire in the hands of kids and be poisonous to pets.

It is best to purchase large candles that either come in or can be placed inside of a slightly larger glass jar. Taper candles that fit into candlesticks have open flames that can cause a fire hazard. Large votive candles inside of a fire-proof container are less likely to cause a problem. Be sure, however, to keep all candles away from curtains and any flammable material.
Candles are naked flames, so handle them very carefully:

  • Don’t leave them burning in a room with no one in it.
  • Don’t put them in or by plants, flowers or foliage, blankets, curtains, etc
  • Make sure they’re in holders that won’t fall over.
  • Put night lights or tea lights on a heat-resistant surface.
  • Keep them away from curtains and furniture, and not under a surface, like a shelf.
  • Don’t put them where they could be knocked over easily or where people could burn their clothes or hair on them.
  • Make sure they’re completely out – not smoldering.
  • Keep children and pets away
  • Keep candles at least 4 inches (10 cm) apart

VENTURING OUTSIDE
If you must venture out of your home during a snow storm, be sure to wear warm clothing and sensible shoes. It is best to wear boots with strong rubber treads. If you are going to go a far distance on foot, it is advisable to bring a thermos of some warm liquid such as tea or coffee with you. Drinking warm liquids can help you to stay warm on your journey. It is also advisable to bring a mobile telephone with you so that you can make an emergency call if necessary.

TRAVELING BY CAR
If you have to travel by car during a snow storm, tell someone that you are leaving from POINT A (address) and what route you are planning on taking to POINT B (destination). Do not deviate. Give them an estimated travel time. The chances you will be found are greater if someone knows you are traveling and what routes you are taking. Make sure that your vehicle has the appropriate tires and that they are in good condition (enough tire pressure). You may want to invest in chains that you can wrap around your tires if you get stuck in a snowdrift. Check your state law. Chains are illegal in many states.
Avoid driving in blizzard conditions with non four wheel drive vehicles!

SNOW/ICE DRIVING TIPS
First of all, don’t break on ice! Your reflexes need to be kept in check. Treat your breaks gently.
Decelerate rather than brake. That means get your foot OFF the accelerator rather than brake. Then Shift to Lower Gear.
A majority of cars have gears lower than Drive. Gear under the “D” is generally 3rd or 2nd. The one below that is 1st. You get better performance in snow the lower you place your gears. Third and/or Second are preferred. First Gear should only be use at very slow speeds or to achieve braking faster.
Drive slowly. Your Jeep can make it to 60mph but when you that icy spot you’ll be sliding out of control at 60mph. So keep it near 30-40mph if must travel faster on snow covered roads.

Do NOT counter steer if the car starts sliding on ice. Here is why. If you are traveling in a straight line and the car starts sliding, your tires are still straight. When the slide ends the car will keep going straight (were you left it). If you counter steer your tires will now be dramatically pointing left or right and when you regain control those tires will now take you to an extreme left or right. That’s how you end up in the ditch, tree or traffic.
Be sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition as well. It is important for you to drive with the best possible visibility during a snow storm.Windshield wiper fluids should be replaced or mixed with winterized fluids to sustain sub-freezing temperatures.

Never leave without a full tank of gas. Refuel along the way to ensure you remain above 1/2 a tank.

IF STRANDED
Run your car for about 10 minutes each hour. Turn off the lights and radio when the car is not running to avoid running the battery down. Keep flares in the car. If you find yourself stranded in a remote area, don’t go venture out. You will be much safer inside the car.
** If you are stuck once the snowstorm has passed, raise the hood of your car to signal an emergency. You can also post a flag or tie the handkerchief to the antenna to signal you need help.
** Ration your supplies. Eat small snacks every hour or so to give your body an energy source with which to generate heat. Drink about 4 ounces (half cup) of water every hour or so to prevent dehydration.

Important car emergency kit components include:

  • Blankets
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Towels
  • Shovel
  • Windshield scraper and small broom
  • Keep hand warmers
  • Thermal heat blankets
  • Battery powered radio
  • Water (at least 1 Gallon per person)
  • The food you keep must be non-perishable & eatable without cooking or heating necessary and with high protein content
  • Matches
  • Extra snow hats, socks and mittens
  • Snowboard or ski pants (if possible to keep your lower body dry if you try to dig yourself out. Body temperature is lost in head, neck, under arm, groin area and feet)
  • First aid kit with pocket knife
  • Duct Tape
  • Necessary medications
  • Tow chain or rope
  • Road salt and sand
  • Booster cables
  • Emergency flares
  • Fluorescent distress flag
  • Seat Belt Cutters (keep them in center console)
  • Snow Boots
  • Sleeping bag
  • Toilet Paper
  • Keep an empty plastic container for inside the car bathroom breaks
  • Newspaper (to place inside clothes to maintain body warmth)
  • Consider carrying your emergency kit in a small duffel bag and storing it in the passenger’s footwell, where it can be easily accessed by the driver (and where it won’t become a projectile in a collision).

PETS IN THE STORM
Winter storms don’t just affect you – they also affect your pets. And your pets depend on you for their safety. There are many ways to be “Pet Prepared,” but you must think ahead and start planning NOW. Also, consult our All-Hazards Preparedness Checklist for Cats & Dogs, and for small animals so that you can be prepared for any weather emergency. During a winter storm, if you see an injured or stranded animal that needs help, contact your local animal control officer or animal shelter. Get that number pre-programmed in your phone NOW while you have power.

OUTDOOR PETS
Some pets are better suited than others for living outdoors. There is a common misconception that dogs will be “fine” if left outside. This is not true! Pets are not wolves. All pets need adequate shelter from the elements and insulation against cold weather. Pets should not be left outside for long periods in freezing weather – like humans, they can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite.

Certain breeds, such as Huskies and Samoyeds are better suited to very cold weather, but the majority of dogs need your help and intervention. That does not mean you can leave them outside if they are not used to the elements.Indoor accommodations are best during extreme temperature drops, but if that is not possible, set up a suitable house in an area protected from wind, rain, and snow. Insulation, such as straw or blankets will help keep in body heat. If your animal is prone to chewing, do not use blankets or material that can be ingested. Cedar shavings can be irritating to the skin, so use with caution depending on your pet’s hair coat.

CAUTION
DO NOT use a heat lamp, space heater, or other device not approved for use with animals. This is a a burn hazard for your pet and a fire hazard. Pet supply vendors sell heated mats for pets to sleep on or to be placed under a dog house, but read and follow directions carefully before use.
Fresh water is a must at all times! Pets are not able to get enough water from licking ice or eating snow. A heated dish is a wonderful tool for cold climates. The water stays cold, but doesn’t freeze. Caution needed for animals that may chew.
If you have “NO PETS INSIDE THE RESIDENCE” policy please consider the barn and a garage or laundry room as an emergency exception.

ANIMAL FOOT CARE
Dogs walking in snowy areas may get large ice balls between their pads, causing the dog to limp. Be sure to keep ice clear from this area. For dogs that have a lot of hair between the pads, keeping it clipped shorter will help with ice ball formation. Dog boots offer protection to those dogs that will tolerate wearing them.

SALT AND CHEMICAL DEICERS
Pets who walk on sidewalks that have been “de-iced” are prone to dry, chapped, and potentially painful paws. This will encourage the pet to lick their paws, and ingestion may cause gastrointestinal irritation and upset. Wash off your pet’s feet after an outing with a warm wet cloth or foot bath.

FROZEN LAKES AND PONDS
Animals don’t realize what “thin ice” is. Once they fall in, it is very difficult for them to climb out and hypothermia is a very real and life-threatening danger. “Ice skating” dogs are prone to injuries such as cruciate tears if allowed to “skate” with their humans. This is also true of icy walks.

ANTIFREEZE DANGERS
Thirsty and curious pets will lap up antifreeze. Just a few licks can be fatal. All antifreeze containers have warnings. The best way to mitigate a pet emergency is to ensure that your pets are not placed in direct contact with any container that has safety warnings. So lock up antifreeze containers and clean up spills immediately.
Place ALL chemical containers out of your kids and pets reach. Especially if you decide to leave the pet in the garage as your pets may get bored and decide to chew up what’s left available. Same applies to electrical cords. Also, do NOT start the car in a closed garage – for your safety and your pet’s safety – carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer.

HEAT-SEEKERS BEWARE!
Cats and little critters will seek warmth where they can get it, and that may be the warm engine of a car just parked. Before staring your car, knock on the hood or honk the horn to scare off any cats – and prevent tragedy.

ARTHRITIC ANIMALS
Arthritis is worse during cold and damp weather. Take special care to handle your pet gently, watch out for icy walks, provide soft (and possibly heated) bedding, and administer any necessary medications.Do not leave these pets out in the cold for longer periods of time.

TOP COLD WEATHER TIPS

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm-dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear. If you did shave your dog recently make sure to take them out for walks with a coat!

6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him-and his fur-in tip-top shape.

9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

11. Keep the Regular Poison Control Center # and the ASPCA Phone # in your phone.
ASPCA Poison Control # is (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee is be applied to your credit card.
Regular poison control # is 1-800-222-1222 and is free. In most cases they can also help your pets.

About Wag’N 4 U Enterprises:

Wag’N offers pet parents and first responders the necessary gear, supplies and training to effectively mitigate, prepare and respond to emergencies that impact pet health and safety. We love our pets and we want to keep them safe from any type of hurt. Of course that is the goal. Whether we can achieve that goal depends on variable factors: Are we willing, ready and do we know how? At Wag’N, we aim to provide the best products and services available to make sure that the pets you love so dearly are cared for appropriately to prevent an unfortunate situation from becoming a full blown emergency. Our branded products, Wag’N Pet Safety Gear, are an ever-growing collection of purposefully designed and crafted tools to help people and their pets go about their life?s with peace of mind that they have the necessary tools and knowledge needed in case of an emergency.

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina lead to the emergence of a new field in emergency management. Ines de Pablo, our CWO, is the creator and architect behind the concept of Pet Emergency Management Taking the emergency management cycle concepts of all-hazards mitigation, preparedness, response & recovery to the pet world to ensure we can you can help prevent, prepare & respond to pet health related emergencies.

LiveSafe 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. LiveSafe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. LiveSafe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.


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Valentine’s Day Gifts to put out Your Fire
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Ah, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner as we officially said goodbye to January, the first month of the year. For many, January was a month of resolutions when we challenge ourselves to make revolutionary changes. Resolutions are great, but they can be undone so quickly. So rather than resolutions, consider providing ourselves and loved ones practical and life saving gifts.

Is the value of your Valentine’s Day tied up in a gift?

One sure-fire way you can make a difference on Valentine’s Day is to provide your sweetheart a priceless gift that says, “I want you around for a long time”.   You can still have a little fun and throw in something sweet, but don’t forget to include something to “put out the fire” such as these items recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

HappyValentinesDay

  • Carbon monoxide detectors — to alert loved ones of a silent killer: carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas formed when fuels-such as natural gas, oil, and wood burn incompletely. While a carbon monoxide detector won’t help keep your loved ones safe from fire, it’s something you should consider for home safety.
  • Smoke alarms — are one of the best fire-safety items for the home. Seventy percent of all home fire fatalities occur in homes where there are no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Consider smoke alarms for everyone on your list. Smoke alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing include strobe lights, high decibels and/or vibration. All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years.
  • Flashlights — prevent fires by using flashlights instead of candles during power outages.
  • Sturdy candleholders — help prevent tip-over when candles are lit. Lantern-style candle holders can reduce the likelihood of something coming in contact with a candle flame.
  • A secure fireplace screen — keeps embers out of the room.
  • Long fireplace matches — prevents burns.
  • Gift certificates for clean-up services — to remove fire-prone clutter from basements, attics or yards; or for chimney sweeps to prevent creosote build-up that can cause chimney fires.
  • A bathrobe with tight-fitting sleeves — that won’t touch stove burners while cooking.
  • Down or synthetic comforters, flannel sheets or flannel pajamas – to keep a loved one warm, and to reduce the need for space heaters, particularly at night. Generally, space heaters (fixed and portable) are involved in two-thirds of home heating fire deaths.
  • Large, deep, non-tip ashtrays — to help prevent smoking materials from igniting materials nearby.
  • Portable fire extinguishers — with safety tips on how to use them. Make sure the recipient reads and understands the instructions before having to use them. A multi-purpose and dry-chemical type is recommended.
  • Fireproof oven mitts — for stove or barbecue grill to help prevent burns.
  • Large house numbers — to help firefighters locate a home at night quickly during an emergency.
  • Batteries for smoke alarms and flashlight
  • Whistles

    • Facts and figures to consider for seasonal safety:

    • December, January and February are the deadliest months for fires.
    • Cooking and heating are the leading causes of home fires in the months of December through February.
    • Candle fires have nearly tripled in the past decade.

    And what you might ask, is the hottest Valentines Day gift this year?

    LIVESAFE T-Shirts, Caps, Logo Apparel and Gift Items!
    Yes, for the person who has *everything*, why not purchase an authentic LIVESAFE T-Shirt, Cap or Apparel Item? It’s a gift you know they will wear with pride, and a gift you can feel good about giving.

    Proceeds from apparel sales will support TEAM RISE: Members of Team RISE (Runners Inspired by Survivors Everywhere) are preparing to put their running shoes on this spring to raise money for the Phoenix Society.  On May 2, 2010 for the sixth time the group will be participating in Cincinnati’s Flying Pig marathon.  Team leader and event organizer, Bill Zembrodt, is encouraging other Phoenix Society members to join the team for this year’s event. www.phoenix-society.org.

    Please accept our wishes for a joyous, memorable – and safe Valentines Day!

    For product information and safety supplies, please visit our Programmatic Partner the National Institute for Fire and Safety Training online web store for product and other fire safety related information.

    Photo Chart: Google Images

    LiveSafe 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. LiveSafe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. LiveSafe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.

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    Posted in Fire Protection | No Comments »

    Candles are a Growing Cause of Fires
    Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

    Candles have become very popular over the last ten years. The industry is a $2 billion industry. The large variety of shapes, sizes, colors, containers, and fragrances offered have contributed to their popularity and wide use in nearly every room of the house. Seven out of ten homes in the U.S. use candles throughout the year to decorate, create a desired mood, celebrate, add fragrance, mask odors and generate light.

    During 2005, candles in U.S. homes caused an estimated 15,600 reported structure fires, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated property damage.

    The winter holiday season is a peak time for candle burning as we take part in end-of-year holiday celebrations.  Historically, the number of home candle fires in December increases by more than 50% compared to other months of the year. Start implementing safe habits for candle use throughout the year. Never underestimate the damage that a small flame can do.

    • Extinguish candles before you leave the room or go to bed.
    • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire such as flammable decorations, curtains, carpets, books, papers and Christmas trees.
    • Burn candles on a heat-resistant surface in a stable, non-flammable container that grips or holds the candle securely, can catch any drips or melted wax, and is not subject to cracking or breaking when heated (tempered).
    • Keep wicks trimmed to ¼  inch.
    • Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers repeatedly, or the flame becomes too high.
    GladeFlamelessCandle

    Consider Flameless Candles

    • Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder and votive and container candles before the last half inch of wax begins to melt.
    • Keep candles away from flammable liquids and never use one to check a pilot light or when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame could ignite the fumes into flame. Flashlights and other battery-powered lights are much safer light sources than candles during a power failure.
    • Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room but away from drafts, vents and air currents to help prevent rapid, uneven burning, smoking, and excessive dripping. Drafts can also blow lightweight curtains or papers into the flame where they could catch fire.
    • Don’t allow teens to have candles in their bedrooms. Forty percent of candle fires start in the bedroom.

    Guest “Line of Duty” Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, 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.

    Images provided by Google.

    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.

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    Decorate Safely with Trees and Lights
    Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

    ‘Tis the season for holiday decorating. Keep your tree, lights, and other decorations from becoming fire hazards with these simple fire-safe tips.

    Before you buy a natural, cut tree, check it for freshness. Shedding needles are a sign of a dry tree which can be a serious hazard in your home.  Dry trees can burn like a torch and spread a fire in your home. Test a tree’s freshness by bending a sampling of needles in half. Fresh needles won’t break when bent and won’t be easy to pull off the branch.

    Once your tree is home, keep it outside until you are ready to decorate it. Just before bringing it in, cut off the base of the trunk, one to two inches, and place it in a stable base with an ample-sized water reservoir. Making a fresh cut on the trunk enhances water uptake so your tree will stay fresher longer.

    Heavy needle drop is an indication that your tree is getting dry. If you observe heavy needle drop before you want to remove your tree, limit the time it is lit to reduce the risk of fire.

    Position your tree away from heat vents, space heaters, and out of exit ways. Check all lighting before you put it on the tree. Electric arcing of frayed or broken areas on lights, cords, and plugs causes half of Christmas tree fires. Throw damaged lights away. Do not chance repairing. No more than three sets of lights should be connected to a single extension cord. Overloaded cords can start a fire. Keep all lights and electrical cords away from the water in the tree stand, and away from curtains and other flammable materials. Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations. Make sure you unplug all lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.

    HolidaySafety

    Decorate Safely with Trees and Lights

    Use weatherproof lights and electrical cords to decorate outside. Remove them at the end of the season, as they are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to weather and sunlight. If you purchase new lights or electrical cords, make sure they bear the initials of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to insure they conform to safety standards.

    Candles are especially popular this time of year. Don’t use them on your tree or in window sills. Use electric candles with the UL label instead. If you burn candles, use fire proof holders and remove decorations or floral arrangements that are in or around the container. Always extinguish candles before you leave the room, house, or go to sleep.

    Do not burn trees, decorations, or wrapping paper in your fireplace. A flash fire may result as they can ignite suddenly and may exceed the capacity of your fireplace.

    Have a safe and merry holiday season.

    Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, 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.

    Images provided by Google.

    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.

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    Posted in Line of Duty | No Comments »

    College students must remember fire safety on campus!
    Thursday, September 17th, 2009

    In 2003-2004, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3, 570 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, and sororities that resulted in 7 civilian deaths and 54 civilian fire injuries. For many students, college will be their first time living away from home, as they make new fiends and establish new routines. A number of factors include candle use, cooking, smoking and misuse of electrical appliances can heighten the risk of fire in any campus environment.

    College students living away from home should take a few minutes to make sure they are living in a fire-safe environment by following these safety tips:

    • Look for housing equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system when choosing a dorm or off-campus housing.
    • Make sure your dormitory or apartment has smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on each level. For the best protection, all smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when one sounds they all sound.
    • Test all smoke alarms at least monthly.
    • Never remove batteries or disable the alarm.
    • Learn the building’s evacuation plan and practice all drills as if they were the real thing.
    • If living off campus, have a fire escape plan with two ways out of every room.
    • During a power outage, use a flashlight not candles.
    • Burn candles only if the school permits their use. A candle is an open flame and should be placed away from anything that can burn. NEVER leave a candle unattended. Blow it out when leaving the room or going to sleep. (Consider this candle solution: Glade® Wisp Flameless Candle)
    • Cook only where it is permitted.
    • Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Up to 75 percent of all structure fires involve cooking equipment.
    • Cook only when you are alert, not sleepy or drowsy from medicine or alcohol.
    • If you smoke, smoke outside and only where it’s permitted. Don’t smoke in bed or when you’ve been driving or are drowsy.
    • Check the school’s rules before using any electrical appliances.
    • Use a surge protector for the computer and plug the protector directly into an outlet.

    Guest Columnist, Fire Marshal Alan Perkins of the Washington Township Fire Department.

    News Update:  Today, September 17, 2009, “marks the fifth anniversary of National Campus Fire Safety Month with the goal of having more schools, communities, students and parents aware of the dangers of fire and engaged in learning what they can do to make sure tragedy does not strike.” (source: Ed Comeau, Publisher, Campus Firewatch www.campus-firewatch.com.) For more information on National Campus Fire Safety Month can also be found at www.CampusFireSafetyMonth.org.

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