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Posts Tagged ‘fire safety’

NFPA Theme for Fire Prevention Week 2011: Protect Your Family From Fire

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announces the theme for Fire Prevention Week – Protect Your Family From Fire. Fire Prevention Week will be held October 9-15, 2011. NFPA has sponsored the fire prevention campaign since 1922, spreading awareness of the dangers of fires and inspiring individuals to prevent the deaths, injuries, and destruction they cause. This year’s theme focuses on how to protect your family from fire by planning ahead and integrating simple things into your everyday life.

Fires in the home take a great toll on life and property each year. During the five-year-period from 2005-2009, NFPA estimates that U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 373,900 reported home structure fires per year. These fires caused an estimated average of 2,650 civilian deaths, 12,890 civilian injuries, and $7.1 billion in direct property damage per year. Smoking materials remain the leading cause of home fire deaths, while cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries.

Installing systems such as smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers, as well as identifying potential hazards, can reduce the risk of home fires and property loss, injury, or death due to fire. Nearly two-thirds of home structure fire deaths occur in homes where there was no smoke alarm, or where smoke alarms were present but failed to operate.

NFPA has taken the lead in public fire safety outreach by serving as the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for 89 years. The annual public awareness and safety commemoration, which is proclaimed by the President of the United States each year, is observed by fire departments in the U.S. and Canada to mark the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.

Visit the Fire Prevention Week website for safety tips, statistical information, and more. The materials are available for use by fire departments, teachers, families and anyone interested in learning or teaching about fire safety.

Source: www.nfpa.org

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

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: family, fire prevention, fire safety, nfpa
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Smoke Rises – Crawl Low

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Approximately eight out of ten fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, not from burns. In fact, some victims never even see flames before they are overcome by the smoke. Although you can’t see them, it is the toxic gases and superheated air in smoke that makes it so dangerous.

Plastics, in particular, give off a very poisonous gas when burned. Since most homes and offices have a significant number of furnishings and machines, such as furniture and computers with high plastic content, fires in these places often generate a tremendous amount of noxious smoke.

Smoke also contains another poisonous gas called carbon monoxide. This tasteless, odorless gas causes confusion, reduced mental capacity and eventually death. If impaired by carbon monoxide poisoning, victims will likely be challenged to find an escape route or make a sound decision about their safety. Knowing how to avoid smoke is one of the most important factors in surviving a fire.

Smoke is lighter than air so it rises above air. During a fire, the superheated air and smoke fill the room from the top down. Some poisonous smoke may settle near the floor, but in between is a safety zone of breathable air about one to two feet above the floor.

To prevent smoke inhalation, crawl on your hands and knees to your exit, keeping your head in the safety zone. Firefighters use this same method when navigating a building where smoke is present.

Getting an early warning to the presence of smoke can give you the few vital minutes you need to get out safely. Smoke alarms are designed to do just that. They give you the precious time you need to implement your escape plan and crawl under the smoke to safety.

To prevent smoke inhalation, crawl on your hands and knees to your exit, keeping your head in the safety zone.

Images: Courtesy of Google Images www.flickr.com

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.

Tags: fire safety, life safety, smoke
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Plan Your Escape Now

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Will you ever have a fire in your home? We all hope not but, if you ever do, will you know what to do? Your life and the lives of your family members may depend on it.

Most people aren’t prepared for a fire. Maybe it’s because they think it will never happen to them or, if it does, they won’t have any trouble getting out safely. In most fires, you’ll have only three to four minutes to escape safely. This is not enough time to devise a plan and make sure everyone in your home knows what to do.

Devising an escape plan now and practicing it with your family can help insure that everyone will get out safely, should you ever have a fire. For most, fires are scary and unfamiliar. By practicing an escape plan, you could help your family react faster and make better choices for their safe escape, even though they may be panicked and frightened.

Plan two ways out of every room, and include the windows as an option.
Test the emergency exits, like the windows, to make sure you can open them and remove the screens and storm windows inside.
Test all smoke alarms monthly to ensure that they work. Replace batteries as needed.
Make sure everyone understands the escape plan and recognizes the sound of the smoke alarm. If children or others do not readily awaken to the sound of the smoke alarm, or if there are infants or other family members with mobility limitations, make sure that your plan identifies someone to assist them.
Teach your family to stay low and crawl below the smoke to avoid its poisonous gases. Crawling to the exits is vital as 80% of all fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation.
Arrange for a meeting place outside the home. Make sure everyone knows to get out quickly, go to the meeting place, and not return for any reason, not even for pets or a favorite toy.
Call the fire department from a neighbor’s house or use a cellular phone. Do not stay in a burning building to use a phone.

Do you have a fire safety or EMS question? We welcome your inquiries at fireinfo@wtwp.com.

Tags: emergency, escape plan, exit routes, fire safety
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Pet proof your home for Fire Safety

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Winter time is a great time for thinking about fire safety. Indoor activities increase where we build fires and cook more inside.

Fire is a major killer when it comes to humans and their pets. The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that more than 4,000 people die and 25,000 are injured every year due to fires in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 85 percent of all fire deaths occur at home. Fire departments respond to more than 350,000 home fires every year and deaths caused by fire and burns are the third leading cause of fatalities in the home.

Around 40,000 pets die per year because of fire. The surprising statistic is that approximately 1,000 house fires are accidentally caused by the homeowner’s pets.

In order to prevent house fires, take some of these precautions.

• Pet proof your home. Spend some time walking around and through your home looking for potential fire hazards. Check for exposed wires, stove knobs that can be turned on by your pet, unsecured heaters or cords, etc.

• Eliminate open flames in your house — especially when you are not present. Candles and fireplaces need to be watched at all times if a pet is present.

• Make sure your pet has identification

• Get a pet alert window cling or sticker and put it in your window. This notifies emergency personnel that there is a pet in the home.

• Do not use glass water or food bowls for your pets as they can act like a magnifying glass when they are in the sunlight, igniting a fire.

• Have your heating system inspected annually.

• Make a fire/emergency escape plan that includes your pets. If you have to evacuate your house take your pets with you.

Submitted by J. Lauren Benton

Source courtesy of www.heraldextra.com.

Tags: fire hazards, fire safety, Pets, winter
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Tips for a Fire Safe Christmas

Friday, December 24th, 2010

The chances of fires occurring in our homes at Christmas is increased due to more than normal numbers of people in our homes, the inevitable increase in quantities of paper, decorations, boxes, temporary lighting, sources of ignition and Christmas trees. In addition with the extra amount of alcohol consumed and cigarettes smoked, the chance of fires in homes is even more likely.

Here are a few practical tips for reducing the risks:

Decorations

Check lights before use, ensure all bulbs are tight and in place, that there are no missing bulbs or loose wires and make sure you unplug when room is unoccupied.
Keep tree lights away from combustible decorations.
Dispose of wrapping paper immediately and don’t let small children open presents alone especially if you have open fires.
Do not use real candles on trees.
Be particularly careful with candles, fix in correct holders away from children and decorations.
Make sure tea lights are on a non-combustible surface, they get hot underneath and could start a fire.
Do not spray trees with hairspray if they catch fire they will burn fiercely.

Electrics

Plugs for trees should be fitted with a 3 amp fuse, no more.
Do not overload extension cables with more electrical equipment than the
With extension cables on reels, always unwind all of the cable off the reel, they can easily overheat and set on fire.
Do not use batteries out of smoke alarms to use for presents, without a battery a smoke alarm would not operate putting your life in danger.

If a fire does break out

Close the door of the room where the fire is located, this will help to contain the fire and restrict the spread of poisonous fumes.
Warn the household and get everyone out.
Call the Fire Service by dialling 911.
Do not re-enter the premises for any reason.

Further advice

Further advice can be obtained from your local fire station.

Have a safe and happy Christmas.

Article Credits: Mike Davies is the director of UK fire consultancy 1666 London Limited. He was a serving fire officer for 30 years and is passionate helping businesses comply with Fire Regulations. More importantly, Mike genuinely cares about people’s safety from fire and helping people understand the dangers of fire.

Contact details are:

Mike’s email address mike@1666london.co.uk

His bio can be found at http://1666london.co.uk/About/Mike-Davies.aspx

Link to company http://1666london.co.uk

Tags: Christmas, decorations, electrical, fire safety, Holiday
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Senior Citizens More Likely to Suffer Fire Fatalities

Sunday, December 12th, 2010

Seniors more likely to suffer fire fatalities.

Fire safety is especially critical for older adults because they are at the greatest risk among all age groups for injury and death by fire. Fatality rates for Americans, 65 and older, are more than twice the national average. For those over 75, the rates are three times the national average.

The three leading causes of home deaths for older adults are smoking accidents, faulty or misused heating equipment, and cooking accidents.

How can you reduce your risk of falling victim to one of these causes?

Never smoke in bed or when drowsy from medication. Use deep ashtrays and keep them off furniture arms and other unstable surfaces. Douse cigarette butts with water before throwing them away or dispose of them in a metal container.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that burns and out of entrances and doorways.
In the kitchen, shield yourself from steam when uncovering food to prevent scalding.
Wear clothing with close-fitting sleeves or secure your sleeves so they are not likely to come in contact with burners. If your clothing does catch fire, smother the fire with a heavy coat or blanket or by rolling on the ground if you are able.
Use a timer or handy kitchen item like a potholder to remind you to check on cooking in progress. If you are interrupted while cooking, turn off the burners.
Don’t let grease collect in your broiler, stove, oven, or exhaust fan duct. Have on hand a multipurpose fire extinguisher (Type ABC) and know how to use it.
Most importantly, have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area. They have been shown to reduce your risk of fire death by half. Early detection is important if you need to escape from a burning structure.

Have your glasses, a telephone, and walking aids close to your bed so you can respond quickly.

Images provided by www.superstock.com.

Tags: fire safety, Senior Citizens
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Keep Holiday Kitchens Fire and Burn Safe

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Thanksgiving is a time for sharing warmth, friendship and love, and to be thankful for what we have. It¹s also a holiday that seems to revolve around the kitchen, which is usually crowded with guests and little helpers. In the midst of all the hustle to get your meal prepared, take some precautionary measures to prevent burns or a kitchen fire.

Keep the stovetop and oven clean. Built up grease can ignite when turkey drippings spill over.

Keep Holiday Kitchens Fire and Burn Safe!

Have a fire extinguisher handy in case of a grease fire. If the fire is small, cover it with a lid or a larger pan and turn the burner off.

Don’t leave food cooking overnight or while you are away in another room.

Keep an eye on the stovetop. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association.

If a fire occurs in your oven, keep the door closed and turn off the oven. By keeping the door closed, you will keep oxygen from fueling the fire and keep you and your guests from any danger of being burned.

Keep the number of people in your kitchen to a minimum, especially children. Crowded kitchens can cause confusion and result in burns.

Turn pot handles on the stovetop toward the center of the stove so they are not easily bumped.

Make sure electrical appliance cords aren’t hanging over the counter.

Always use cooking equipment that has been tested and approved by a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Turkey fryers are not UL listed appliances due to the high risk of tip over, spill over, or over heating which can lead to hot oil exposure, severe burns and a fire. Cooking bags and approved roasters can be excellent alternatives.

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: burn safety, Cooking, fire safety, kitchen, Thanksgiving
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False Fire Alarm Media Effort Gains Support

Monday, November 15th, 2010

False Fire Alarm Media Effort Gains Support and 647 Fire Depts Have Emailed PSA to TV Stations

There are more than six thousand false fire alarms in the United States every day, according to the National Fire Protection Association. An “emailable” public service announcment drawing attention to the issue has gained widespread support from the fire service. Since the 60-second PSA was created, 647 fire departments across the country have emailed it to local TV stations in an effort to alert the public about the growing problem of false fire alarms.

Go Here to watch the emailable PSA.

Please reach out to your community this holiday with a message of fire safety.

For more information, please contact:

THE IDEA BANK TRAINING RESOURCES
1139 Alameda Padre Serra Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(800) 621-1136 FAX (805) 965-2275
www.theideabank.com

Tags: false alarms, fire prevention, fire safety, firefighters
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Fire Sprinkler Systems Great for Homes Too

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

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.
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.

For more information on a home fire sprinkler system, please visit the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition at www.homefiresprinkler.org.

Tags: fire safety, fire sprinklers, Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition
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Fire Safety for Kids

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

“Don’t play with fire,” might be rule number one for kids, followed quickly by “No running with scissors.”

There’s a good reason for it: fire can get out of control very quickly. There’s no margin of error for kids to experiment and screw up a little. Even an accident with the above-mentioned scissors, or a sharp kitchen knife, can usually be made better with at most a few stitches.

Don't play with matches!

A misplaced match can burn your house down.

How can you teach your kids about fire safety? In honor of Fire Safety Week, here are a few ideas:

There are two key areas you need to cover: what to do in case of a fire, and how to avoid starting one. Attending fire safety talks or classes given by your local fire department can help with both. You may also find that your child’s school covers some of this stuff.

Here’s what you can do at home:

Make sure all your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order. There should be one on every floor of your home, and near each bedroom.
Have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, and near your bedrooms. Make sure it works; they do expire after awhile.
If you live on the second or third floor, consider putting an emergency fire ladder in your kids’ rooms. These roll up easily out of the way, and can save lives in an emergency.
Keep fire hazards out of reach of little hands: no preschooler should have unsupervised access to a lighter, for example.
As your kids grow, teach them safe ways to handle fire. They can start helping to light candles at the dinner table, build campfires and things like that.
Have a fire emergency plan, and practice fire drills at home. Be sure your kids know where to meet you safely outside the house in the event of a fire.

What other things help your family with fire safety?

Photo Imgage: Google Images www.google.com

Tags: fire, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, kids, matches
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