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.

• Follow your fire drill: If you live in an area that’s prone to fires, you would have gone through fire drills. So when you hear the alarm, automatically head towards the nearest exit without panicking. Even if you don’t have a drill, it’s best to be prepared by being aware of the fire exits and knowing the nearest ways out in case of a fire.
• Stop and roll when on fire: If you see that your clothes are on fire, don’t panic and run helter-skelter; instead, cover your face with your hands, drop to the ground, and roll on the floor. This cuts off oxygen to the flames and they go out. Seek immediate medical attention for any burn wounds, even if they appear superficial.
• Pay attention to doors: You don’t want to run right into the fire when you’re trying to get out of a burning building, so always check doors before you open them to see if they’re warm or if there is smoke billowing from underneath them to indicate the presence of fire on the other side. Also, when leaving a room that is on fire, close the door behind you to slow down the fire.
• Stay down: When you’re getting out of (or confined to) a room that is full of smoke, stay as close to the floor as you can. This way, you prevent smoke inhalation and its associated complications.
• Stay visible: If, for any reason, you cannot get out of your building, don’t hide under your bed or anyplace else where firefighters and rescuers cannot find you. Go to an open window if you can and shout for help if the room is not smoky and there is no risk of smoke inhalation. Wait for the firefighters to get to you as calmly as you can.

Remember, it’s always easier to prevent a fire than try to control or beat it; so ensure that you follow safety measures when you use matches, light fireworks, or handle fire in any other way.

Article Credits:

This guest post is contributed by Sally Davison, she writes on the topic of fire science degrees . She welcomes your comments at her email id: sally.davison091@gmail.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.

On Monday, October, 4, 2010, with the support of The Ohio State University Medical Center Service Board and the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Central Ohio Chapter, will be hosting the 21st annual Golf Outing to benefit the Ohio State University Hospital Burn Center at the Country Club of Muirfield Village. Fire Protection industry supporters (OSU Medical Center Burn Center and Central Ohio Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers), come together annually to educate the public as to the extensive damage fire causes and how they can be a part of the solution to the problem by requiring properly designed automatic fire suppression systems not only where they work, but where they live, play, shop, go to school and worship. Since 1998 (traditionally kicked off during Fire Prevention Week) the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and its members have generously contributed $212,500 to the Burn Center at Ohio State University Medical Center. These funds have allowed the Ohio State Burn Center to continue to be actively involved in providing education on burn prevention and fire safety both to the community and the students on campus, as well as helping patients obtain special items or assistance such as compression garments which are not covered under insurance. The fund also provides direct support and assistance to patients, their families and advanced education to burn care nurses.

Funds raised from the event are allocated to enhance education and prevention programs, as well as patient care.

Opening Ceremony Sunday, August 15 at Coffman Park

Come honor our police & firefighters! Don’t miss the FREE family friendly Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Can-Am Police-Fire Games-held from 4:30 – 9 p.m. Sunday, August 15 at Coffman Park.

Activities will include a concert by Phil Dirt and the Dozers, Touch-a-truck, Inflatables, Police K-9 Demo and much more!

Can-Am Police Fire Games

http://dublin.oh.us/canam

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.

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 12 noon.

WHERE: The rear of the Division of Fire Training complex, located at the rear of 3675 Parsons Avenue.

WHY: More than 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. The Columbus Division of Fire is using this important event to help people of every age understand how dangerous a home fire is, and how important prevention, detection, suppression and escape are.

This demonstration is part of the Fire Team USA workshop, which is being held at the Columbus Fire Training Center on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 and Thursday, August 5, 2010. Fire Team USA is a federally funded Fire Prevention grant administered by the Department of Homeland Security, Assistance to Firefighters grant program.  For more information about Fire Team USA, visit www.fireteamusa.com or the event, please contact David Sawyer, Lieutenant, Fire Prevention Bureau, 645-5668.

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.

Every year the Home Safety Council promotes the month of June as “National Safety Month“, with an initiative that focuses on heightening awareness of important safety issues. Safety is a huge concern for everyone, particularly our aging parents and grandparents. The public is challenged to make their homes a safer place by assessing for the risks of the five leading causes of home injury: falls, poisoning, fires and burns, choking/suffocation, and drowing. The Home Safety Council website has many helpful resources on home safety tips for different situations for older adults and other populations.

Also, this month, AARP is launching an effort to protect individuals from common household calamities with their “30 for 30” home safety tips – providing 30 daily safety facts and tips. For each day in the month of June, “30 for 30″ provides a fact or tip for ensuring a safer home.

For example:

• Did you know that 65,000 barbecue grill fires cause as much as $27 million in property losses each year?  Have you thought about moving your grill a little farther from the house?
• Did you know that most falls in homes happen in the bathroom, not on the stairs?
• Did you know that cooking-related fires are the leading cause of injuries among people 65 years of age and older?  Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking and use a timer to remind yourself to check food you have in the oven.
• Did you know that more people are injured using hand tools than power tools?
• Did you know that each year approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in U.S. homes due to scalding from excessively hot tap water?  To help avoid this, adjust the temperature setting of your home hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or consider installing temperature limiting faucets on bathtubs, showers, and sinks.
• Did you know that each year an average of 20,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with garage doors?
• Did you know that many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains high lead levels and lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not take care of properly?

The facts connected with each of the “30 for 30″ tips suggest specific preventative actions.  The entire list of 30 tips and facts is available at www.aarp.org.

Credits: www.aarp.org and www.homesafetycouncil.org

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.

The best defense against water and fire damage due to frozen pipes is to reduce your risk of having frozen pipes in the first place. So, before extremely cold temperatures set in, insulate pipes and faucets in unheated areas such as outside walls, garages, or crawl spaces by wrapping them with insulation specifically designed for this use.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. If left attached, the water, when it freezes, can damage even frost-proof spigots. If you have an older spigot that is not frost proof, shut the water supply off to that spigot and open it to drain any water inside it. Seal access doors, air vents and cracks. Winter winds can quickly freeze exposed water pipes. Do not seal air vents that your furnace and water heater need for proper combustion.

If you leave your home for an extended period, make sure your thermostat is set no lower than 55° F and have someone check your house daily to make sure your heat is on or shut off. If no one is available to check your home, drain the water system (except interior sprinkler systems) until you return. Have your plumber’s phone number handy in the event that you need to reach him/her while you are away.

If your pipes freeze and you think you know where the freeze has occurred and want to thaw it yourself, do not, under any circumstance, warm the pipe with a torch and risk starting a fire. Consult a plumber to assist you and call your insurance agent.

Make sure you and your family members know how to shut off the water supply in the event that you have a pipe freeze, burst and thaw. Stopping the flow of water immediately can minimize the damage to your home. Remember to always be aware of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

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.

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.

For more video selections, please visit FlashoverTV – the first functioning video community website for fire rescue professionals.

Are you adequately insured? If the unthinkable happens and you have a damaging fire, some or all of your household contents will need to be replaced. Without a detailed household inventory, processing and collecting an insurance claim at the full value of your losses can be difficult to impossible.

Start your household inventory now and set a deadline for its completion. Begin by taking a camera or video recorder from room to room including the garage and around the outside of the house to document your structures and all their contents. Keep in mind that having a family member in the picture will help you establish your ownership of the items should you need to file an insurance claim. Each item should also be documented on a list with details of its name, description, size, age, model number, brand name, and any other information that helps determine its value.

Remember to list everything including items you can’t readily see because they’re in closets or dresser drawers. Keep receipts (or copies of them) with your inventory for big ticket items like stereo equipment, computers, large tools and equipment, artwork, silver, crystal, and jewelry. Check with your insurance agent to be sure that these items are adequately covered for replacement. Most agents can also provide you with a home inventory form to help guide you in collecting the information you need.

Put your videotape or photos and written descriptions with receipts in your safe-deposit box so you’ll have access to it if your home is destroyed.

Also, check the value of these items periodically to adjust your coverage as necessary.

When a disaster strikes home and everyone survives, the one item most home owners wish they had is a household inventory. If you don’t already have one, the time to make one is now.

Guest Author: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio

For more information, contact:

Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer

Phone: (614) 652-3928

Fax: (614) 766-2507

ldybiec@wtwp.com

NFPA released a summary of fire loss from 2008, I saw the tweet by Jennifer Flynn a research analyst at NFPA. The report [PDF] also has a short summary whose image can be seen below.