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Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

Guest — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:00:09 +0000

As we move closer to winter, and home fires begin to increase, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are reminding individuals and communities that fire safety awareness and efforts are especially important in the coming months. To support this effort, the USFA and NFPA are sponsoring a special initiative - Put a Freeze on Winter Fires – to help get the word out about home fire safety.

Each winter, an estimated 108,400 home fires occur in the United States, resulting in approximately 945 deaths and $1.7 billion in property loss. Cooking is the leading cause of winter home fires, and holiday decorations and winter storms can cause people to turn to alternative heating sources, such as space heaters, which account for about one third of home heating fires and approximately 80 percent of home heating fire deaths.

Winter fires can be prevented! The following fire safety tips can help maintain a fire-safe home this winter season:

Winter Fires Can Be Prevented!

Stay in the kitchen when cooking something on top of the stove or when grilling or broiling food.
Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters, woodstoves, etc.
Replace damaged electrical or extension cords.
Never use the oven or stovetop to heat a home; carbon monoxide gas can kill people and pets.
Don’t put a live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water.
Avoid using lighted candles; try flameless candles instead.

For more information, visit the USFA Web site and the NFPA Web site.

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.

Did you Make A Difference?

admin — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:16:10 +0000

This past Saturday, October 22nd, America celebrated Make A Difference Day - an annual, most encompassing national day of helping others - a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. In honor of this national day of helping others, The City of Dublin and Washington Township Fire Department partnered with the Live Safe Foundation to conduct door-to-door fire safety checks.

Do Something That Makes Another Life Better!

The morning kicked off with a 40-minute training session for Dublin volunteers provided by Fire Marshal Alan Perkins and Jill Marcinick, Founder of the Live Safe Foundation. The training included 16 key messages from “Remembering When^TM“, a program fall and fire prevention program developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Center for High-Risk Outreach and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Volunteers were taught how to evaluate a client’s home for hazards using a Home Safety Checklist, as well as how to test a smoke alarm and change its batteries. A team of trained volunteers then dispatched from the Washington Township Fire Department Administrative building to meet and greet various homeowners in targeted areas offering tips and tools to prepare them for the winter season. The mission for the “Make A Difference Day” volunteer was to help keep our Dublin community fire safe and to educate on how to prevent fires and potential fall in the home.

A complimentary literature bag of was provided to each homeowner which included: Remembering When^TM Home Safety Checklists, Brochures and fire/fall prevention reminders, Night Light with battery back-up, Smoke Alarm batteries and other important handouts and safety tools. After each home visit, additional literature bags were dropped off in the areas surrounding homes that delivered important fire safety messages, particularly for the elderly community. The actions of our Dublin volunteers improved the lives and safety for several of the local Seniors. More importantly, the Dublin volunteers found that making a difference for others made a bigger difference in their own lives and personal safety.

The Live Safe Foundation and Washington Township Fire Department are continuing ongoing complimentary Home Fire Safety Surveys. If you would like a home safety consultation or any further assistance and/or questions, please contact the Live Safe Foundation or Washington Township Fire Department (614.652.3920) to ensure your home is fire safe and free of any potential hazards. Let us help you!

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.

Fire Sprinkler Systems Great for Homes Too

Guest — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:38:28 +0000

Imagine having 24-hour fire protection in your home. Sound impractical? Sprinkler systems save lives and reduce fire damages by over 80%. When coupled with smoke alarms, they provide early warning and extinguishment. Sprinklers are so effective because they react quickly, allowing people the time to evacuate the home.

Fire Sprinkler Systems Great for Homes Too

Sprinkler systems have been used in commercial buildings for many years. However, their use in residential settings is increasing. Several factors have contributed to this trend including new technology quick-response sprinkler heads, reduced installation and water supply connection costs, the use of plastic pipe, and the ability to blend the sprinkler heads into the décor of the room.

Homeowners’ most common concerns about fire sprinkler systems such as accidental discharge, water damage, and activation as a result of kitchen cooking are unfounded. The National Fire Protection Association’s records indicate the probability of a sprinkler discharging accidentally due to a manufacturing defect is one in 16 million. And, in a typical home, water damage will be considerably less from unwanted sprinkler discharges than from plumbing mishaps. Lastly, smoke resulting from burned toast or other food preparations cannot cause a sprinkler to operate. Only the high temperatures that result from a fire will activate the sprinkler. Even then, all the sprinklers will not activate at the same time. They work independently. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates and, 90% of the time, one sprinkler contains the fire.

Sprinklers are installed by specially trained and certified contractors. The best time to install a system is when you are building a new or remodeling an existing home. Installing sprinklers can add about 1% – 1.5% to the total cost of construction. Retrofitting an existing home with sprinklers generally costs more and the cost varies depending on the structure in which they are installed. Many insurance companies offer a range of discounts for homeowners with home fire sprinkler systems.

So if you will be building a new home or embarking on a renovation or remodel in the future, consider installing sprinklers in part or all of your home.

National Fire Protection Agency Releases Report on Home Fires

Guest — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:54:19 +0000

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 373,900 home structure fires from 2005-2009 according to new research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). According to the report, cooking fires remain the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries and smoking materials continue to be the leading cause of home fire deaths.

During the five-year period covered by the report, roughly one in every 310 households per year had a reported home fire. Each year, these fires caused an estimated average of 2,650 civilian deaths, 12,890 civilian injuries, and $7.1 billion in direct property damage. On average, seven people died in U.S. home fires every day.

One-quarter of the home fire deaths resulted from fires that originated in the bedroom, 24% from fires in the family room, living room, or den, and 15% from fires starting in the kitchen. Though only 20% of reported fires occurred between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, half of the deaths were caused by fires reported during this time. Click here to view the top ten fire safety tips from NFPA.

These news stories and other Individual & Community Preparedness news can be found on our website at www.citizencorps.gov.

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.

Propane Safety

Guest — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:47:18 +0000

Propane, also called LP-gas, is a safe, economical, clean-burning, and versatile fuel when properly used. Regardless of the type of energy you use, safety is extremely important. An understanding of how your delivery system and appliances work, and what to do in case of a leak or other safety-related emergency are extremely important when dealing with propane as with electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and gasoline. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 84% of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas fires in homes involve ignition by some form of equipment. The most common types involved were open-fired grills, hot water heaters and stoves, due to part failures and leaks.

Handle Propane with Care - safety is important!

Follow these important safety tips when using propane at home:

Handle any propane-powered equipment cautiously and always follow the manufacturer¹s instructions. Cylinder tanks for equipment such as stoves and ovens must be located outside of the home.
Never store or use propane gas cylinders larger than one pound inside the home. Any gas leaking from a cylinder could build up and be ignited by a flame or spark, causing an explosion or a fire.
Never operate a propane-powered gas grill inside the home or on a balcony or porch. High levels of carbon monoxide gas can be generated causing serious illness or death.
Have propane gas equipment inspected periodically by a professional for possible leaks or malfunctioning parts.
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings concerning lighting an appliance pilot.
If you smell a strong odor of gas, leave the area immediately and call the fire department from outside the home. To make propane easier to detect in the event of a leak, manufacturers deliberately add a chemical compound to give it the distinctive rotten egg smell.
For more information visit, the Propane Education and Research Council Web site at www.propanecouncil.org.

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

Guest — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:30:23 +0000

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.

Grill the steaks – not the house

Guest — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:52:39 +0000

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the No. 1 cause of structure fires in the United States. While we typically think of kitchen fires when we think of cooking fires, today I’m going to speak to safety while grilling.

In a period from 2003-06, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,900 home fires involving grills or barbecues each year, including an average of 2,900 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 7,900 fires caused an average of 10 civilian deaths, 120 reported injuries and $80 million in direct property damage each year. Of these 7,900 fires, 81 percent involved natural gas or propane grilles.

Grill the steaks - not the house!

For those readers that live in apartments, condos or any other multiple occupancy residential dwellings, the 2006 International Fire Code prohibits grilling devices on combustible balconies, decks or within 10 feet of combustible construction. For people who fall under these regulations, I recommend a common or shared barbecue that is maintained by your association in a park or common area.

For everyone else, some safety tips regarding safe grilling from the National Fire Protection Association are listed below.

SAFETY TIPS

Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors.

The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Keep children and pets away from the grill area.

Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.

Never leave your operating grill unattended.

Keep a glass of water near-by to extinguish flare-ups from the grease dripping on the burner.

There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.

If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.

Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.

When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Check the gas tank on propane grill’s hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. This is accomplished by applying a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane and/or natural gas leak will release bubbles.If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

Light the grill immediately after turning the valves on.

Never try to ignite the grill with the cover in the closed position.

If the grill does not light immediately, close the valves, open the lid and allow the grill to air out for a few minutes before attempting to re-light it.Follow these tips and don’t burn the steaks.

To fight kitchen blazes, cut off air

Guest — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:41:12 +0000

Four out of five fire-related deaths among civilians occur in the home, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Smoke alarms can alert you to a fire, and sprinklers can extinguish a blaze. Beyond that, fire extinguishers are a must.

If it’s small enough and you think you can put it out, “always make sure everyone is out of the house and at a safe distance,” says Heather Paul of State Farm Insurance.

Most home fires occur in the kitchen; unattended cooking is the leading cause. For any kitchen fire, turn off the heat.

For a grease fire or any pan fire on the stove, place a metal lid or plate over the fire to cut off the oxygen supply.

A fire extinguisher can handle a grease fire. Don’t use water; that only makes the fire spread.

If the fire is contained to the pot, bank the spray from the extinguisher off the back of the stove or the bottom of the microwave if it’s above the stove.

If the oil or grease has already spilled and the top of the oven is on fire, sweep the spray of the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

For a toaster fire, unplug the toaster and use an extinguisher. If a fire is in the oven or microwave, leave the door closed until the fire burns out.

Fire extinguishers are not created equal. Some are rated for fires involving paper, trash and cloth; some for fires involving flammable liquids; still others for electrical fires. Some are multipurpose — the best for homes.

Not sure what to buy? Visit a fire station or www.nfpa. org.

Article Credits: WILLIAM HAGEMAN, Chicago Tribune via Columbus Dispatch: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/home_garden/stories/2011/03/27/to-fight-kitchen-blazes-cut-off-air.html?sid=101

Fire-safe sleepovers

admin — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:00:52 +0000

If your child invites friends to spend the night in your home, it’s important to review fire safety procedures with your guests and share this information with their parents.

Think about what you would like to know if your child is staying with someone. Details you might want to share include:

where the children will sleep
that you have working smoke alarms outside the room where they will be sleeping
that you will supervise the children during their stay

Fire-safe Sleepovers

If you have a CPR or first aid certification, let parents know this as well. If you aren’t certified and think that you might want to be, you can register for a class at Washington Township Fire Department. CPR classes are offered twice monthly. First aid classes are offered in January, April, July and October. Register today. You can register online at www.wtwp.com.

For a sleepover checklist, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s “Sleepover Checklist” at www.nfpa.org.

Images: Courtesy of Google Images www.google.com

Don’t Go Up in Smoke

Guest — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:19:21 +0000

One of the most common causes of deaths in home fires is careless smoking. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), improper handling of items such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes is the leading cause of fire deaths and the third leading cause of fire injuries in the United States. According to NFPA, between 700 and 900 people die per year in the U.S. as a result of fires caused by cigarettes. One quarter of those killed are often children and the elderly who are not the smokers. To avoid a fire caused by smoking–related materials, follow these essential safety precautions.

Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers and do not place them on the arms of furniture.
Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn, such as mattress bedding, upholstered furniture, floor covering and trash. Most cigarette fires involve dropping a hot cigarette on these materials. A lit cigarette can smolder for 20-30 minutes before igniting anything combustible.
Whenever someone has been smoking in the home, always check on and under upholstery and cushions and inside trash cans for butts that may be smoldering.
Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy, intoxicated, or medicated.
Completely douse cigarette butts and ashes with water before throwing them away as they can smolder in the trash and cause a fire.
Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes. These cigarettes have a special banded paper that is designed to self-extinguish if dropped or left unattended, making them less likely to ignite clothing, bedding, or other material.