Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 250 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires resulted in 21 deaths and 43 injuries.
Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy. Learn how to prevent a fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home. Make sure all exits are accessible and not blocked by decorations or trees. Help ensure that you have a fire safe holiday season.
Christmas Trees
What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”
Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.
Selecting a Tree for the Holidays
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Holiday Lights
Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!Holiday Decorations
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Don't Block Exits
Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.
Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace
Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.
Candle Care
Avoid Using Lit Candles
If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.
Showing posts with label fire safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fire safety. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
FEMA: PREVENT FIRES THIS THANKSGIVING
WASHINGTON- As our nation comes together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its United States Fire Administration (USFA) would like to remind all residents to Put a Freeze on all Fires.
According to data from the USFA, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of five deaths, 25 injuries and $21 million in property loss each year. The leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings is cooking. In addition, these fires occur most frequently in the afternoon hours from noon to 4 p.m. And unfortunately, smoke alarms were not present in 20 percent of Thanksgiving Day fires that occurred in occupied residential buildings.
"Disasters can happen any time, any where, but some emergencies at home can be avoided by taking a few simple steps for safety," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "And don't forget this holiday season, while gathered around the table with family and friends, is a great time to talk about your family emergency plan, and what you would do in the case of a disaster."
FEMA and USFA have issued a special report examining the characteristics of Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings. The report, Thanksgiving Day Fires in Residential Buildings, was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center and is further evidence of FEMA's commitment to sharing information with fire departments and first responders around the country to help them keep their communities safe during this holiday. Read the report for more information.
The USFA also suggests these safety cooking tips:
Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they are 10 years old or older.
Keep a close watch on your cooking. You should never leave cooking food unattended.
Keep oven food packaging and other combustibles away from burners and heat sources.
Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it closely; it can ignite quickly.
Don't wear loose sleeves while working over hot stove burners - they can melt, ignite or catch on handles of pots and pans spilling hot oil and other liquids.
Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three-feet around the stove and areas where hot foods or drinks are prepared or carried.
Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
"Thanksgiving marks the start of a very busy time for all firefighters," said Acting Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines. "Holiday decorations, heating, and increased indoor cooking all present just some of the causes of residential fires. Your place of residence should be the safest place of all. Protect it with working smoke alarms and know what to do if a fire should occur."
Deep-fried turkey has quickly grown in popularity but safety experts are concerned that backyard chefs may be sacrificing fire safety for good taste. If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer, please use the following tips:
Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
According to data from the USFA, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of five deaths, 25 injuries and $21 million in property loss each year. The leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings is cooking. In addition, these fires occur most frequently in the afternoon hours from noon to 4 p.m. And unfortunately, smoke alarms were not present in 20 percent of Thanksgiving Day fires that occurred in occupied residential buildings.
"Disasters can happen any time, any where, but some emergencies at home can be avoided by taking a few simple steps for safety," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "And don't forget this holiday season, while gathered around the table with family and friends, is a great time to talk about your family emergency plan, and what you would do in the case of a disaster."
FEMA and USFA have issued a special report examining the characteristics of Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings. The report, Thanksgiving Day Fires in Residential Buildings, was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center and is further evidence of FEMA's commitment to sharing information with fire departments and first responders around the country to help them keep their communities safe during this holiday. Read the report for more information.
The USFA also suggests these safety cooking tips:
Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they are 10 years old or older.
Keep a close watch on your cooking. You should never leave cooking food unattended.
Keep oven food packaging and other combustibles away from burners and heat sources.
Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it closely; it can ignite quickly.
Don't wear loose sleeves while working over hot stove burners - they can melt, ignite or catch on handles of pots and pans spilling hot oil and other liquids.
Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three-feet around the stove and areas where hot foods or drinks are prepared or carried.
Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
"Thanksgiving marks the start of a very busy time for all firefighters," said Acting Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines. "Holiday decorations, heating, and increased indoor cooking all present just some of the causes of residential fires. Your place of residence should be the safest place of all. Protect it with working smoke alarms and know what to do if a fire should occur."
Deep-fried turkey has quickly grown in popularity but safety experts are concerned that backyard chefs may be sacrificing fire safety for good taste. If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer, please use the following tips:
Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Friday, October 1, 2010
American Red Cross
Let's start with a stunning fact: 65% of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms.
When was the last time you tested your smoke alarm? Do you have one on every level of your home? And how old are the batteries?
www.oregonredcross.org/homefires
October is Fire Prevention Month, the perfect time to focus on fire safety. Test your smoke alarm and re-test it on the same date every month going forward. Replace the batteries at least once a year or check on 10-year batteries. And keep in mind that while carbon monoxide alarms are also lifesavers, they're not a substitute.
Want to do more? Talk to your family about a fire escape plan and then practice, practice, practice. And if a fire really does happen? Remember to get out, stay out and call 9-1-1. In no time at all, your Oregon Red Cross will be there to help.
www.oregonredcross.org/homefires
When was the last time you tested your smoke alarm? Do you have one on every level of your home? And how old are the batteries?
www.oregonredcross.org/homefires
October is Fire Prevention Month, the perfect time to focus on fire safety. Test your smoke alarm and re-test it on the same date every month going forward. Replace the batteries at least once a year or check on 10-year batteries. And keep in mind that while carbon monoxide alarms are also lifesavers, they're not a substitute.
Want to do more? Talk to your family about a fire escape plan and then practice, practice, practice. And if a fire really does happen? Remember to get out, stay out and call 9-1-1. In no time at all, your Oregon Red Cross will be there to help.
www.oregonredcross.org/homefires
Monday, November 30, 2009
HURRICANE SEASON OFFICIALLY ENDS – ADMINISTRATOR FUGATE URGES VIGILANCE
WASHINGTON – Today, November 30, 2009, marks the official end of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season and with that, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate reminds citizens to remain vigilant and stay prepared. Disasters are not limited to hurricanes or a specific time of year – they can occur anytime, anywhere.
“I can never remind people enough to stay prepared for potential disasters. We must never let our guard down. I am thankful for a quieter than usual hurricane season, but the fact remains disasters may occur at any time and without warning, said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As we head into the winter season, we must all remain vigilant and remember to take the time to prepare ourselves and our families. Assemble a kit, have a family disaster plan and stay informed during disasters.”
Winter weather, increased holiday traveling, and holiday fire safety are opportunities to focus on personal preparedness. Gather a preparedness kit including a 3-day supply of food and water, blankets, and first-aid kit for both your home and car. Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Finally, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
“I can never remind people enough to stay prepared for potential disasters. We must never let our guard down. I am thankful for a quieter than usual hurricane season, but the fact remains disasters may occur at any time and without warning, said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “As we head into the winter season, we must all remain vigilant and remember to take the time to prepare ourselves and our families. Assemble a kit, have a family disaster plan and stay informed during disasters.”
Winter weather, increased holiday traveling, and holiday fire safety are opportunities to focus on personal preparedness. Gather a preparedness kit including a 3-day supply of food and water, blankets, and first-aid kit for both your home and car. Ensure your family preparedness plan and contacts are up to date and exercise your plan. Finally, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Halloween Safety
News Release from: Oregon State Police
BASIC SAFETY HALLOWEEN PRECAUTIONS AND TIPS FOR ADULTS AND KIDS
Posted: October 12th, 2009 2:11 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2009-10/1002/Badge_w.type_CMYK_CROPPED.2.jpg
The Oregon State Police - Missing Children Clearinghouse and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) understand parents and children have concerns when planning for Halloween activities. The below "Trick or Treating" safety tips, as well as free Children Identification Kits available in Spanish and English, are available to help parents keep their children safe.
"Child safety is important year round, but Halloween is an especially important time for parents and children to pay extra attention to their surroundings and not let their guard down," said Nancy McBride, National Safety Director of NCMEC. "It is important that parents exercise a few basic safety precautions to help ensure that Halloween is both fun and safe."
The following Halloween safety tips are offered by the Oregon State Police Missing Children Clearinghouse and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:
1) Be sure older children TAKE FRIENDS and younger children are accompanied by a TRUSTED ADULT when "Trick or Treating."
2) Accompany younger children to the door of every home they approach and make sure parents and guardians are familiar with every home and all people from which the children receive treats.
3) Teach children to NEVER enter a home without prior permission from their parents or guardians.
4) Teach children to NEVER approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
5) Make sure all children wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick when out at dusk and at night.
6) Make sure children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
7) Teach children to NEVER approach a home that is not well lit both inside and outside.
8) Teach children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents, guardians, and/or the proper authority.
9) Teach children if anyone tries to grab them to make a scene; loudly yell this person is not my father/mother/guardian; and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
10) Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to "Trick or Treating."
Available year round through the Oregon State Police – Missing Children Clearinghouse (OSP MCC), ID Complete Child Identification and DNA kits are a wonderful proactive method to be prepared in case your child ever becomes missing. "These kits are not only helpful when you need them most, but they are also a great way to open up communication lines with your children regarding child safety," said Judy Hayes of the OSP MCC.
The child ID Complete kits were purchased with money raised during the 11th Annual Oregon State Police Missing Children Golf Benefit held in Salem last month. More than $14,000 was raised this year that will help buy 26,000 child ID kits.
Obtaining a child ID Complete kit from the Oregon State Police - Missing Children Clearinghouse can be done by calling (503) 934-0188 or outside Salem at 1-800-282-7155, or e-mail child.idkits@state.or.us . Please provide your name, address, number of kits needed and a call back phone number when making a request.
BASIC SAFETY HALLOWEEN PRECAUTIONS AND TIPS FOR ADULTS AND KIDS
Posted: October 12th, 2009 2:11 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2009-10/1002/Badge_w.type_CMYK_CROPPED.2.jpg
The Oregon State Police - Missing Children Clearinghouse and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) understand parents and children have concerns when planning for Halloween activities. The below "Trick or Treating" safety tips, as well as free Children Identification Kits available in Spanish and English, are available to help parents keep their children safe.
"Child safety is important year round, but Halloween is an especially important time for parents and children to pay extra attention to their surroundings and not let their guard down," said Nancy McBride, National Safety Director of NCMEC. "It is important that parents exercise a few basic safety precautions to help ensure that Halloween is both fun and safe."
The following Halloween safety tips are offered by the Oregon State Police Missing Children Clearinghouse and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:
1) Be sure older children TAKE FRIENDS and younger children are accompanied by a TRUSTED ADULT when "Trick or Treating."
2) Accompany younger children to the door of every home they approach and make sure parents and guardians are familiar with every home and all people from which the children receive treats.
3) Teach children to NEVER enter a home without prior permission from their parents or guardians.
4) Teach children to NEVER approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
5) Make sure all children wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick when out at dusk and at night.
6) Make sure children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
7) Teach children to NEVER approach a home that is not well lit both inside and outside.
8) Teach children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents, guardians, and/or the proper authority.
9) Teach children if anyone tries to grab them to make a scene; loudly yell this person is not my father/mother/guardian; and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
10) Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to "Trick or Treating."
Available year round through the Oregon State Police – Missing Children Clearinghouse (OSP MCC), ID Complete Child Identification and DNA kits are a wonderful proactive method to be prepared in case your child ever becomes missing. "These kits are not only helpful when you need them most, but they are also a great way to open up communication lines with your children regarding child safety," said Judy Hayes of the OSP MCC.
The child ID Complete kits were purchased with money raised during the 11th Annual Oregon State Police Missing Children Golf Benefit held in Salem last month. More than $14,000 was raised this year that will help buy 26,000 child ID kits.
Obtaining a child ID Complete kit from the Oregon State Police - Missing Children Clearinghouse can be done by calling (503) 934-0188 or outside Salem at 1-800-282-7155, or e-mail child.idkits@state.or.us . Please provide your name, address, number of kits needed and a call back phone number when making a request.
Friday, October 9, 2009
October is Fire Prevention Month
October is Fire Prevention Month. Below are some very useful tools to share
with family and friends.
Fire Safety Tools
Important Fire Safety Tools for Your Home.
See More About:
. fires
. emergency preparedness
. first aid supplies
. home safety
Preparing for an emergency takes diligence and planning. Make sure your home
is prepared for the possibility of a fire or other emergency. The following
items will help you plan for a fire, fight a fire, and escape from a fire.
Each item provides information as well as suggested items.
1. Smoke Alarm
Smoke alarms come in two types - ionization and photoelectric. These two
kinds of smoke alarms detect smoke particles differently, which means they
detect different types of fires. To be truly safe in case of a fire, it's
vital to have both types of smoke alarm installed in your home.
2. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Unlike smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors measure the presence of
carbon monoxide in the air and keep track of how long it is present. They
trigger an alarm if carbon monoxide is present at low levels for a long time
or at high levels for a short time. Most carbon monoxide detectors also save
peak values in a memory for later retrieval.
3. Emergency Evacuation Plan
It's important that the entire family know what to do in the event of a fire
or other emergency. During a crisis, we humans respond the way we have been
trained to do. Kids, especially, need a definite plan to help them react
appropriately to an emergency. Evacuation plans are not just for fires, it's
important to have a plan for any emergency.
4. Fire Extinguisher
Choosing a fire extinguisher is based on the types of fires the extinguisher
will be expected to put out. Fire extinguishers are rated for certain types
of fires. The rating for a fire extinguisher helps determine where in the
home, office, or car it will be best utilized.
5. Fire Escape Ladder
Fire escape ladders provide a second exit from any room on any floor. A fire
escape ladder lets anyone not on the ground floor use a window to escape a
home during an emergency. Make sure your multi-floor home has one.
with family and friends.
Fire Safety Tools
Important Fire Safety Tools for Your Home.
See More About:
. fires
. emergency preparedness
. first aid supplies
. home safety
Preparing for an emergency takes diligence and planning. Make sure your home
is prepared for the possibility of a fire or other emergency. The following
items will help you plan for a fire, fight a fire, and escape from a fire.
Each item provides information as well as suggested items.
1. Smoke Alarm
Smoke alarms come in two types - ionization and photoelectric. These two
kinds of smoke alarms detect smoke particles differently, which means they
detect different types of fires. To be truly safe in case of a fire, it's
vital to have both types of smoke alarm installed in your home.
2. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Unlike smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors measure the presence of
carbon monoxide in the air and keep track of how long it is present. They
trigger an alarm if carbon monoxide is present at low levels for a long time
or at high levels for a short time. Most carbon monoxide detectors also save
peak values in a memory for later retrieval.
3. Emergency Evacuation Plan
It's important that the entire family know what to do in the event of a fire
or other emergency. During a crisis, we humans respond the way we have been
trained to do. Kids, especially, need a definite plan to help them react
appropriately to an emergency. Evacuation plans are not just for fires, it's
important to have a plan for any emergency.
4. Fire Extinguisher
Choosing a fire extinguisher is based on the types of fires the extinguisher
will be expected to put out. Fire extinguishers are rated for certain types
of fires. The rating for a fire extinguisher helps determine where in the
home, office, or car it will be best utilized.
5. Fire Escape Ladder
Fire escape ladders provide a second exit from any room on any floor. A fire
escape ladder lets anyone not on the ground floor use a window to escape a
home during an emergency. Make sure your multi-floor home has one.
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