FAQ About Fire Doors

Simple Steps to Ensure Your Fire Pit Does Not Become a Wildfire from the N.F.P.A. (National Fire Protection Association):

Wind-blown embers igniting dry vegetation and threatening homes sounds like a wildfire. Yet, this summer that source of embers may well be your own patio fire pit or backyard campfire.

Backyard recreational fires must be:

• Kept under three feet in diameter and two feet high.
• Confined to a permanent outdoor fire ring, a portable outdoor fireplace, or a commercially designed chiminea.
• Have a garden hose, fire extinguisher, or five-gallon bucket of water nearby.

The fire pit’s location is important – Fires are prohibited during times of high fire danger ratings and on “red flag” days that bring high winds to dry landscapes.

It is important to remember that embers blowing from a backyard fire pose the same threat to your home as if they are from a wildfire. Start with simple steps to reduce the ignition risk, like:

• Cleaning out gutters of seasonal debris.
• Clearing away leaves and needles in the 0-5 foot “immediate zone” around the house.
• Moving any flammable material away from wall exteriors, like mulch, flammable plants or firewood piles.
• Removing anything flammable stored underneath decks or porches.

Most of all, safely enjoy your patio fire pit or backyard campfire and keep blowing embers that come from any source from threatening your home this summer.  Make sure to check in with your local fire authority to see if backyard fires are allowed and if burn bans are in place due to weather.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Fires that occur on boats or in marinas can spread quickly and present unique response challenges due to hazardous conditions and limited access. Below are tips to help you stay fire safe onboard and in the marina from the U.S. Fire Administration:

On the Boat:

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to alert occupants to a fire.
• Have a fire emergency plan and practice it.
• Inspect electrical wiring, connections, cords and battery-charging equipment to ensure they are installed properly and in good condition.
• Have the appropriate fire extinguishers and make sure they are easily accessible. Train all boaters on how to use them.
• Check your cooling and exhaust systems. Make sure they work properly.
• Turn off portable heaters when you leave the boat or go to sleep.
• Only use certified chargers for personal electronic devices. Don’t overload power outlets.

In the Marina:

• Ask about the types of fire and emergency features at the marina, including smoke alarms and fire-suppression equipment.
• Know where the fire extinguishers are located and how to escape.
• Smoke only in designated areas away from any fuel-filling or storage areas.
• Inspect shore power connections for any obvious signs of damage or improper installations.
• Know how to contact help.

If a fire does occur:

• Alert boat occupants and quickly get to a safe location.
• Discharge fire extinguishers from a safe location or get to a safe location and call 911.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Vehicle Fire Safety Information from the U.S. Fire Administration:

It’s important to act quickly if your car catches on fire.

If your vehicle catches fire:

• Pull over as quickly as you can when it is safe.
• Once you have stopped, turn off the engine.
• Get everyone out of the car. Never return to a burning car. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.
• If you think there is a fire under the hood or trunk, do not open it. This could cause the fire to grow.
• Move everyone at least 100 feet from the burning car and well away from traffic.
• Call 911.

To prevent a vehicle fire:

• Have your car serviced regularly by a trained mechanic.
• Keep gas cans or propane tanks away from passengers. Tightly seal and place them on a flat surface to make sure they stay upright.
• Keep windows open to stop fumes from building up if you must put gas cans or propane tanks inside your vehicle.
• Drive safely to avoid an accident.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Workplace fire safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:

A fire in an office or store can be devastating to your community. In addition to potential deaths and property loss, people may lose their jobs, and the community may lose a vital service provided by the businesses.

Every year in the United States there are 16,500 office and store fires that cause over $932 million in direct property damage. Here are some tips to help prevent workplace fires, keep workers safe and keep businesses open.

Employees should eliminate fire hazards:

• Check for damaged or overloaded electrical outlets, cords and cables.
• Keep anything that can burn away from electrical equipment.
• Never leave portable heating devices unattended.

Employers need to prepare for emergencies:

• Make sure smoke alarms and fire sprinklers are properly installed and working.
• Post clear escape plans on every level of a building.
• Teach employees about exit locations, escape routes and fire protection equipment.

If there is a fire:

• Call 911.
• Notify co-workers of the fire.
• Never use the elevator. Walk, don’t run, down the stairs.
• If you can’t evacuate, remain calm. Seal door gaps with jackets and wait at the window.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Ways to safeguard your home from fire from the American Red Cross:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each separate sleeping area.
• Make sure your house number is easily readable from the street, even at night.
• Make sure your home heating sources are clean and in working order. Many home fires are started by poorly maintained furnaces or stoves, cracked or rusted furnace parts, or chimneys with creosote buildup.
• Use kerosene heaters only if permitted by law. Refuel kerosene heaters only outdoors and after they have cooled.
• Check electrical wiring in your home:
  • Replace extension cords that are frayed, have exposed wires, or loose plugs.
  • Make sure wiring is not under rugs, attached by nails, or in high traffic areas.
  • Make sure electrical outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
  • Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords.
• Purchase only appliances and electrical devices (including space heaters) that bear the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• Store combustible materials in open areas away from heat sources. Place rags used to apply flammable household chemicals in metal containers with tight-fitting lids.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.