Fire Prevention

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.

Keep safe this winter with the following tips from the NFPA (Nation Fire Protection Association):

Heating –

Heating is a leading cause of US home fires and home fire injuries and third leading cause of home fire deaths. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires.

Carbon Monoxide –

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties.

Generators –

Portable generators are useful during power outages; however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards.

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.