Fire Prevention

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.

From the NFPA: Christmas Tree Safety Tips

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

* Almost one third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.

* A heat source too close to the tree causes more than one in every five of the fires.

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.

Smoke alarms are very important to fire safety in your home, the death rate in home structure fires is approximately 60% lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or none that worked, according to the latest NFPA research.

There are different types of alarms that can be purchased that have different pros and cons:

Most often, you will see information pertaining to Photoelectric vs Ionization alarms. The difference between these two types is the sensor that is used to detect the smoke. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires (imagine a fire where you can see the flame), while a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoking, smoldering fires (such as a cigarette).

To get an alarm that is just as responsive to smoldering fires as it is to flaming fires, you can get an alarm that has dual sensors. These alarms have both an ionization sensor and a photoelectric sensor that will cause the alarm to sound.

There are also combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that have both sensors to sense smoke and to sense for carbon monoxide (CO). These alarms may look like smoke alarms and are mounted on the ceiling or the wall near the ceiling. If your house has fuel-burning equipment or appliances (oil or gas boiler, oil or gas furnace, oil or gas water heater, fireplace, etc.), an attached garage, or a fuel-burning generator, then you will need to also have carbon monoxide detection within your house.

Check back next month for more information on Smoke Alarms or contact us.

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.

With the Holiday Season fast approaching, below you will find some cooking safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:

Cooking is, by far, the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Home cooking fires happen most often on Thanksgiving.

In 2021, fire departments in the United States responded to an estimated 170,000 home cooking fires. These fires caused an estimated 135 deaths, 3,000 injuries and over $494 million in property loss.

Stand by your pan:

• If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.

Watch what you are cooking:

• Fires start when the heat is too high. If you see any smoke or the grease starts to boil, turn the burner off.

Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove:

• Then no one can bump them or pull them over.

Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby:

• Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire.

Set a Timer:

• If you are simmering or baking, set a timer so you don’t get distracted and forget you are cooking.

In case of an oven fire:

• Turn off the oven and keep the door closed until it is cool.

Microwave Fire:

• If you have a fire in your microwave oven, turn it off immediately and do not open the door until it is cool.

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.