Safety Topics
COOKING
Cooking appliances, most commonly a stove or range, is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. Not surprisingly, they also rank number 1 for fire related injuries in the home. Almost all cooking fires could be prevented if you follow some of these simple safety tips:
GRILLING
Following are some important grilling safety tips:
CANDLES
Many people use candles throughout their homes to decorate and to project a relaxing atmosphere. The following is some information that was put out by The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). From 2006 to 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 11,640 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused 126 deaths, 953 injuries and $438 million in direct property damage. Candles caused 3% of reported home fires, 5% of home fire deaths, 7% of home fire injuries, and 6% of the direct property damage from home fires in 2010. Facts & Figures During the Five-Year Period of 2006 to 2010
The NFPA offers the following advice:
Do the following during power outages:
Fire Extinguishers
Operating a Fire Extinguisher Many people ask us if they should have a portable home fire extinguisher. The answer is yes and you should know how to use one! Research has shown that if someone has never operated and had proper training on the use of a fire extinguisher, they most likely will not use one if a real life situation. The acronym PASS is used to help people remember the correct steps to operate a fire extinguisher;
|
HEATING SAFETY
Every year in the US, heating equipment related fires kill over 500 people, injure nearly 1500, and cause more than $900 million in property damages. Have you properly prepared your furnace and your home for a safe heating season? The following are some of the things that you should do to get ready:
Hot Temperatures & Humidity
Follow these tips to stay safe during extreme heat:
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is something that we depend on every day. We use it to light our homes, cook our food, and keep us warm. Since it is so commonly used, its dangers often get forgotten. Many people are injured and even killed by electricity every year in the United States. Fire departments respond to over 50,000 fires per year that involve electrical failure or malfunction. Common Electrical IssuesLet’s have a look at four common electrical issues that can get you in trouble. Cords
Juvenile Fire Starters
The following are some steps to prevent children from becoming the next juvenile fire setter:
|
FIREWORKS
Firework Related Injuries Fireworks are something that many people, kids and adults alike, look forward to year after year. Unfortunately, emergency rooms across the United States treat an average of 10,500 people for fireworks related injuries yearly. Fireworks are also responsible for an average of 1,400 home and 200 vehicle fires per year. More fires are reported on Independence Day than on any other day of the year and fireworks are responsible for half of these fires. Some facts about the injuries include:
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke Alarm Lifetimes Did you know that smoke alarms are only good for 10 years then you have to get new ones. The following is why alarms are only good for 10 years;
It is also extremely important to test your smoke detectors monthly to make sure that are in working order. Untested detectors are half as dependable as tested ones. To test your detectors do the following;
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, highly toxic gas that is undetectable to the human senses. It is a by-product of combustion, present whenever the following types of fuel is burned:
Here are some things that you should know about CO:
The best way to protect you and your family is to have a UL approved carbon monoxide detector installed on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide detectors along with smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are the most important life safety devices that no home should be without. Escape Plan
Firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders practice for emergencies. That is the only way they become proficient at their jobs. Families need to practice and be prepared for emergencies as well and that is why you should have an escape plan and practice it with your family. |
Holiday Seasons
Here are some activities that you can do at home with your family other than fireworks:
· Camp in the backyard or build an indoor fort
· Water activities
· Little bit of wind? Fly a kite.
· Play yard games! Here are some fun ones to get the whole family moving:
· Camp in the backyard or build an indoor fort
· Water activities
- Sprinkler/slip and slides
- Pool
- Water balloon fights
· Little bit of wind? Fly a kite.
· Play yard games! Here are some fun ones to get the whole family moving:
- Corn hole
- Croquet
- Flamingo Ring Toss
- Pool noodle obstacle course
- Flashlight tag