Use Precaution & Common Sense Operating Heating Systems This Winter!

When we think of portable heaters, we think of convenience and energy savings. We think mostly of keeping warm through those cold winter nights! What we should also be thinking about is that heating fires are a large cause of home fires in the country and many are caused by portable heating devices.



In 2011, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 53,600 reported U.S. home structure fires, with associated losses of 400 civilian deaths, 1,520 civilian injuries, and $893 million in direct property damage. These fires accounted for 14% of all reported home fires..
Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for one-third (33%) of home heating fires and four out of five (81%) of home heating fire deaths.



The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (28%) was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
More fires occur during the winter months than at any other time. Fortunately, taking simple precautions can prevent most fires.

The Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention Blog recommends the following safety tips &  precautions below to help ensure your safety:

Portable Heaters
* Put at least three feet of empty space between the heater and everything else.
* Vacuum and clean the dust and lint from all heaters.
* If the cord gets hot, frayed or cracked, have the heater serviced.
* Never use extension cords with portable electric heaters.
* Turn off portable heaters when leaving or sleeping.
* An adult should always be present when anyone is using a space heater around children.
* Make sure your portable electric heater is UL approved and has a tip-over shut off function.

Woodstove and Fireplace Safety

* Have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your fireplace.

* Place ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet away from anything that burns.

* To prevent flue fires, burn dry, well-seasoned wood.

* Always use a fireplace screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass. If children are present, use a special child-guard screen.

Generators

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You cannot see or smell it. A generator's exhaust contains poisonous CO, which can kill you in a matter of minutes. Follow these important generator safety tips:

* Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage, shed or other partially enclosed space, even if doors and windows are open.

* Place portable generators outside only, far away from the home. Keep the generator away from openings to the home, including doors, windows, and vents.

* Read the label on the generator and the owner's manual, and follow the instructions.

* Install CO alarms with battery backup in the home outside each sleeping area.

* Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy. CO poisoning from exposure to generator exhaust can quickly lead to incapacitation and death.

* Be sure generator fuel is properly and safely stored.

* Always refuel the generator outdoors and away from any ignition sources.

* If you choose to have a generator permanently connected to your home's electrical system, make sure a licensed electrician installs it and be sure to notify your electric company.

Candles

* Place candles in sturdy, fireproof candleholders where they cannot be knocked over.

* Make sure all candles are out before going to bed or leaving the house.

* Keep candles, matches, and lighters out of children's reach.

* Keep candles away from Christmas trees, evergreen clippings, decorations, presents, and wrapping paper.

Smoke Detectors and Alarms

* Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and in each bedroom.

* Test (monthly) and vacuum your smoke alarms each month to make sure they are working.

* Smoke alarms 10 years old or older need to be replaced with new units.

Home Escape Plans

* Know two ways out of every room.

* Practice your escape plan with your whole family at least twice a year.

* Do not attempt to go back into a burning home.

For more winter fire safety tips from the USFA: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/winter.shtm

For additional tips from the National Fire Protection Association: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/put-a-freeze-on-winter-fires

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

A Good & Enjoyable Grilling Season Begins With Fire Safety

There’s nothing like outdoor grilling and therefore it is one of the most popular ways to cook food during the summertime. Approximately thirty-three percent of home grill structure fires start on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.

The Summer grilling season is the perfect time to gather with friends and family, in a laid-back atmosphere where formal attire is forgotten in favor of flip flops and T-shirts. But as relaxed as a backyard barbecue can be, it also can quickly turn into a potentially dangerous or unhealthy situation, especially when the trusted grill master doesn’t take the following safety precautions regarding his grill and the foods he’s preparing.

The Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention blog wants to remind everyone that will be grilling this Summer of the importance of grilling safely in order to avoid a summertime tragedy.

It's that time of the year when many families and members of our community will be grilling outdoors. By following a few safety precautions burn injuries, fires, and other emergency situations can be prevented.

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Before you fire up the grill The National Fire Protection Association and U.S. Fire Administration is reminding everyone to remember to be fire safe about grilling and remember to use & practice fire safety when grill at the BBQ this summer.

The experts say, only use propane and charcoal grills outside and never leave them unattended. Also, remember to keep pets and children away from the barbecue area and make sure you check your propane tank hose for leaks before using the grill and to let coals cook completely if you use charcoal to cook.

Grilling safety tips are easy to keep in mind when cooking out this summer, remember "Be Fire Safe, Be Fire Wise, LearnNot To Burn!"




(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

December, January, February peak months for heating fires...

While a warm home and a hot meal on a cold winter’s day may conjure up thoughts of safety and security, the unfortunate reality is that winter is the leading time of year for home fires in the United States. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) have teamed up to help prevent home fires in the winter months.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA there are more house fires during the winter than any other season.

Through a jointly sponsored initiative – Put a Freeze on Winter Fires – NFPA and USFA are working collaboratively to tell the public about ways to stay fire-safe this winter. The effort targets home heating and cooking, which represent the two leading causes of U.S. home fires. Both types of fires peak in the winter months.

“The use of heating equipment largely contributes to the peak in U.S. home fires during the winter months,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The USFA reports that nationally, on average, winter residential fires result in an estimated 945 deaths, 3,800 injuries and $1.7 billion in property damage. However, the USFA said there are simple things you can do for these next few, cold months to maintain a fire-safe home.

It said winter fires happen more often mostly because of an increase in cooking and heating fires, and winter storms that knock out power cause people to turn to alternative heating sources, raising their risk.

Winter Fire Safety

According to NFPA’s most recent report, “Home Fires Involving Heating Equipment,” home heating equipment was involved in an estimated 57,100 reported home structure fires, 490 civilian deaths, 1,530 civilian injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage in 2010.

Stationary and portable space heaters accounted for one-third (32 percent) of reported home heating fires, but 80 percent of the home heating fire deaths, two-thirds (67 percent) of associated civilian injuries, and half (52 percent) of associated direct property damage.

“Space heaters clearly present the greatest risk of home heating fires,” said Carli. “No matter what type of heating system people may use, we can all reduce our risk by taking simple safety precautions.”

Below are tips for safely heating your home this winter: 

* All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. 

* Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

* Never use your oven to heat your home.

* Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

*Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected and cleaned each year by a qualified professional.

* Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

* Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.

* Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

*Test all smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries once a year, or when they begin to chirp, which means the batteries are running low.

* Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test the alarms monthly.

For more winter fire safety tips from the USFA: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/winter.shtm

For additional tips from the National Fire Protection Association: http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=2103&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Holidays/

Checklist for safely preparing for the heating season: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//Public%20Education/Top10WinterFreezeTips.pdf 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Fire Prevention Week 2012 Just Around The Corner...

NEWS RELEASES

NFPA offers tools, tips and resources for October’s Fire Prevention Week

Campaign offers life-saving reminder to have an escape plan

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) annual awareness campaign, Fire Prevention Week, is slated for October 7-13. The non-profit fire safety organization is reminding the public to, ‘Have 2 Ways Out’, the theme for this year’s effort which focuses on the importance of having multiple escape routes in the event of a fire.

“Less than 25 percent of American households have developed and practiced a fire escape plan to be prepared in the event of a real emergency,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of Communications. “Having a plan and knowing what to do can make the difference between getting out safely and quickly or not.”

The Fire Prevention Week website is the central portal for information and resources to help people from fire chiefs and community leaders running outreach programs, to parents teaching their families basic home fire safety information.

The site includes fire safety tip sheets, fire statistics, a family safety checklist, Sparky the Fire Dog® activities for kids and public service announcement videos.

Visitors can also test their knowledge of fire safety with the Fire Prevention Week Quiz, a great resource to see how well prepared families are for an emergency. Quiz-takers can review their results and compare them with others via Twitter and Facebook.

New for 2012, NFPA launched Sparky’s Wish List, designed to help fire departments connect with their local communities. Fire departments across the country have registered for public safety education materials they need in their communities. Individuals can then help their local fire department prepare for Fire Prevention Week by fulfilling the wishes.

NFPA offers these important fire safety tips:

• Watch your cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Give space heaters space: Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Smoke outside: Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach: Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.
• Inspect electrical cords: Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.
• Be careful when using candles: Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have a home fire escape plan: Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
• Install smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Test smoke alarms: Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace conventional batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.
• Install sprinklers: If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.

About Fire Prevention WeekNFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week since 1922. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925. Visitwww.firepreventionweek.org for more safety information.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; Th is is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Warning! Dangers With Fireworks!

National Fire Protection Association Press Release:

Use of consumer fireworks dramatically increases risk of fire and injury. National health and safety advocates team up to warn of dangers

Click to Tweet: Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often kids & teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks http://ow.ly/bIyi9 #FireworkSafety

(via NFPA) Just in time for Fourth of July, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its Fireworks report which explores fire and injury dangers related to consumer fireworks. The report shows that in 2010 alone, an estimated 15,500 reported fires were started by fireworks and 8,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.  It also shows that there are more fires on a typical Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

“Thousands of people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year because of incidents involving consumer fireworks and many times these injuries are extremely painful and require long-term recovery – using consumer fireworks is simply not worth the risk,” said James Shannon, president of NFPA. “We encourage families to enjoy public displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.”

The Fireworks report outlines specific statistics regarding how the use of consumer fireworks relates to fire danger including:

• In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires.
• These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.

The report demonstrates using consumer fireworks heightens the risk of injury and even death. The study showed:

• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14 with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• Sparklers and novelties alone accounted for 38 percent of the 8,600 emergency room fireworks injuries in 2010.

With the Fireworks report’s findings in mind, NFPA along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, founded the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks to warn individuals about the dangers of consumer fireworks.The Alliance is a group of health and safety organizations that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.











View the full Fireworks report and more information about NFPA and firework safety.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

 

Focusing on Having Two Ways Out

National Fire Protection Association focuses on Having Two Ways Out during Fire Prevention Week in October 

2012 theme highlights the importance of fire escape planning and practice 

Click to tweet: Have Two Ways Out! Join @NFPA in spreading importance of fire escape planning and practice http://tinyurl.com/25rdvy9  

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced the 2012 Fire Prevention Week theme as “Have Two Ways Out!” to encourage families across the country to prioritize fire escape planning and practice. From October 7-13, 2012, NFPA blazes the trail for home fire safety and leads the campaign tohave a home fire escape plan that prepares families to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. If one exit is blocked by smoke, it’s imperative to plan for another escape outlet.

“We are excited for this year’s theme because it is simple and to the point—always plan for two ways out of your home,” says Jim Shannon, president of NFPA. “You never know which direction a fire will come from, and being prepared can save the lives of you and your loved ones.”

  

To coincide with this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, NFPA gives practical fire safety tips to families:

• Make a map of your home; mark a door and window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home.
• Have a grown-up sound the smoke alarm and practice your escape plan.
• Practice your escape plan twice a year.

To further spread the word about fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, Sparky the Fire Dog kicks off Sparky’s Wish List. The Wish List encourages neighborhoods to partner together to build fire-safe communities and provides a tangible way for media, local businesses and the general public to get involved with Fire Prevention Week. In the online registry, fire departments create wish lists of fire safety materials needed for school visits, bringing fire departments and community members together to support life-saving programs.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

 

 

NFPA's annual firefighter fatality report shows lowest number of on-duty deaths for second consecutive year

(NFPA NEWS RELEASE)  

NFPA reports 61 on-duty firefighter deaths in 2011, the lowest annual total in 35 years 

Click to Tweet: Firefighter Fatality Report by @NFPA shows lowest annual firefighter deaths in 35 years http://ow.ly/1NCv94

June 12, 2012 – Today the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its annual Firefighter Fatality Report showing a total of 61 on-duty firefighter deaths in the United States in 2011, the lowest annual total of firefighter deaths for the second consecutive year, as well as the lowest annual total in 35 years. The number of firefighter deaths has also sharply decreased over the past three years, a dramatic decline from 105 deaths in 2008. NFPA released the results during a special session at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

“It is certainly good news that the number of firefighter deaths has continued to decrease, reaching an all-time low since our first report in 1977,” says Rita Fahy, NFPA’s manager of fire databases & systems. “We are grateful for the sacrifices of these brave individuals and are hopeful that with expanded use of codes and standards and other safety initiatives the downward trend in the number of firefighters dying on duty will continue.”

VIDEO: Rita Fahy, manager of NFPA's fire databases and systems, presents the results of the 2011 fire fighter fatality study.

Of the 61 firefighters who died while on duty in 2011, 35 were volunteer firefighters, 21 were career firefighters, three were employees of state land management agencies and two were employees of federal land management agencies. The largest share of deaths occurred while firefighters were operating on the fire ground, representing 49 percent of the on-duty deaths in the year.

The decline of firefighter deaths occurred in the following areas:

• Lowest number of sudden cardiac deaths
• Lowest number of road vehicle crashes
• No aircraft or watercraft crashes
• The number of deaths while involved in training activities is the lowest since 1999
• Lowest number of volunteer firefighter deaths ever
• Lowest number of career firefighter deaths (tied with 1993)
• Lowest number of deaths while responding to or returning from alarms

 

VIDEO: Ken Willette, division manager of NFPA's Public Fire Protection Division, provides a fire service perspective to the 2011 fire fighter fatality study, what's working, and what still needs to be done to reduce the number of work-related deaths. 

The firefighter fatality study is made possible by the cooperation and assistance of the United States fire service, the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program of the Department of Justice, CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the United States Fire Administration, the Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Land Management of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

 

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

 

Grilling Safety From the NFPA

The Summer is here! Millions of Americans will be having cookouts grilling those hamburgers and hotdogs. It’s important to remember and follow fire safety tips so that all can enjoy a safe summer season at those fun BBQs.

U.S. fire departments responded to an average 8,200 home fires (2005-2009) involving grills, hibachis, or barbeques per year, including an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,800 outside fires. These fire incidents have resulted in an annual average of 15 civilian deaths, 120 reported civilian injuries, and $75 million in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Home Fires involving Cooking Equipment Report.

July is the peak month for grills fires, accounting for 18 percent of all home fires involving grills, including both structure and outside fires. June and May follow closely with 14 percent and 13 percent respectively.



The NPD group reports that more people are grilling all year round, showing that nearly one-third (38 percent) of American households had at least one meal cooked on an outdoor grill in an average two-week period during the year. Even in the winter months of December, January and February, one-quarter (27 percent) had eaten at least one grilled item in a 14-day period.

Other key findings in this report include:

•         Five out of every six grills involved in home fires (84 percent) were fueled by gas while 13 percent used charcoal or other solid fuel.
•         More than one quarter (29 percent) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio.
•         In 2009, 17,700 patients went to the emergency room because of injuries involving grills.
•         Children under the age of five account for almost one-quarter (22 percent) of all thermal grill burns.

NFPA is offers the following safety tips:

•         Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
•         The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
•         Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
•         Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
•         Never leave your grill unattended.

For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/grilling.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

NFPA’s Sparky the Fire Dog® launches new “Put Out the Fire” online game on fire truck section of Sparky.org

The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) most popular section on the Sparky the Fire Dog® website just got better! The fire truck section is now home to the new “Put Out the Fire” game. "Put Out the Fire" is a game of skill in which critical thinking is a must.

Fire truck image is available; please contact NFPA Public Affairs.

The new “All about fire trucks” section lets users get an inside look at different kinds of fire trucks and also explore parts of a quint truck with sound and animation.

The Fire Truck Arcade provides games for children of all ages. “Follow the Sounds,” a sound pattern game for preschoolers and school-aged children, reinforces listening and sequencing skills.

Crayons are optional for the “Color a Truck” section. Kids can use their imaginations and color scenes online with Sparky, firefighters and of course, fire trucks. Their finished works of art can even be printed. For those who prefer crayons, coloring sheets can also be found here.

“The Sparky the Fire Dog website allows kids to explore and learn about fire safety in a safe and interactive environment,” said Amy LeBeau, NFPA’s communications manager for public education. “The popular site already features sections for children of all ages, even providing voice-overs for younger children who cannot read yet. The diverse activities range from a cartoon section, family activities, seasonal Sparky e-cards for kids to send to friends and family, and parent and educator information.”

Visit the official website for Sparky the Fire Dog® for a safe learning environment for children and enormous family fun. The new fire truck section provides important information on fire trucks and fun activities for kids of all ages.

About Sparky the Fire Dog®
Sparky the Fire Dog was created for the National Fire Protection Association in 1951 and has been the organization’s official mascot andspokesdog ever since. He is a widely recognized fire safety icon that is beloved by children and adults alike. Millions have learned about fire safety through educational lessons and materials featuring his image and he is more active than ever today. Sparky frequently visits schools and participates in community events to spread fire safety messages, often accompanied by his firefighter friends. In addition to connecting with the public through public service announcements and his featured role in Fire Prevention Week campaigns each October, he has a very active website, and a Facebook page that was launched in 2011 as part of his 60th anniversary celebration. Sparky the Fire Dog® is a registered trademark of NFPA.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)