Fire departments responded to an estimated 1.5 million fires in 2008. These fires resulted in 3,320 civilian fire fatalities, 16,705 civilian fire injuries and an estimated $15.5 billion in direct property loss.
“Every 22 seconds a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the United States,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of communications. “Fires kill roughly 3,000 people each year and injure thousands. These statistics are especially tragic because most fires can be prevented and the deaths and injuries associated with them can be avoided. Fire Prevention Week is dedicated to focusing on important safety information that will help you stay safe from fire year round.”
This year’s campaign, Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned focuses on ways to prevent fires, and the deaths, injuries, and property loss they cause. Eighty-four percent of all fire deaths were caused by home fires. By providing valuable information on fire and burn prevention and safety tips, the campaign aims to help the public keep their homes and the people who live there safe from fire and burns.
Here are some very important YouTube videos for Fire Prevention Week 2009, that cover concerns everyone needs to know and be aware of when it comes to being Fire Safe:
Have a great Fire Prevention Week 2009. Remind family, friends, and co-works of daily Fire Prevention Practices. Make it a practice that is done 24/7 year round. Remember also…
Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned!
(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.)
The key to survival from any type of fires is a safe escape. Whereas commercial buildings have official fire exits and regular fire drills, most ordinary residences do not. Thus, during home fires many victims suffer from death or physical injuries because there is no specific fire exit and, usually, no formal training on what to do during a fire.
But this should not be the case. Although fire prevention is still the best measure to combat home fires, you need to prioritize and emphasize safety practices for you and your family to do during an actual fire. As accidents can occur any moment, it is always best to be prepared for any eventuality so that damage can be minimized. And since family safety is a top priority and escape is the key to survival, you should have an effective escape plan firmly established for the entire family to take.
While it is good to start planning for your escape during a fire, you should not overlook having a smoke alarm installed if you still have not done so. A smoke alarm alerts you that a possible fire is building up giving you the chance to escape.
Gather the family together and discuss the steps to follow and pointers to remember when escaping from a home fire.
* Since it may be smoky, get down or stoop while exiting as breathing and seeing may be easier in these positions. Cover your nose as toxic gases may be present in the smoke, and these may affect your mental faculties, or cause you to faint.
* Once you are out of the house, never go back inside for anything. Once out, keep out.
The type of fire may affect the progress of your escape. A gradually growing smoldering fire may progress without detection for a while before it finally flares up into enormous flames and tremendous heat. A swift flaming fire on the other hand allows a little amount of time before the leaping flames and scorching heat intensify. You should remember that in either form of fire, you should stay out once you are out.
The following are a few specific tips to remember when escaping from either form of fire.
In a gradual smoldering fire:
This form of fire progresses gradually hence may not be picked up by smoke alarms immediately. But a photoelectric smoke alarm can detect a smoldering fire a few seconds faster than its ionization counterpart. Regardless of your smoke alarm however, be sure to go out as soon as you hear the sound of the alarm.
* If you have an established escape plan, it can significantly lessen the amount of time you spend in exiting your burning home. Thus, safety is more assured.
* As soon as the smoke alarm sounds, leave your home as fast as you can since you cannot predict when a smoldering fire will explode into huge burning flames.
* Smoldering fires generate a great amount of smoke so be sure to keep low while exiting to help you breathe and see better, thus avoiding or minimizing the inhalation of toxic gases which may be present in the smoke.
* Try an alternative escape route like a window or another door if your primary exit is blocked by smoke, flames or heat.
In a swift burning fire:
This type of fire allows limited time for escape. An ionization smoke alarm can detect a flaming fire several seconds faster than a photoelectric one. But these few seconds will surely count in a rapidly sweeping flaming fire which can determine your escape.
* A pre-established fire escape plan can minimize the time you need to get out of your home safely.
* As this fire grows swiftly, leave your home as fast as you can because the flames, heat, and toxic gases can magnify very rapidly.
* Again, use an alternative exit path if your main escape route is blocked by flames, heat or smoke.
Bear in mind too that in any emergency it is vital that your ability to think clearly and focus remains intact. Teach your family not to panic but to concentrate on the task of escaping to safety. It is even advisable that you regularly practice a fire drill in your home to ensure that every family member knows the escape plan.
RJ Smith frequently writes articles in an effect to educate others and raise public awareness on a variety of today's important current developments.
There is a universal system to describe different types of fires. This system incorporates the use of letters, colors, and symbols to help users select an extinguisher suitable for the type of material involved in the fire.
Class A: Ordinary combustibles, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, many plastics, and other common materials that burn easily.
Class B: Flammable liquids. Includes gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas.
Class C: Electrical equipment, such as wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.
Class D: Combustible metals. Includes magnesium, aluminum, lithium, and other combustible metals or metal dust.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are many different types of extinguishers. Instead of covering all of them, this document will cover only those most commonly found. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with the location and operation of fire extinguishers in your home or workplace!
Stored-Pressure Water Extinguishers: These extinguishers are suitable for use on Class A fires only (ordinary combustibles). Caution: DO NOT use these extinguishers on Class B,C or D fires! Standard water extinguishers contain 2 1/2 gallons of water. Under normal conditions, stream reach is 15-30 feet. Discharge time is 30-60 seconds. These extinguishers must be protected against freezing if they will be exposed to temperatures less than 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).
Dry Chemical Extinguishers (Hand Carried): Dry chemical fire extinguishers are the most common extinguishers. They are two types available: those rated for Class B and C fires, and those rated for Class A, B, and C fires. These extinguishers are available from 2 1/2 to 30 pounds. Caution: when used indoors, these extinguishers will produce a thick cloud of dust, which obscures vision and may cause choking. They have a range of 5-20 feet, although they can be easily affected by wind. Discharge time is 10-25 seconds.
Film-Forming-Fluoroprotein (FFFP) Foam Extinguishers: These extinguishers are designed for use on Class A and B fires. They are essentially 2 1/2 gallon water extinguishers with a FFFP foam additive. When using this type of extinguisher on a Class B fire, you must be careful to avoid splashing liquid fuels. The foam has the ability to make water float on fuels that are lighter than water.
Using Hand-Held Fire Extinguishers
Extinguishers have their limits. A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the Fire Department arrives. Portable extinguishers are not designed to fight a large or spreading fire. Even against small fires, they are useful only under the following conditions:
* An extinguisher must be large enough for the fire at hand. It must be available and in working order, fully charged.
* The operator must know how to use the extinguisher quickly, without taking time to read directions in an emergency.
* The operator must be strong enough to lift and operate the extinguisher.
It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher- simply follow the steps- "P-A-S-S"
Pull the Pin: Pull the pin at the top of the extinguisher that keeps the handle from being pressed. Break the plastic seal as the pin is pulled.
Aim: Aim the nozzle or outlet toward the fire. Some hose assemblies are clipped to the extinguisher body. Release the hose and point.
Squeeze: Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent. The handle can be released to stop the discharge at any time. Before approaching the fire, try a very short test burst to ensure proper operation.
Sweep: Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it is out. After the fire is out, watch for remaining smoldering hot spots or possible reflash of flammable liquids. Make sure the fire is out.
When to Fight a Fire
Be certain to report any fire before attempting to extinguish it!
Fight a fire only if:
* The Fire Department has been called.
* Everyone has left or is leaving the building.
* The fire is small and confined to the immediate area where it started.
* You can fight the fire with your back to a safe escape route.
* Your extinguisher is rated for the type of fire you are fighting, and is in good working order.
* You have had training in use of the extinguisher and are confident that you can operate it effectively.
If you have the slightest doubt about whether or not to fight the fire- DON'T! Instead, get out, and close the door behind you.
Do not fight a fire if:
* The fire is spreading beyond the immediate area where it started, or is already a large fire.
* The fire could block your escape route.
* You are unsure of the proper operation of the extinguisher.
* You are in doubt whether the extinguisher you are holding is appropriate for the type of fire.
If any of these conditions are true, leave immediately, close off the area, and leave the fire to the Fire Department.
Inspection and Maintenance
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets the standard for fire extinguishers in the regulation NFPA 10. This section will briefly explain the inspection and maintenance requirements for fire extinguishers.
Inspection: An inspection is a "quick check" that an extinguisher is available and will operate. It is intended to give reasonable assurance that the fire extinguisher is fully charged and operable. This is done by verifying that it is in its designated place, that it has not been actuated or tampered with, and that there is no obvious or physical damage or condition to prevent its operation. Fire extinguishers should be inspected when they are initially placed in service and thereafter at 30-day intervals. They may require more frequent inspections if circumstances dictate.
Inspection Procedures:
1. Located in designated place.
2. No obstruction to access or visibility.
3. Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward.
4. Safety seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing.
5. Fullness determined by weighing or "hefting".
6. Examination for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle.
7. Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position. Note: Internal pressure is affected by temperature.
Personnel making inspections should keep a record of inspections, including those found to require corrective action. The record should include the date the inspection was performed, and the identity of the person conducting the inspection.
If an extinguisher has received maintenance, it should bear a tag or label indicating the type and date of maintenance and that identifies the person or company who performed the service. If an extinguisher is overdue for maintenance, it is the responsibility of the user to arrange and pay for the maintenance. Companies providing these services can be found in the phone book under "Fire Extinguishers".
(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.)
When Tweet meets Blog…or is it Blog meets Tweet? Well, I’m definitely doing both and use Twitter to enhance the TFPFP Blog with daily news items of the fire protection/prevention nature that are listed over on the right hand column of my blog here.
On my Twitter @FiremanRich timeline, I’ve been making my tweets count or at least try to, and have the tweets be ones of substance by providing links to informative online news items concerning fire safety. When I’ve done an update to the TFPFP Blog, with a new article, I also tweet about it on Twitter a few times, trying not to do any type of twitter spam. So you could say both my blog and my twitter sort of go hand and hand. From all the information I’ve been learning about blogging and twittering it all comes down to content that helps to provides useful information to those who read them. Those that do visit my blog and/or read my twitter timeline I have to say Thank-You and come back often because I plan on being here for awhile. : )
Since changing up the way I tweet this last month or so, to make my tweets count for more and provide my blog with an area of fresh daily content I begun to notice a small pattern of sorts. With the number of tweets that I make of similar concerns I realized by bringing them together a blog article can emerge. I do read the articles I tweet links to and are of interest to me because the subject matter can save a persons life and make someone more a wear of their surroundings. One of the more important items I tweet about is on smoke detectors and on Twitter you can find a lot of good information at the #smokealarm trend area about them. Over the past week there were two tweets concerning smoke detectors that really caught my eye after I made the tweets about them. One was a good tweet the other not so good.
First the sad tweet, that was about a 94-year-old woman from Longview Texas who died in a fire. The Fire Marshal of the area, Thomas Mock stated, "The sad part is, she has a security system in the house, but as far as we can tell, there was not a smoke detector inside." Alla V. McCray was found trying to reach the backdoor to escape the fire but apparently did not have enough time before being overcome by the smoke and fire.
The good tweet was from Antigo, Wisconsin, where a woman was alerted of the early stages of a deadly fire. Lt. Mark McKinney of the Antigo Fire Department stated, "The owner was alerted by smoke detectors before the fire progressed a lot." The woman gives credit of being woke up by working smoke detectors in the house that gave her enough time to egress/exit safely out of the home that was on fire.
Both these fires happen days apart of each other, to two different people and, in two different parts of the country. Both had different results, which emphasizes the great importance to check those smoke detectors on a monthly basis.
If more data is needed to show the importance of smoke detectors, we only need to look at a report that came out this month from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fire Analysis and Research Division. The report is entitled “Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires ” and can be read in its entire PDF format at…
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report released this month, 40% of all home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms.
“Smoke alarms are one of the greatest fire protection devices of our time and have significantly contributed to the decline in home fire fatalities since the late 70’s,” said James M. Shannon, president of NFPA. “But it’s not enough to randomly put up one smoke alarm and forget about it. In addition to placing smoke alarms in recommended areas, they must be kept in good working order, which includes testing them monthly, changing batteries at least once a year, and making sure that they are not disconnected.”
The NFPA offers the following smoke alarm tips:
* Choose a smoke alarm that bears the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
* Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
* Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
* Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.
* Consider home fire sprinklers when building a new home or doing a major renovation.
If you take the NFPA’s “Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires Report” along with the tweets on Twitter you can find at the #smokealarm trend area you will see the picture that should be forming at this point in this blog entry.
Hold that thought for a moment….I’ll be right back….
… I just checked my smoke detectors in my house for the month. They are all in a full working mode with good batteries. I care about my family very much and it only takes a few minutes each month to make sure my early warning smoke detectors are in working order.
Are yours?
(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.)
