We pride ourselves on providing fire safety to schools, businesses, family, whatever the case. If you are interested in having us visit your school or business, or stopping by the station, please feel free to contact anyone of our Fire Chiefs to set up a date and time. Below are just some safety tips and fire prevention aids that you may enjoy.

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of the home  If you reside in an apartment it is the obligation of the landlord to have smoke detectors installed in your unit.  

Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom or area designated as sleeping areas also on hallways.  

We recommend that smoke detectors batteries be changed TWICE A YEAR!  

When purchasing smoke detector it should bear a label of an independent testing lab certified by a nationally recognized quality control laboratory and the State Fire Marshal’s Office seal.  

Smoke detectors usually are made with a battery test button. This procedure to check your battery can be done during your monthly drills.  

If a chirping sound is heard, this is an indication that there is a low battery, check and service immediately.  

The test button may also be used to conduct a fire drill with your family, which should be done at least once a year.  

Never paint over a smoke detector.  

Installation varies depending on the maker. It is recommended that you follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Home Exit Drills etc.

The following information will assist you in surviving a fire in your home.  

Be prepared by conducting monthly home fire drills and identify emergency exits routes  Installation of an approved smoke alarms in all rooms and hallways  

Have at least two exits from each bedroom  

Have a safe meeting place outside of the home and account for all persons  

Use a neighbor’s phone to call 9-1-1  Once Out of the residence STAY OUT!  

Temperatures can reach well over 1000 degrees and common in house fires. But most deaths are a result of the deadly smoke and gases that precede these fatal hot temperatures.  

It is recommended that you sleep with your bedroom door closed and smoke detector should be installed in both the hallways and in the room  

Drop to the floor and stay low to get available fresh air. Crawl your way to a safe location.  

Be sure to check closed doors for heat.

Use backside of hand first, if it is hot Don’t Open It! Keep the door closed and use another exit such as a window.  

An emergency release mechanism must be provided on all windows that contain bars  

If you become trapped in a room these steps are recommended:  

    1. Keep the door closed, opening door will decrease your chance of survival  

    2. Stay low to the floor, smoke rises and fresher air is lower to the ground  

    3. Wait by the window, and identify your distress  

    4. Don’t hide under beds or in closets  

    5. Seal the bottom of the door with blankets or clothing to keep smoke out  

If your clothes were to catch fire, be prepared to STOP, DROP, AND ROLL!!

Storm Safety

Stay away from flood channels and flowing rivers.

You can be knocked off your feet in as little as 6 inches of water  

Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water  

If you become trapped in your vehicle, stay with your vehicle, relocate to the hood of the vehicle of the water level continues to rise.  

When in canyon or mountainous areas, be aware of possible flash flooding or sudden down flows

For Residents living in Flood prone areas  

Obtain sand bags ahead of time!   

Fill sandbags one-half full with sand or soil, fold top of sandbag down and rest bag on its folded top.

Stack sandbags 3 levels high but, no more than 25 sand bags.

If your home is on a hillside plastic is recommended to prevent from over saturation of the soil, but first consult with local Building and Safety official and / or Public Works Department for water diversion or protection plans.  

Monitor your radio or television news closely for information concerning weather conditions and flooding in your area  

Have an emergency plan that all family members understand.

Know how to contact loved one if you are unable to get to your home because of flood-related incidents  

Clear rain gutters and drains ahead of time to help avoid possible roof collapse and other property damage  

Be aware that debris basins can overflow.

Be familiar with the area in which you live and have an alternate escape route if you should have to evacuate.  

Have enough food, water and batteries included in emergency kit to last for at least 72 hours.

Hazardous Materials in the Household

Hazardous materials in the home can be very dangerous not only to kids, adults and pets living in the residence but also for the environment if materials are handled improperly. Common products within your home could make your home a potential site for a mini hazardous materials (hazmat) incident, particularly in an earthquake. Strong ground shaking could topple and break bottles and cans containing hazardous materials. Follow these helpful instructions when dealing with hazardous materials.  

The Do Not’s, when preparing to dispose Hazardous Materials

Do not throw it in the trash

Do not pour it into the kitchen sink

Do not flush it down the toilet

Do not pour it on the ground or down the gutter or storm drain.

This will eventually end up in the ocean potentially harming wildlife.  

When using household products keep in mind the acronym L-I-E-S

L imit the amount of material stored

I isolate the products in closed cabinets and keep containers tightly covered

E liminate unused or unneeded supplies

S eperate incompatible materials  

The following materials may be taken to a Hazardous Materials Roundup  

Lighter fluid, Stains/varnishes, Nail polish remover, Antifreeze, Products w/acid or lye Herbicides and pesticides, Motor oils, Pool chemicals, Hairspray, Aerosol cans, Solvents, Transmission fluid, Paint thinners, Latex or oil base paints, Expired medicines, Batteries, Old fuel, Various cleaners  

Disposing Household Products

There are several ways you can dispose of hazardous household materials products. Option include, using the entire supply, recycling unused portions, donating materials to charity or non-profit organizations or simply go to a household collection event.

Home Safety Checklist

Outside

Address numbers need to be clearly visible from the street  

No Grass, weeds, or rubbish near structure  

Keep branches clear from electrical lines  

Have a Spark arrestor on your chimney to prevent hot embers from landing on roof  

No leaves or pine needles on roofs or gutters  

10 foot clearance from chimney tops to trees or anything close  

Swimming pools and spas fenced, supervised when in use  

Garage

No open containers of paints and flammable solvents  

All gasoline should be stored in safety bin or cans  

Combustible oily rags should be stored in metals cans with lids  

ABC rated fire extinguisher readily accessible  

Pesticides, poisons, and cleaners should be kept out of harm’s way of children  

Safety equipment, goggles, and gloves, present and in use  

Extension cords unplugged after each use  

Laundry / Utility Rooms

Hot water heaters should be set at 125 degrees to avoid hot water burns 

No flammable materials should be within 3 feet of water heater or furnace  

Dryer should be vented outside and free of lint accumulation  

Dangerous cleaning agents out of children’s reach  

Kitchen

All stove and oven pilots should be lit  

Hood fan and broiler pan should be free of grease buildup  

Turn all pan handles inward to prevent accidental burns to self and children  

ABC rated fire extinguisher readily available.  

Living Areas / Bedrooms

Matches and lighters should be kept out of reach of children  

Smoke detectors shall be installed in every room and in hallways; batteries should be checked periodically and changed during time changed twice a year  

Have at least two exits available from every rooms, conduct regular exit drills  

Iron security bars should be equipped with interior emergency release device  

No “octopus” outlets and do not overload socket  

No extension cords under rugs or tacked to the walls  

Fireplace screen in place.

Chimney leaned periodically  

Remember! Doing these things in and around your home can greatly reduce the chances of someone from being injured so, Don’t Delay, Prepare Today! 

Bathrooms

Medications and cleaners should be kept out of reach of children  

Infants supervised at all times while taking baths or near toilet bowl

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

¨ Keep your family and overnight guests safe with a working smoke detector on every level of the house, in every bedroom, and in the halls adjacent to the bedrooms. Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries at least twice a year.

¨ Overnight guests should be instructed on the fire escape plan and designated meeting place for your home.

¨ Have a fire extinguisher available not more than 10 feet from the stove, on the exit side of the room.

¨ A 2-1/2 lb. class ABC multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher is recommended. Know how to use your fire extinguisher.

¨ Start holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven.

¨ Keep the kitchen off-limits to young children and adults that are not helping with food preparations to lessen the possibility of kitchen mishaps.

¨ When cooking, do not wear clothing with loose sleeves or dangling jewelry. The clothing can catch on fire and the jewelry can catch on pot handles, causing spills and burns.

¨ Cook on the back burners when possible and turn pot handles in so they don’t extend over the edge of the stove.

¨ Never leave cooking unattended. If you must leave the kitchen while cooking, turn off the stove or have someone else watch what is being cooked.

¨ Keep Thanksgiving decorations and kitchen clutter away from sources of direct heat.

¨ Candles are often part of holiday decorations. Candles should never be left burning when you are away from home, or after going to bed. Candles should be located where children will not be tempted to play with them, and where guests will not accidentally brush against them. The candle holder should be completely noncombustible and difficult to knock over. The candle should not have combustible decorations around it.

¨ If smoking is allowed inside, provide guests with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After guests leave, check inside and under upholstery and in trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.

 

Christmas Safety Tips
Christmas Tree Safety
Consider an artificial tree (they are much safer and cleaner).
A real tree should not lose green needles   when you tap it on the ground. Cut 1 inch off the trunk to help absorb water. Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate. The stand should hold at least 1 gal. of water. A 6' tree will use 1 gallon of water every two days. Mix a commercial preservative with the water. Check the water level every day. Secure the tree with wire to keep it from tipping. Keep tree away from floor heaters, fire places,   or other heat sources. Use only UL-approved lights, and no more than 3 strands linked together. Use miniature lights--which have cool-burning bulbs. Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or if you leave your home for very long. Never use candles, even on artificial trees. Clean the tree stand to improve the tree's water intake, use one capful of   bleach to a cup of water. Dispose of the tree properly. NEVER BURN IN THE FIREPLACE.

Home Safety

Install a smoke detector or new batteries in the   one(s) you have and TEST it. Use only outdoor lights outside your home. Examine light strings each year, discard worn ones. Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets   down to avoid moisture build up. Connect no more than three strands together. Never use indoor extension cords outside. Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords. Keep outdoor electrical connectors above ground   and out of puddles and snow.

Unplug light string before replacing a bulb. Review the original package to verify   proper wattage and voltage. When connecting light strands, wrap a plastic bag around connections and tie ends with Teflon tape. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree, use colored spot lights. Make sure trees hung with X-mas lights are not touching power lines. When using candles, place them a safe distance from combustibles. Place candles in sturdy containers. Remember, hot wax burns kids. Extinguish candles prior to going to bed. Dispose of fireplace ashes into a metal container until cold. After parties, check around and under sofa and chair cushions   for smoldering cigarettes. (Provide lots of ash trays) Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home. Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.