2019 National Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week Saturday, October 5, 2019 • Bangor Daily News • Special Advertising Section

What is Fire Prevention Week?

Since 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country.

During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed

more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

While children under 5 and adults over 65 are at the highest risk for injury or death in a fire, people of all ages are vulnerable. In fact, the risk of a nonfatal fire injury is highest for those between 20 and 49, showing that fire safety education is essential for everyone.

Additional risk factors include race, socioeconomic status, education level, and geographic location.

The purpose of Fire Prevention Week is to bring awareness to the risk of death in case of a fire and provide educational resources to people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic status in order to keep everyone safe.

REPRODUCED FROM NFPA’S WEBSITE, WWW.NFPA.ORG/PUBLICEDUCATION. © NFPA.

Make chimney maintenance a part of home fire prevention As temperatures drop and thoughts once again turn to lighting fires and sitting down with a good book, it’s important to revisit chimney maintenance. Even though chimneys do not require daily upkeep, regular maintenance efforts help chimneys operate safely and prevent deaths and injuries while protecting homes from fire.

Various problems can arise when chimneys are not well maintained. Such problems include chimney fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and early failure of the chimney and heating sources that the chimney vents.

Carbon monoxide can be scary, as it is virtually invisible without a proper detector. The National Vital Statistics System says that, in 2015, 393 deaths resulted from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States. When carbon monoxide is breathed in, it builds up quickly and combines with the blood, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. The Canada Safety Council says that body tissue and cells can’t function without oxygen.

Chimney fires are another potential byproduct of poor chimney maintenance. The Chimney Safety Institute of America notes that chimneys expel the byproducts of combustion, including smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon, tar fog, and assorted minerals, which can condense on the inside of the chimney flue. The residue, called creosote, is highly combustible. With the right conditions, a chimney fire can occur.

To avoid chimney fires and other risks, take these precautions, courtesy of CSIA, HomeAdvisor and Popular Mechanics.

Learn more about chimney maintenance and find a certified chimney sweep at www.csia.org.

• Have chimneys inspected annually and properly cleaned by a professional chimney technician.

• Make sure tree branches and other obstacles are cleared away from the top of the chimney.

• Use seasoned hardwoods that have been split for several months to a year.

“Green” wood creates more creosote.

• The top-down method of building a fire produces less smoke. This means using larger pieces of wood on the bottom and the smallest twigs and kindling at the top. The fire will burn from the top and down, igniting the wood beneath as it goes.

• Put a cap on the chimney to keep out rain, snow and small animals.

• Keep fires small; otherwise, the intense heat may damage bricks and mortar in the chimney. Repair any damage promptly before lighting another fire.

• Open the damper and fireplace doors so that air supply flows freely and can vent the smoke promptly, reducing residence time in the flue; otherwise, creosote can form.

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the home and routinely check the batteries.

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Protect pets in case of fire A fire at home can cause fear and anxiety. When a fire breaks out at home, one’s initial reaction is to get oneself and one’s loved ones out of the house as quickly as possible. In such instances, the rush to get out of the house can sometimes cause families to forget their pets.

According to the home security firm Protect America, about 40,000 pets die in home fires every year. Many of those deaths are preventable. One of the best ways to prevent the death of pets in home fires is to devise a pet fire safety plan. Many parents devise fire safety and evacuation plans for their families, and it’s important

to consider pets when devising such plans. In fact, the American Red Cross notes that the best way to protect pets from the effects of a fire is to include them in fire safety plans.

Prevention is an essential part of protecting pets from home fires. And many preventive measures are designed to keep pets from starting the fires in the first place, as the National Fire Protection Association notes that nearly 1,000 home fires are accidentally started by pets every year. The American Red Cross recommends the following preventive measures to keep pets from starting home fires.

Extinguish open flames.

Pets tend to be curious, and that curiosity may draw them to open flames burning in candles, cooking appliances and fireplaces. Make sure pets are never left unattended within the vicinity of open flames, and make sure all flames are thoroughly extinguished before leaving your home or going to bed at night.

Install knob covers on your stove.

The Red Cross notes that stoves or cook tops are the most common piece of equipment involved in home fires started by pets. Knob covers on stove knobs can prevent pets from accidentally turning burners on.

Use flameless candles.

Flameless candles can create a similar ambience as traditional candles but won’t pose a fire risk. When pets knock over flameless candles, the result is a minor inconvenience, not a home fire.

Confine pets to secure areas when away from home.

Use baby gates or crates when away from home to ensure pets don’t gain access to areas that may be vulnerable to home fires.

In addition to taking steps to prevent their pets from starting fires, pet owners can take steps to make it easier for firefighters to find and successfully remove pets from homes that have caught fire.

Set up sleeping and lounging areas near entryways.

A sleeping and lounging area near an entryway, whether it’s the front door to a home or a door that allows access to the backyard, increases the chances that firefighters can quickly find and remove pets in the case of fire.

Make sure pets wear collars at all times.

Pet owners can quickly attach leashes to pets who wear collars at all times. This can help pet owners gain quick control of their pets if a fire is scaring them or causing them to feel anxiety.

Affix a pet alert window cling.

The Red Cross notes that pet alert window cling on the front of your home alerts firefighters to how many pets are in the home and saves them time in regard to locating pets.

Pets are as vulnerable to home fires as humans. Including pets in fire safety plans can save their lives.

Heating safety tips There is something about the winter months and curling up with a good book by the fireplace. But did you know that heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths? With a few simple safety tips and precautions you can prevent most heating fires from happening.

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

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

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Never use your oven to heat your home.

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

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

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Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuelburning space heaters.

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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.

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Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

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

Heating equipment smarts •

Install wood burning stoves following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.

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All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

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Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.

REPRODUCED FROM NFPA’S WEBSITE, WWW.NFPA.ORG/PUBLICEDUCATION. © NFPA.

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Simple fire prevention measures maximize safety Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, most people have a false sense of security regarding house fires, believing that they would have approximately six minutes to evacuate their home in the event of a fire?

In reality, smoke and fire spread rapidly and can overcome occupants in less than three minutes.

When a fire occurs, there’s no question that time is critical. The good news is there are several important steps you can take to maximize your escape time. With the following measures in place, you’ll create critical protection for what matters most– your home and family.

INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS You should have one in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. For the best protection, make sure all smoke alarms are interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.

INSPECT AND CLEAN SMOKE ALARMS MONTHLY Replace batteries in spring and fall. To clean the alarm, open the cover and gently vacuum the interior.

PREPARE AND PRACTICE A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN Draw a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room — especially sleeping areas. Discuss the escape routes with every member of your household, and agree on a meeting place outside your home in case of emergency. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

SELECT BUILDING MATERIALS THAT PROVIDE PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION Passive fire protection is part of the core of the building and helps control fire by limiting its spread. One very effective form of passive fire protection is the installation of insulation. When adding or upgrading insulation, look for products made from naturally fire-resistant, inorganic materials. A favorite among builders, contractors and homeowners is a stone wool insulation called Roxul Safe ‘n’ Sound, which offers fire resistance up to 2,150°F. Its melting point is higher than the temperature of a typical house fire, which means it will stay in place longer to provide passive fire protection when every second counts, allowing more time for safe evacuation and for first responders to arrive.

Here are some ways to stay safe:

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Repair or replace malfunctioning kitchen appliances promptly. Keep them clean and always use them according to manufacturer’s instructions.

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Do not leave a room while cooking. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that most kitchen fires, which can ignite in as little as one minute, start after someone left the room.

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Keep a fully charged and functioning fire extinguisher on the premises, preferably one on each floor of a home or business.

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Do not overload power strips with plugs, and have a licensed electrician inspect and suggest updates to antiquated wiring systems.

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Teach children about the dangers of playing with fire. Keep matches and lighters away from children.

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Pull together all members of an office or household to come up with an effective evacuation plan.Walk through the building and inspect all possible escape routes. Mark two ways out of each room.

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Choose an outside meeting place that is far away from the residence or building, but close enough that it can be easily reached by all.

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Set up a buddy system so that certain members of the family or company will be responsible for helping elderly, young or disabled people exit the premises.

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Practice identifying escape routes, and institute regular evacuation plans so that everyone can function quickly should a fire occur.

Create a fire safety plan Fire safety protocol gives people the ability to get out of a building promptly and safely in the event of a fire.

Fires are unpredictable and can cause devastating loss of life and property. The U.S. Fire Administration states that, in 2017, there were 1,319,500 reported fires that resulted in 3,400 deaths and 14,670 injuries in the United States.

Travelers Insurance company advises people to develop a comprehensive fire safety plan, which can help save lives when used in concert with functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. However, the National Fire Protection Association says only about one-quarter of households actually have developed and practiced a fire-escape plan or have taken measures to prevent fires around their homes.

Fires can spread quickly and easily claim lives. By addressing fire risks and implementing safety plans, people can save lives.

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Prevent the fire hazard of overloaded electrical circuits A home is a safe haven for its residents. No matter what’s going on at school or the office, many people know they can relax in comfort and safety when they arrive home at the end of a day.

Safety at home is something that can be taken for granted until it’s too late. The National Fire Protection Association notes that each year more than 47,000 home fires in the United States are caused by electrical failure or malfunction.

Overloaded electrical circuits are a frequent culprit in residential fires.

Fortunately, overloaded circuits are preventable. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, the following are some potential indicators that circuits are overloaded.

WARM OR DISCOLORED WALL PLATES

CRACKING, FREQUENTLY MILD SHOCK BURNING ODOR SIZZLING OR OR TINGLE TRIPPED CIRCUIT COMING FROM BREAKERS FROM RECEPTACLES BUZZING FROM RECEPTACLES APPLIANCES, OR OR RECEPTACLES BLOWN FUSES WALL SWITCHES OR SWITCHES

Learning to recognize the signs of overloaded circuits is an important step in making homes safe, as the NFPA notes that home fires contribute to hundreds of deaths and more than 1,500 injuries each year. Such fires also hit homeowners in their pocketbooks, causing an estimated $1.4 billion in property damage annually.

Prevention is another key component when safeguarding a home and its residents from fires sparked by electrical failures of malfunctions. The ESFI offers the following tips to prevent electrical overloads.

Never use extension cords or multi-outlet converters for appliances.

All major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Only one heatproducing appliance should be plugged into a receptacle outlet at any given time.

Recognize that power strips only add additional outlets; they do not change the amount of power being received from the outlet.

Consider adding new outlets to your home. Heavy reliance on extension cords indicates that your home does not have enough outlets. Bring in a qualified electrician to inspect your home to determine if more outlets are necessary.

Fires sparked by electrical circuit overload pose a significant threat. Thankfully, such fires are preventable. Learn more at www.esfi.org.

Be prepared when seconds count: Renovate for fire safety A National Fire Prevention Association study reported that, on average, seven Americans die in a residential home fire each week. Though you never know when fire might strike, there are important measures you can take to increase your chances when seconds count.

While it’s nearly impossible to make a house completely fireproof, you can build or remodel it using fireinhibiting materials. The better ones will help to withstand fire hazards, and they may also give you those extra precious minutes or seconds to escape in the event of a fire.

When considering a home renovation, be sure to do your research for fire-rated and noncombustible products. Some insulation on the market, such as stone wool insulation, can resist temperatures up to approximately 2,150 degrees F. When directly exposed to fire, this chemically-inert material will not produce harmful gases or promote the spread of flames. Industry experts explain that stone wool insulation is designed to delay the spread of fire from room to room, providing valuable evacuation time that is critical to saving people, pets, property and reducing environmental damages.

Helpful fire safety tips are available online at nfpa.org.

FLICKERING, BLINKING OR DIMMING

LIGHTS

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Home safety for people with disabilities There’s no place like home. It is a place to relax, share laughs with family, and enjoy home cooked meals. But did you know that the majority of fire deaths occur in the home? Help everyone in the home stay safe from fire.

HOME FIRE SPRINKLERS Home fire sprinklers protect lives by keeping fires small. Sprinklers allows people more time to escape in a fire. When choosing an apartment or home, look for one that has home fire sprinklers.

SMOKE ALARMS •

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

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Test your smoke alarm at least once a month by pushing the test button. If you can’t reach the alarm, ask for help.

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For added safety, interconnect the smoke alarms. If one sounds, they all sound. This gives more time to escape.

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Smoke alarms with sealed (long-life) batteries work for up to 10 years. They can be helpful for people who find it hard to change batteries.

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Smoke alarms expire. Replace them every 10 years.

PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING •

Smoke alarms and alert devices are available for people who are deaf or hard or hearing.

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Strobe lights flash when the smoke alarm sounds. The lights warn people of a possible fire.

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When people who are deaf are asleep, a pillow or bed shaker can wake them so they can escape.

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When people who are hard of hearing are asleep, a loud, mixed, low-pitched sound alert device can wake them. A pillow or bed shaker may be helpful. These devices are triggered by the sound of the smoke alarm.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT •

Talk with someone from the fire department about your escape plan. Ask them review your plan. Ask if your fire department keeps a directory of people who may need extra help.

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If you have a service animal, agree on a plan to keep the animal with you during an emergency.

REPRODUCED FROM NFPA’S WEBSITE, WWW.NFPA.ORG/PUBLICEDUCATION. © NFPA.

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Host a fun & fire-free

Party

Hosting a Halloween party can be fun, but it’s also a big responsibility. Halloween parties favor outlandish pageantry, amazing costumes, eye-catching decor, and enough scares and tricks to amuse thrill-seekers.

While fun is often the primary focus of Halloween, party hosts also need to prioritize fire safety when hosting spooky soirées.

As party planners start to plan their Halloween festivities, it’s important to remember that fire safety must be a priority.

Purchase non-flammable Halloween costumes.

While many Halloween costumes and accoutrement today are rated as non-flammable, there are some that aren’t. Ensure they are before making the purchase.

Prepare the space.

A raucous party may lead to accidents around the house. Move out any extra furniture so guests have more space to move around. Remove breakable items from rooms where guests will spend most of their time.

Skip the candles.

Battery-operated tealights create the effect of real candles without the danger. Illuminate jack-o’-lanterns and other Halloween items with flickering LEDs, which won’t start a fire if they’re knocked over.

Provide adequate lighting.

Darkness might remind many of Halloween, but an entertaining space should not be so dark that guests cannot move around safely. Be sure to illuminate all walkways and clearly indicate exits so that guests can get to safety if necessary. Remove any obstacles on the floor that are tripping hazards, and be sure to use nonslip runners and rugs.

Keep an eye on kids.

Children can get into mischief any day of the year, but especially so under the cloak of Halloween darkness. Routinely conduct a head count to be sure everyone is safe and sound.

Halloween parties can be safe and enjoyable at the same time. Enlist the help of others to ensure that all guests are protected while they engage in costume-clad fun.