Fire Prevention & Safety Tips
Interactive Safety Pages with Activities
Specialty Safety Pages
BE FIREWORKS SAFE!!!
Fireworks are to be used with great caution and care. They are designed to explode and a leading cause of injuries during the summer months. Children ages 10 to 14 are at greatest risk of injury from fireworks and sparklers. Sparklers look harmless but can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and cause serious burns. Let children know that if they find fireworks, not to play with them and tell and adult. Let the fireworks to the professionals, they can be a great addition to holidays. Fireworks in the hands of amateurs can turn special events into tragedies, let the displays be put on by the experts. Here are some safety tips to make sure you and your children have a safe fireworks time.
- Obey local laws on using fireworks.
- Know the fireworks you are using, read the caution labels.
- A responsible adult should supervise fireworks usage by children.
- Wear Safety glasses when shooting off fireworks.
- Alcohol and fireworks don't mix, save the alcohol for after the show.
- Light one firework at a time and quickly move away from it.
- Use fireworks outside and away from buildings and vehicles. Have a bucket of water and a charged hose nearby.
- Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and place it in the bucket of water.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in glass or metal containers.
- Wet down spent fireworks and place them in a metal can away from any building or combustible materials.
- Report illegal fireworks to the police.
- Do not stand in the way or shoot fireworks at another person.
- Have a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher nearby.
- If an injury occurs, go to a doctor or hospital. If it is a severe injury, call 911.
Fireworks are to be used with great caution and care. They are designed to explode and a leading cause of injuries during the summer months. Children ages 10 to 14 are at greatest risk of injury from fireworks and sparklers. Sparklers look harmless but can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and cause serious burns. Let children know that if they find fireworks, not to play with them and tell and adult. Let the fireworks to the professionals, they can be a great addition to holidays. Fireworks in the hands of amateurs can turn special events into tragedies, let the displays be put on by the experts. Here are some safety tips to make sure you and your children have a safe fireworks time.
- Obey local laws on using fireworks.
- Know the fireworks you are using, read the caution labels.
- A responsible adult should supervise fireworks usage by children.
- Wear Safety glasses when shooting off fireworks.
- Alcohol and fireworks don't mix, save the alcohol for after the show.
- Light one firework at a time and quickly move away from it.
- Use fireworks outside and away from buildings and vehicles. Have a bucket of water and a charged hose nearby.
- Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and place it in the bucket of water.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in glass or metal containers.
- Wet down spent fireworks and place them in a metal can away from any building or combustible materials.
- Report illegal fireworks to the police.
- Do not stand in the way or shoot fireworks at another person.
- Have a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher nearby.
- If an injury occurs, go to a doctor or hospital. If it is a severe injury, call 911.
Gas Pump Safety
- Turn off your vehicle's engine when refueling.
- Keep gasoline and other fuels out of children's sight and reach. Gasoline is highly toxic in addition to being a fire hazard. NEVER allow a child to pump gas.
- Don't smoke, light matches or use lighters while refueling.
- Pay attention to what you're doing. Pumping gas is the transfer of a hazardous substance; don't engage in other activities.
- If you must use any electronic device, such as cell phones, computers or portable radios while refueling, follow manufacturer's instructions.
- Use only the refueling latch on the gasoline dispenser nozzle, if there is one. Do not jam the latch with an object to hold it open.
- To avoid spills, do not top off or overfill your vehicle.
- After pumping gasoline, leave the nozzle in the tank opening for a few seconds to avoid drips when you remove it.
- If a fire starts while you're refueling, don't remove the nozzle from the vehicle or try to stop the flow of gasoline. Leave the area immediately and call for help.
- Don't get in and out of your vehicle while refueling. A static electric charge can develop on your body as you slide across the seat, and when you reach for the pump, a spark can ignite gasoline vapor.
- If you must get into the vehicle during refueling, discharge any static electricity by touching metal on the outside of the vehicle, away from the filling point, before removing the nozzle from your vehicle.
- Use only approved portable containers for transporting or storing gasoline. Make sure the container is in a stable position.
- Never fill a portable container when it is in or on the vehicle. Always place the container on the ground first. Fires caused by static charges have occurred when people filled portable containers in the back of pick-up trucks, particularly those with plastic bed liners. Removing the container will also prevent a dangerous spill of gasoline.
- When filling a portable container, keep the nozzle in direct contact with the container. Fill it only about 95 percent full to leave room for expansion.
- Turn off your vehicle's engine when refueling.
- Keep gasoline and other fuels out of children's sight and reach. Gasoline is highly toxic in addition to being a fire hazard. NEVER allow a child to pump gas.
- Don't smoke, light matches or use lighters while refueling.
- Pay attention to what you're doing. Pumping gas is the transfer of a hazardous substance; don't engage in other activities.
- If you must use any electronic device, such as cell phones, computers or portable radios while refueling, follow manufacturer's instructions.
- Use only the refueling latch on the gasoline dispenser nozzle, if there is one. Do not jam the latch with an object to hold it open.
- To avoid spills, do not top off or overfill your vehicle.
- After pumping gasoline, leave the nozzle in the tank opening for a few seconds to avoid drips when you remove it.
- If a fire starts while you're refueling, don't remove the nozzle from the vehicle or try to stop the flow of gasoline. Leave the area immediately and call for help.
- Don't get in and out of your vehicle while refueling. A static electric charge can develop on your body as you slide across the seat, and when you reach for the pump, a spark can ignite gasoline vapor.
- If you must get into the vehicle during refueling, discharge any static electricity by touching metal on the outside of the vehicle, away from the filling point, before removing the nozzle from your vehicle.
- Use only approved portable containers for transporting or storing gasoline. Make sure the container is in a stable position.
- Never fill a portable container when it is in or on the vehicle. Always place the container on the ground first. Fires caused by static charges have occurred when people filled portable containers in the back of pick-up trucks, particularly those with plastic bed liners. Removing the container will also prevent a dangerous spill of gasoline.
- When filling a portable container, keep the nozzle in direct contact with the container. Fill it only about 95 percent full to leave room for expansion.
Home Fire Safety Tips
Seasonal Safety Tips
Wildfire Safety & Prevention Tips
"Wildfire" is the term applied to any unwanted, unplanned, damaging fire burning in forest, shrub or grass and is one of the most powerful natural forces known to people. While sometimes caused by lightning, nine out of ten wildfires are human-caused. Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. Nearly 45 million homes abut or intermingle with wildlands and more than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk. But by working together residents can make their own property - and their neighborhood - much safer from wildfire. It could be you! Although most of us have no intention of setting in motion the forces which could burn hundreds of homes, millions of acres of forest and affecting thousands of lives, each year we learn of devastating wildfires caused by careless behavior.
Why has the number of acres burned remained high over the last few years?
- Past fire suppression policies which allowed for the accumulation of fuel in the form of fallen leaves, branches, and excessive plant overgrowth in forest and wildland areas.
- Increasingly dry, hot weather and changing weather patterns across the US.
- Increased residential development in the wildland/urban interface.
Quick Facts!
* In 2011, there were 10,249 wildfires caused by lightning, but 63,877 wildfires caused by human error (as reported to the National Interagency Fire Center).
* In 2011, more than 8.7 million acres burned due to wildfires in the U.S. More than 5.4 million acres burned due to human-caused wildfires.
Safety Tips
* Be smart whenever you go outdoors and use common sense before lighting any fire.
* Understand that any fire you create could become a wildfire.
* Never leave any fire unattended and make sure any fire created is properly and completely extinguished.
* Properly extinguish all smoking materials.
* Be careful while operating equipment during periods of hot & dry weather.
* Speak up when you see someone in danger of starting a wildfire.
* Never discard fireplace or barbeque ashes before making sure they are properly extinguished. Check those tips at Fireplace Ashes Disposal.
* Be EXTREMELY careful with fireworks! NEVER use them in wooded areas around dry brush. Have a garden hose and bucket of water nearby.
* Clear leaves, and debris from gutters, eaves, porches & decks. This prevents hot embers from igniting your home.
* Remove dead vegetation from your deck or porch and within 10 feet of your home.
* Keep flammable materials (firewood and propane tanks) at least 30 feet from your home, shed, and garages.
* Wildfire can spread to tree tops, keep your lowest branches 6 to 10 feet off the ground.
*Keep your lawn well maintained and hydrated. If it is brown cut it down.
* Inspect shingles & roof tiles for any damage and replace if necessary.
* Cover attic vents with mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks or embers to getting into your home.
* Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh.
* If there is a fire nearby, connect garden hoses, fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans or other large containers with water. We can use these to put out small spot fires near your home or on your property.
Campfire Safety
How to pick your spot
* DO NOT build a fire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions. DO NOT build a fire if the campground, area, or event rules prohibit campfires.
* FIND OUT if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit.
* If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Also beware of low-hanging branches overhead. (Some areas do not allow digging fire pits, find the rules in your area.)
How to maintain and put out the Campfire
A roaring fire is both a success, and a responsibility. It is your job to properly maintain and extinguish your campfire so that future campers can do the same.
* Once your campfire is going, add a few large pieces of dry wood and keep your fire to a manageable size.
* Make sure children and pets are supervised near the fire.
* Never leave the campfire unattended or cut live trees or branches from live trees.
* When you are done with your fire, allow it to burn completely to ash if possible.
* Pour a lot of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the hot ones.
* Pour water until the hissing stop and then stir the ashes and embers with a shovel.
* If you do not have water, use dirt and mix enough with the embers. Continue mixing until all material is cool. Do NOT bury the fire as it will smolder and catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and cause a wildfire.
* Never burn aerosol containers, glass or garbage in the fire.
* If it is too hot to touch, its too hot to leave!
Equipment Maintenance
* Make sure your equipment has a spark arrestor. A spark arrestor traps or destroys hot exhaust particles that have not been released from an engine.
* Spark arrestors are not 100% effective but greatly reduce the risk of wildfire.
* Never park a vehicle where the engine or exhaust is hot over brush or grass.
* Never set down small engines on dry brush or grass. (chainsaws, trimmers, brush cutters)
Debris Burning
* Comply with our burning ordinance seen above on this page or the home page.
* Check the weather forecast and choose a safe burning site away from builds, woods, and overhanging limbs.
* If you are using a burn barrel, be sure to have a mesh screen 1/4 inch or smaller on top and on all vent holes on the can.
* Never leave a fire burning unattended.
* Keep burning legal! Never burn tires, waste products, or plastic.
"Wildfire" is the term applied to any unwanted, unplanned, damaging fire burning in forest, shrub or grass and is one of the most powerful natural forces known to people. While sometimes caused by lightning, nine out of ten wildfires are human-caused. Every year, wildfires burn across the U.S., and more and more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. Nearly 45 million homes abut or intermingle with wildlands and more than 72,000 U.S. communities are now at risk. But by working together residents can make their own property - and their neighborhood - much safer from wildfire. It could be you! Although most of us have no intention of setting in motion the forces which could burn hundreds of homes, millions of acres of forest and affecting thousands of lives, each year we learn of devastating wildfires caused by careless behavior.
Why has the number of acres burned remained high over the last few years?
- Past fire suppression policies which allowed for the accumulation of fuel in the form of fallen leaves, branches, and excessive plant overgrowth in forest and wildland areas.
- Increasingly dry, hot weather and changing weather patterns across the US.
- Increased residential development in the wildland/urban interface.
Quick Facts!
* In 2011, there were 10,249 wildfires caused by lightning, but 63,877 wildfires caused by human error (as reported to the National Interagency Fire Center).
* In 2011, more than 8.7 million acres burned due to wildfires in the U.S. More than 5.4 million acres burned due to human-caused wildfires.
Safety Tips
* Be smart whenever you go outdoors and use common sense before lighting any fire.
* Understand that any fire you create could become a wildfire.
* Never leave any fire unattended and make sure any fire created is properly and completely extinguished.
* Properly extinguish all smoking materials.
* Be careful while operating equipment during periods of hot & dry weather.
* Speak up when you see someone in danger of starting a wildfire.
* Never discard fireplace or barbeque ashes before making sure they are properly extinguished. Check those tips at Fireplace Ashes Disposal.
* Be EXTREMELY careful with fireworks! NEVER use them in wooded areas around dry brush. Have a garden hose and bucket of water nearby.
* Clear leaves, and debris from gutters, eaves, porches & decks. This prevents hot embers from igniting your home.
* Remove dead vegetation from your deck or porch and within 10 feet of your home.
* Keep flammable materials (firewood and propane tanks) at least 30 feet from your home, shed, and garages.
* Wildfire can spread to tree tops, keep your lowest branches 6 to 10 feet off the ground.
*Keep your lawn well maintained and hydrated. If it is brown cut it down.
* Inspect shingles & roof tiles for any damage and replace if necessary.
* Cover attic vents with mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks or embers to getting into your home.
* Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh.
* If there is a fire nearby, connect garden hoses, fill any pools, hot tubs, garbage cans or other large containers with water. We can use these to put out small spot fires near your home or on your property.
Campfire Safety
How to pick your spot
* DO NOT build a fire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions. DO NOT build a fire if the campground, area, or event rules prohibit campfires.
* FIND OUT if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit.
* If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Also beware of low-hanging branches overhead. (Some areas do not allow digging fire pits, find the rules in your area.)
How to maintain and put out the Campfire
A roaring fire is both a success, and a responsibility. It is your job to properly maintain and extinguish your campfire so that future campers can do the same.
* Once your campfire is going, add a few large pieces of dry wood and keep your fire to a manageable size.
* Make sure children and pets are supervised near the fire.
* Never leave the campfire unattended or cut live trees or branches from live trees.
* When you are done with your fire, allow it to burn completely to ash if possible.
* Pour a lot of water on the fire, drown ALL embers, not just the hot ones.
* Pour water until the hissing stop and then stir the ashes and embers with a shovel.
* If you do not have water, use dirt and mix enough with the embers. Continue mixing until all material is cool. Do NOT bury the fire as it will smolder and catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and cause a wildfire.
* Never burn aerosol containers, glass or garbage in the fire.
* If it is too hot to touch, its too hot to leave!
Equipment Maintenance
* Make sure your equipment has a spark arrestor. A spark arrestor traps or destroys hot exhaust particles that have not been released from an engine.
* Spark arrestors are not 100% effective but greatly reduce the risk of wildfire.
* Never park a vehicle where the engine or exhaust is hot over brush or grass.
* Never set down small engines on dry brush or grass. (chainsaws, trimmers, brush cutters)
Debris Burning
* Comply with our burning ordinance seen above on this page or the home page.
* Check the weather forecast and choose a safe burning site away from builds, woods, and overhanging limbs.
* If you are using a burn barrel, be sure to have a mesh screen 1/4 inch or smaller on top and on all vent holes on the can.
* Never leave a fire burning unattended.
* Keep burning legal! Never burn tires, waste products, or plastic.
