Motor Vehicle Fires
A seldom recognized part of America’s fire problem is motor vehicle fires. Motor vehicle fires can be dangerous and cause toxic gases. Automobiles, trucks and other motor vehicles are made up of many synthetic materials that emit harmful, if not deadly, gases when they burn. A main by-product of fires is a lethal concentration of carbon monoxide, which is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas.
Fire can cause fatal or debilitating burn injuries. A vehicle fire can generate heat upwards of 1500 degrees F. Keep in mind that water boils at 212 degrees F, and most food is cooked at temperatures below 500 degree F. Flames from a vehicle fire can shoot out distances of 10 feet or more.
Parts of vehicles can burst from heat and then shoot debris great distances. Bumper and hatchback door struts, two-piece tire rims, magnesium wheels, drive shafts, grease seals, axle and engine parts all can become lethal shrapnel. Vehicle fires may also cause air bags to deploy.
Although relatively rare, gasoline tanks on motor vehicles can rupture and spray flammable fuel, posing a clear potential for serious injury. In even more extraordinary instances, gasoline tanks have been known to explode. Hazardous materials, such as battery acid, can cause injury even without burning.
Vehicles fire are so dangerous that firefighters wear full protective fire resistant clothing and self contained breathing apparatus to keep them safe. They also have the ability to quickly put out vehicle fires with large amounts of water or other extinguishing agents. You do not have these safety advantages so use extra caution. Motor vehicle fire can be dangerous.
FACTS:
Nearly one out of four fires involves motor vehicles.
One out of every 8 fire deaths results from motor vehicle fires.
Approximately 550 people are killed and 2,100 civilians and 1,200 firefighters are injured each year from motor vehicle fires.
What To Do When There Is A Motor Vehicle Fire
Get yourself and all others out and away from the vehicle. If the vehicle is in a garage or other structure, exit immediately.
After you are a safe distance from the vehicle, call the fire department at 911. Tell them the location of the fire.
Remain away from the vehicle, do not attempt to get back into a burning vehicle to retrieve personal property.
Never put yourself in danger using a fire extinguisher. If you do use a fire extinguisher, only do so from a safe distance and always have a means to get away.
It is recommended that you use a fire extinguisher approved for use on a class "B" and class "C" fires.
Do not open the hood or trunk if you suspect a fire under it. Air could rush in, enlarging the fire, leading to injury.
For more information, please contact the:
United States Fire Administration (USFA)
Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsbburg, MD 21727
http://www.usfa.fema.gov
Safe Living In Your Manufactured Home
The most important feature in any home is something you might not see when you walk through the door, but it could save your life. It is safety, and it comes in all shapes and sizes.
Smoke Detectors
Fire Extinguishers
Escapes Routes
Carefully maintained heating and electrical systems.
Knowing what to do in case of a fire, flood, tornado or other disaster.
The American Red Cross has developed safety check list to help you make sure that you and your family live in safely in your manufactured home.
Fire Safety
Be sure you have properly operating smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Insure your personal property. Shop around for a company that best meets your needs for renter’s or homeowner’s insurance.
Plan, with your family, at least two escapes routes from your manufactured home.
Practice fire drills regularly, using a smoke detector as a signal to start the drill. Follow your escape plan.
Keep matches and lighters away from small children. Children tend to be curious about fire and tend to hide when frightened. Fire drills are most important for children between the ages of 2 and 12.
Be sure your heating and electrical systems are properly maintained and in good working order.
Carefully follow the instructions on all appliances and heating units, taking care not to overload your electrical system.
Be especially careful that your holiday decorations are safely displayed.
Store important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and insurance papers in a fire proof box or in the refrigerator or rent a safety deposit box at your local bank.
Make an itemized list of your personal property, including furniture, clothing, appliances and other valuables. Keep this list up to date and store it along with other important documents.
In Case Of Fire
Always crawl close to the floor in smoke.
Feel each door for heat with the back of your hand for heat before opening it.
If your cloths catch on fire, stop, drop to the floor and roll over and over and over again to put out the flames.
Call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone. Leave you manufactured home before calling for help.
Contact your American Red Cross for assistance to meet your emergency needs, clothing, a temporary place to stay or assistance in replacing lost medication.
Floods
If your manufactured home is located in a flood hazard area, be prepared to go to a safe place on high ground when flood or flash flood warnings are issued for your area.
Most standard residential insurance policies do not cover flood loss. In flood-prone communities, the National Flood Insurance Program makes flood insurance available for manufactured homes on foundations. See your insurance broker for details.
Tornado Safety
Be sure to keep a transistor radio or weather service radio with working batteries.
Pay close attention to weather reports. Know the difference between a watch (when conditions are right for a severe weather event) and a warning (when severe weather is occurring or is imminent).
Plan ahead for where you are to go during severe weather, for instance, a storm cellar, a community building or relatives or friends basement.
When a tornado warning has been issued, leave your manufactured home immediately. Go to your pre-planned safe place or lie down in a low area with your hands covering the back of you head and neck.
Near the main exit door, keep a family safety kit containing a change of clothes for each family member, a blanket, a first aid kit and a flashlight with good batteries.
Be sure your manufactured home is installed in accordance with the manufactures instructions and all applicable state and county regulations.
(This information was provided by the Portage County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Ravenna, Ohio with funds from the educational community, and Emergency Services Support Program of the American National Red Cross, Washington, D.C.)
Smoke Detectors
What You Need To Know
In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke detectors will provide an early warning to your household. This alarm could save your life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.
Your Smoke Detector Quiz
The smoke detectors in your home:
Are installed on every level especially near sleeping areas Y N
Are tested once a month Y N
Have their batteries replaced with new ones at least once a year Y N
Are vacuumed over and kept free of dust Y N
Have their batteries replaced and tested, should they start making a
"Chirping sound". Y N
Are replaced with new smoke detectors every ten years Y N
Did You Answer "NO" To Any Of The Questions?
If so, keep reading to learn the answers to the most common questions about lifesaving smoke detectors.
Why Should My Home Have Smoke Detectors?
In the event of a fire, a smoke detector can save your life and those of your loved ones. Smoke Detectors are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal, so that you and your family can escape. Smoke detectors are one of the best features you can but and install to protect yourself, your family and your home.
Where To Install Smoke Detectors
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning. For extra safety, install smoke detectors inside and outside sleeping areas. Also, smoke detectors should be installed on the ceiling or above eye level on the walls. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke detectors at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufactures installation instructions.
Where Would I Get Smoke Detectors?
Many hardware stores, home supply or general merchandise stores carry smoke detectors. Where ever you buy one from be sure it is U.L. Listed. If you are unsure where to buy one in your local community, call your local fire department on their non-emergency number and they can provide you with some suggestions. In Harnett County if you qualify you can contact the Harnett County Fire Marshals Office and they may provide you with a smoke detector which can be installed at no charge by your local fire department.
Are Smoke Detectors Hard To Install?
Not at all. In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver. Many brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the ceiling or wall where they are placed. However, be sure to follow the directions from the manufacturer because each brand is different. If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend to help. The Dunn Fire Department will install smoke detectors provided by the Harnett County Fire Marshals Office.
How Do I Keep My Smoke Detector Working?
Smoke detectors are very easy to take care of. There are two steps to remember:
Simply replace the battery once per year. To make it easy to remember change the battery when you change the time on you clock. If your smoke detector starts making a chirping noise, replace the battery immediately and test.
Keep the smoke detector clean. Dust can interfere with their operation so vacuum them regularly
What If The Alarm Goes Off While I’m Cooking?
That means the smoke detector is doing it’s job. However, do not disable your smoke detector if it goes off due to cooking. Instead of disabling your smoke detector just clear the air. You may in the end have to relocated your smoke detector.
How Long Will My Smoke Detector Last?
Smoke detectors will last any where from eight to ten years, after which they should be replaced. They do wear out. As a reminder take a permanent maker and put the installation date inside the lid to the smoke detector. Some smoke detectors on the market come with a ten year battery. These smoke detectors are designed to be replaced as a whole unit.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Some smoke detectors are considered to be "hard wired". This means that they are wired into the buildings electrical current. These need to be on a circuit by themselves. It is a good idea to have hard wired smoke detectors which have battery backup in them. This will still give protection in the event the power goes out.
The United States Fire Administration would like to remind you of some important fire safety and prevention information:
Plan and practice escape plans several times a year.
Make sure your whole family knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.
Information provided by USFA and FEMA
Winter Fire Home Safety Tips
Home Winter Fire Safety Tips
We have many different ways to ward off the cold of winter, wood stoves, space heaters, fireplaces, kerosene heaters, oil or gas furnaces, etc. Unfortunately, all can add to the danger of house fires if you’re not careful. You can make your home safer by following these safety tips.
Kerosene Heaters
Make sure the heater is mechanically sound.:
An emergency shut off if it tips over
Good mechanical working condition
No carbon buildup on the exhaust
No leaks in the fuel system
Provide good ventilation:
Think about where the heater is located
There should be adequate airflow to feed the fire, and take away the fumes.
Operate the heater safely:
Keep flammable objects, children and pets away from the heater
Don’t store heater fuel in the house or in unapproved containers
Don’t fill the heater while it’s on or hot
Don’t use fuel other than kerosene
Don’t fill the heater in the house
Don’t overfill the heater - cold fuel can expand and overflow
Wood Stoves And Fireplaces
Look at these safety equipment issues:
Check to see that your stove or fireplace is of good quality and structurally sound.
Insure that it has an UL safety certification
Use a glass or metal safety screen to control sparks an embers
Clean or inspect your chimney annually
Make sure the fire is out and the damper is closed before you go to sleep
Do not put hot ashes in a combustible container
Follow a few operating rules:
Burn your stove hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce creosote buildup
Keep flammable materials away from your stove or fireplace
Follow product safety directions if you burn synthetic logs.
Don’t use flammable liquids to start your stove or fireplace
Don’t burn charcoal indoors
Don’t use a large amount of paper to build a roaring fire - it could start a chimney fire
Don’t put flammable objects on the mantel
Don’t close a damper with hot ashes in the fireplace - it will heat the fire again and force toxic carbon monoxide into your house
Furnace Heating
Look at these equipment safety issues:
Have your furnace inspected regularly for safe operation
Insure cutoffs and controls work properly
Leave repairs to qualified specialist
Inspect the area around your furnace for damage from inadequate insulation
Maintain good ventilation
Check flue pipes and pipes seams for holes, cracks, soot and leaks
Inspect the chimney for loose bricks or cracks
Keep trash and other materials away from the heating system
Other Fire Safety Tips
Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke detector
Use carbon monoxide detectors in your home
Develop and practice an emergency evacuation plan
If there is a hydrant on your property, keep it clear of debris
Contact your local Fire Department if you have any question about fire safety
Do not discard hot ashes inside or near your home. Put them in a metal container well away from your home.
Do not use your range or oven to heat your home.
Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords when you use electrical heaters. Only use the type which has a safety cutoff switch in the event they are knocked over.
Do not use electric heaters in damp or wet areas
Do not try to thaw frozen pipes with an open flame. Use hot water or a hand held hair dryer.
This information provided by www.fema.gov
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