http://firefightersnews.tumblr.com/

Heating Tips Nothing is cozier than a fire – as long as it...

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 09:03:04 -0400

Heating Tips

Nothing is cozier than a fire – as long as it stays in the fireplace! Unfortunately, they can also be deadly. Here are a few tips to keep you & your family from being a fire statistic.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

Remember: Fireplaces contain open flames. It can easily ignite any combustibles nearby!
Use care with “fire salts,” which produce coloured flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
Do not burn holiday wrapping papers in the fireplace. It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
Use only clean dry wood, do not burn trash. Use a metal container for ash removal and store it outside, away from combustibles such as a wood deck or pine needles.
Have your chimney cleaned regularly, because creosote buildup from burning wood can ignite your roof, chimney, even the whole house.
Use fireplace screens to confine sparks and embers.
Always supervise children when a fire is burning in the fireplace.
Do not allow children to light the fire.

Space Heaters

Remember - Space Heaters Need Space!
When selecting an alternative heater, look for one that has been tested and labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Read and follow the manufacturers recommendations and directions on all appliances. A good practice is to read aloud the instructions and warning labels to all members of the household to be certain that everyone understands how the heater is to be operated safely. Keep the owner’s manual in a convenient place to refer to when needed.
Make sure your alternative heaters have “tip switches.” These “tip switches” are designed to automatically turn off the heater if the heater gets knocked over.
Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Some heaters have very hot surfaces. Heaters could operate in a manner that is unsafe if children are permitted to either adjust the controls or jar the heater.
Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an un-vented, fuel-burning space heater. This helps to prevent pollutant build-up and promotes proper combustion. Even vented heaters require ventilation for proper combustion.
Never use a space heater overnight in the room where you are sleeping. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide could accumulate from fuel-fired heaters, or uncontrolled burning could cause a fire.
Never use or store flammable liquids (such as gasoline) around a space heater. The flammable vapours can flow from one part of the room to another and be ignited by the open flame or by the electrical circuit of an electric heater.
Place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture and drapes. Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Do not place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire.
Never leave a burning heater unattended. Extinguish your heater if you’re leaving the room or area for more than a few minutes. Never use a space heater while you’re sleeping or bedridden.
Be sure the location you choose can be ventilated according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not place a heater in a doorway, hall, or walkway where it is likely to be bumped.

Kerosene Space Heaters

Never use gasoline in a kerosene heater. Even small quantities of gasoline in the heater tank can cause a fire.
Use only K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Kerosene should be purchased from a dealer who can certify that it is K-1 grade kerosene. The fact that kerosene is “water clear” does not ensure that it is K-1, since both K-1 and K-2 can appear clear.
Never fill the fuel tank of a kerosene heater beyond the full mark because as the fuel warms, it expands and could spill and cause a fire.
Do not attempt to move the heater, remove the fuel tank, or refuel the heater when it is operating or hot.
Always refuel heater outside a building.
In case of flare-up or uncontrolled flaming occurs, do not attempt to move the heater. If your heater is equipped with a manual shut-off switch, activate the switch to turn off the heater. If activation of the shut-off switch does not extinguish the flame, leave the area and immediately call the fire department.
Keep kerosene stored outside in a seated blue container labeled “Kerosene.”

Electric Heaters

Never use your electric heater near water. Water is a good conductor of electricity and increases the changes of electric shock. Do not touch an electric heater if your hands are wet or you are in contact with water in any way. Never use an electric heater:
In a bathroom
In a damp basement
Near water
Always unplug your heater when it is not in use. Touching an electric heating element while it is on can cause a serious burn or shock. Some heaters have electrically “live” elements whenever they are plugged in—even if the switch is turned off! The best way to prevent accidental shock or burns is to unplug your portable electric heater whenever it is not being used. Always unplug it before going to bed.

Check the safety features:

Be sure the grill protects the heating elements from children’s fingers and toys.
Keep children and pets away from heaters.
Be sure that the grill, cover or sides do not become hot enough to burn when touched.
Make sure there is a tip-over switch or a heat sensor (or both) that turns off the heater if it falls over.
Do not overload your wiring.
Plug your heater directly into an outlet if possible. If you must use an extension cord, be sure its electrical rating is as high as the one listed on the heater.
Some electrical heaters use the full capacity of a normal household circuit. You may not be able to use other appliances at the same time.
If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, unplug the heater before replacing the fuse or resetting the breaker.
Call a professional if you have any signs of a wiring problem—frequently blown fuses, dimmed lights, hot cords or outlets.

Using these simple rules coupled with common sense will keep your family safe and warm throughout the year.

With Thanksgiving on the way, remember to cook and bake...

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:59:26 -0400

With Thanksgiving on the way, remember to cook and bake safely!

Stove Fire Prevention

Most stove-top cooking should be done over low to medium heat settings. The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but it can also be the most dangerous room in the house. According to the National Fire Protection Association, stove fires are the leading cause of structure fires, with Thanksgiving the peak day for cooking fires. In 2010, kitchen ranges were the site of more than half of all cooking fires, with unattended cooking the crucial factor in all these incidents.

1. Playing With Fire

o No matter what type of stove you cook on, you are literally playing with fire if you don’t pay close attention and take the proper precautions during the process. Gas stoves produce an actual flame that is unpredictable at best, while the burners on electric stoves can get red-hot and ignite anything that comes in contact with them. The worst cooking fires occur during frying, when cooking fats, oils and grease are close to a very hot heating element. When frying foods on either type of stove, never walk away for even a minute. If you must leave the stove, turn it off. When boiling, roasting, baking or simmering foods, check them frequently and stay inside, using a timer to remind you that you’ve left something on or in the stove. Don’t cook if you are overtired or intoxicated, or take medications that cause drowsiness.

Fashion and Other Faux Pas

o Cooking on a stove is not the time to be wearing that new outfit with the billowing sleeves, as clothing is often the first thing to be ignited in a stove fire. Keep all other flammable materials, such as curtains, dish cloths, paper towels, paper dinnerware, wooden cooking utensils, food wrappers, plastic storage bowls and potholders away from the stove’s heating elements. Use only metal or any cookware clearly marked as safe for use on or inside stoves, and keep a lid close by during cooking to help put out a small grease fire. Always keep pot handles turned in to avoid them being knocked down or pulled down by a small child, and be sure to use the right-size cooking pan for the job in order to avoid food bubbling out and onto the stove top.

Neatness Counts

o Even the smallest amount of greasy residue left on a stove top, burner or in the oven can catch fire, making cleanliness paramount in preventing disaster. Keep burner pans clean and free of any food debris at all times, and clean oven spills promptly, as these can ignite the next time you turn the oven on. Wipe electric stove burner coils regularly with a clean cloth dipped in hot water, and take apart and thoroughly clean the burner pans and racks on gas stoves before cooking.

Emergency Preparedness

o In addition to working near open flame or very hot burners, keep in mind that all meat fats and cooking oils have a flash point, which means that, once they reach a certain temperature, they burst into flame. Keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times, as trying to put out grease fires with water may only make things worse. A fire can’t burn without oxygen, so keep a container of salt, baking soda or flour near the stove to use to smother it. If a fire starts in your oven, do not open the door, and turn the oven off. If a fire does start on or in your stove, and you’re not sure if you can put it out, dial 911, close off the kitchen, if possible, and leave the house.

Older and Wiser- Fire Safety Tips For Older Adults

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:05:55 -0400

Be prepared for fire

Know exactly what to do and where to go if there is a fire. Plan Your Escape! Make a home escape plan or refer to your building’s fire safety plan.

Smoke alarms protect everyone

Have a smoke alarm installed on every level of your home — especially near sleeping areas. Every month, test the alarms by using a broom handle or cane to gently push the alarm test button. Make sure everyone can hear the smoke alarms from all areas of your home.

If you smoke…

Use large, deep ashtrays and always make sure your cigarette butts are out. Never smoke when you are lying down, if you are drowsy, or in bed.

Don’t reach for danger!

Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking and don’t reach over a hot burner. If a pot catches fire, cover it with a lid and turn off the burner. Never leave your cooking unattended.

If your clothing catches fire…

Lower yourself to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll over and over to put out the flames. If you can’t do this, grab a towel or blanket and smother the flames.

Crawl low under smoke.

Most fire victims die from smoke, not flames. Smoke always rises, so you must get down on the floor where the air is cleaner. Crawl on our hands and knees to safety.

Give space heaters space.

Keep them at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from everything — including you. A slight brush against a heater could set your clothing on fire.

Need assistance?

If you would like help to test your smoke alarms or to prepare a fire safety plan, talk to your friends, family or home support worker. There is help available within your community. If you have any questions about fire safety, your fire department will be pleased to assist you.

Chimney Fire

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:44:31 -0400

A chimney fire is the combustion of residue deposits referred to as creosote, on the inner surfaces of chimney tiles, flue liners, stove pipes, etc. The process begins with the incomplete combustion (burning) of fuel in the attached appliance, usually a wood or coal stove. The unburned volatiles are heated to the vapor state but not consumed due to a lack of adequate heat and oxygen within the appliance. These volatile distillates escape into the chimney, where they contact cooler surfaces and condense into tar-like deposits. Successive layers accumulate until either the chimney plugs completely, or the chimney reaches a temperature and oxygen level at which the deposit will ignite. Due to the concentrated level of volatile material now present, these fires tend to burn very hot. The high temperatures stress the mechanical strength of the chimney causing distortion of metal structures, and failure of ceramic structures.

Causes of the deposits which lead to chimney fires include using green/wet fuels, the operation of appliances with insufficient air intake, and low operating temperatures for prolonged periods followed by hot fires. Such practice typically occurs when mild weather periods are followed by cold snaps.

Steps to avoid this buildup of deposits include running appliances hot during initial ignition phase regularly, building short hotter fires, regular cleaning of flues, and using interior chimney structures where possible versus chimneys attached to exterior walls. The latter tend to be cooler contributing to the problem as well as creating downdrafts which tend to introduce smoke into the structure as the fire subsides.

Control includes denial of oxygen, addition of extinguishing agents, and removing heat sources. Local fire authorities should be immediately notified due to the danger of failure of the chimney to maintain integrity, and spread of fire within adjoining partitions of the structure. Additional hazards include the possible buildup of toxic gases such as carbon monoxidewithin the structure due to restricted flues.

West Edmonton seniors centre relocating tenants following fatal fire

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:23:00 -0400

EDMONTON - Senior management at a not-for-profit company that operates a west Edmonton seniors residence are developing a plan to relocate tenants Wednesday, one day after a fire killed one woman and sent four others to hospital.

Canora Gardens, at 10160 151st St., was evacuated Tuesday afternoon when fire swept through the five-storey, 100-suite retirement residence.

The operator, the Greater Edmonton Foundation, arranged for seniors who were living in the facility but are not staying with family members to have rooms at a local hotel while they receive assistance from the Canadian Red Cross. All residents were evacuated after the blaze,

“We do have some suites in our facilities that we know are available and ready, so we’re just determining which tenants are going where,” said spokeswoman Michelle Spring. “We’re trying to determine what locations we’re going to move individuals to, what’s our timeline, first assessments on the scene, if people are going to be needing temporary housing.

“We’re just trying to look at everything in the morning with fresh eyes.”

The foundation is still awaiting confirmation of the fire’s cause and a damage estimate.

Spring said she expects to have more information Wednesday afternoon after the facilities manager at Canora Gardens meets with fire officials.

The woman who was killed has not yet been identified and the condition of the four people taken to hospital is not known.

The Greater Edmonton Foundation manages affordable housing for seniors and also offers supportive living services. Its board members are appointed by the City of Edmonton.

Via: Edmonton Journal

Car Fires - What you need to know to be safe

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:15:23 -0400

Car fires can produce toxic gases. Automobiles, trucks, and other motor vehicles are made 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 a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas.

Fire can cause fatal or debilitating burn injuries. A car fire can generate heat upwards of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and that most foods are cooked at temperatures less than 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Flames from burning vehicles can often shoot out distances of 10 feet or more.

Parts of the vehicle can burst because of heat, shooting 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, gas tanks of motor vehicles can rupture and spray flammable fuel, posing a clear potential for serious injury. In even more extraordinary instances, gas tanks have been known to explode. Hazardous Materials, such as battery acid, can cause injury without warning.

Car fires are so dangerous that firefighters wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus to keep themselves safe. They also have the ability to quickly put out vehicle fires with large amounts of water or other extinguishing agents. You don’t have these safety advantages so use extra precaution.

Car fires can be dangerous.

Nearly 1 out of 4 fires involves motor vehicles.

1 out of 8 fire deaths results from car fires.

Approximately 550 are killed and 2,100 civilians and 1,200 firefighters are injured a year from motor vehicle fires.

If There is a Fire, What Should You Do?

Get yourself and all others out of 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 or the local emergency telephone number. Tell them the location of the car 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 to use a fire extinguisher approved for use on 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.

The dangers of a car fire are often overlooked. Each year, these fires kill over 550 people and injure thousands more. Toxic gases and other hazardous substances, and flying debris and explosion, combine to produce serious dangers in motor vehicle fires.

Propane Safety Tips

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:26:53 -0400

Never smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
Never leave a propane cylinder in your car or truck.
Never use matches or lighters to detect propane leaks.
Never expose propane cylinders to high temperatures.
Keep propane tanks upright. Never allow a tank to roll onto its side.
Never attempt to cut a propane tank or cylinder, even if you think it is empty. Traces of remaining propane could cause an explosion.
When you have a propane cylinder refilled, ask your supplier to look for any rust, dents, damage or leaks.
Never dispose of a damaged propane tank or cylinder in the dumpster, it could cause an explosion. Contact your propane supplier and city about disposal programs.
Never allow any contractor or landscaper to bump your propane tank, this could cause a leak.

Natural Gas Safety Tips:

Detecting a Natural Gas Leak:

The air may smell like a rotten egg, especially when the smell is pervasive or lingering
You may hear a hissing or blowing sound, depending on the size and location of the leak
You may notice dead or discoloured vegetation in the middle of healthy vegetation; dirt or debris fly in the air; blowing or a continuous bubbling in water.

Responding to a Natural Gas Leak:

When you smell gas immediately leave the building or home and call for help.
To avoid any ignition of leaked gas, when evacuating:
Never turn electrical switches on or off
Do not use garage doors or telephones, or any other electric appliance
Do not start or stop any motor vehicles, or any other electrical equipment
Do not strike a match, use a lighter, or encounter any flames or ignition sources
Evacuate to a safe distance from the building any outdoor area in which gas can be smelled
Call 911 and your gas company
Wait for emergency and gas company responders to confirm your building is safe before returning.

Gasoline Safety Tips

Never smoke when using gasoline.
Never use gasoline near ignition sources, such as electrical appliances, and any appliance with a pilot light.
Never store gasoline inside your home. Store gasoline in a garage or shed, use a closed metal or plastic container approved by fire authorities or an independent testing laboratory. Do not use glass containers, milk jugs or plastic cups to store gasoline.
Fill portable gas containers while they rest on the ground. Never fill gas storage containers inside a vehicle or in the bed of a truck.
Let all machinery cool before refueling.
Do not use gasoline for cleaning purposes or in your home.
When refueling a vehicle do not get in your vehicle. The resulting static electricity could spark a fire.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety Tips:

Have your heating system, water heater and other gas, oil or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician each year.
Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) indoors. Although these heaters don’t have a flame, they burn gas and can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.
If you smell and odor from your gas refrigerator’s cooling unit have an expert service it. An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could be giving off CO.
When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories.
Never use a gas range or oven for heating, even when the power is out.
Never use a charcoal grill or barbecue grill indoors. Using a grill indoors will cause a buildup of CO inside your home, cabin, or camper unless you use it inside a vented fireplace.
Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal—red, gray, black, or white—gives off CO.
Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Using a gas camp stove indoors can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin or camper.
Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage, or near a window, door or vent.
Install a battery operated CO detector on each level of your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.
Open the windows and turn off any appliances you believe to be the source of CO.
If someone in the building is experiencing CO poisoning symptoms, evacuate the building immediately and call 911 or the fire department.
If no person exhibits CO poisoning symptoms, call your natural gas or propane company or a qualified technician to check your appliances and the level of CO in your home.
All gas appliances must be vented so that CO will not build up in your home, cabin or camper.
Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys can be blocked by debris. This can cause CO to build up in your home or cabin.
Never patch a vent pipe with tape or gum. This kind of patch can make CO build up in your home, cabin, or camper.
Horizontal vent pipes to fuel appliances should not be perfectly level. Indoor vent pipes should go up slightly as they go toward outdoors. This helps prevent CO or other gases from leaking if the joints or pipes aren’t fitted tightly.
Never place pressure washer engines indoors; near outside vents, doors, or windows; or in a garage, carport, or other enclosed space during use.

Safety Tips for Emergency Lighting & Heating During Power Failures

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:56:10 -0400

In recent years very few people have frozen to death in their homes. However, many people have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation or burns incurred through the inappropriate use of emergency devices.

When your power is out, you may be introducing potential hazards to your home so you must take extra precautions to make sure that everyone stays safe.

Candles

If you use candles, make sure you keep them away from all combustible materials. Never leave them unattended and place them out of reach of young children. Candles should be placed in solid, secure candle holders and protected by a glass chimney.

Try to avoid walking with a lit candle or taking it into a closet to look for things. Use a flashlight.

Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle or oil lamp.

Oil lamps

Oil lamps or lanterns provide excellent light but can be a fire hazard if placed too close to combustibles. Keep oil lamps away from combustibles and out of the wind. Make sure they are kept in a secure place where they cannot be knocked over. Refill the lamps outdoors or away from combustibles and other people.

Before going to bed make sure that all candles and lamps are out.

Matches and lighters

Keep all matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Before the Power Comes Back On

Ontario Hydro recommends the following:

Make sure that all stove elements and ovens are OFF and that nothing has been left on top of the stove.
Unplug all small appliances and electronics, such as irons, toasters, toaster ovens, kettles, microwave ovens, curling irons, computers, stereos and video equipment.
Make sure you unplug all motor-driven appliances and equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers and washing machines. When the power is restored, plug them back in one at a time, at 15 minute intervals.

Smoke Alarms

Test your smoke alarms. If a fire starts in your home while you are asleep, you want to know about it immediately. Some homes are equipped with electrically connected smoke alarms that may not work when the power is out. Make sure your home has a battery-operated smoke alarm on every level.

It is a good idea to have a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that can be deadly. This toxic gas is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of fuels such as natural gas, oil, gasoline or wood.

Installing a carbon monoxide alarm near the sleeping areas of your home will alert you to the presence of this deadly gas. It is a good idea to invest in a battery operated alarm that will continue to work during power failures.

Heating and Cooking

Think carefully before you bring a fuel-burning appliance into your home. Any device that burns fuel requires oxygen to provide complete combustion and ventilation to remove the products of combustion. Any device fuelled by natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline or wood produces carbon monoxide.

Use only portable space heaters that have been designed for indoor, residential use.
Before using a portable heater, review the manufacturer’s recommendations for usage and follow the instructions carefully. Only use the fuel for which the appliance was designed.
When using the heater, provide adequate ventilation by opening a window slightly.
Before refueling, turn off the heater, wait for it to cool and take the heater outside to refill.
Never use propane or charcoal barbecues indoors. They are designed for outdoor use only. It is preferable to eat a cold meal than die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep all heaters at least 1M (3 feet) away from combustible materials including drapes, carpeting and furniture.
Turn portable space heaters off when you are not in the room and before you go to bed.
If you are using a wood stove, be careful with the ashes. Always empty ashes into a covered metal container and store them outside away from combustibles.
If you have not used your fireplace or woodstove for a long time, have it checked by a professional technician before using it. Your chimney may be blocked or damaged, which could cause a fire or a build-up of carbon monoxide inside the home.
Generators should not be brought inside the home for any reason.
Before going to bed, do a quick check of every room to make sure candles are out and heaters are off. Wear several layers of clothing to preserve body heat.

Home Escape Planning

Good fire safety planning includes knowing two ways out of your home. In a winter storm, your exits may become blocked by snow or fallen trees, or be frozen shut by ice. Try your exits to make sure they are accessible.

Inform everyone in your home about the fire safety rules they must follow. Conduct regular safety checks of each room and keep a watchful eye on children and older adults. Make sure everyone knows the fire escape plan.

If you are aware of someone living alone nearby, check with them to make sure they are safe.

Photo

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 14:53:34 -0400

Gasoline Storage Safety Tips

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:23:37 -0400

For better or worse, gasoline is a big part of our daily lives. We use it in almost everything that requires power, from driving an automobile to cutting the grass. Gasoline should generally only be used for its intended purpose and should only be stored at home when there’s no other alternative. If you need to store gasoline, take precautions to do so in a safe and responsible manner.

1. Approved Containers Only

o The most important thing when storing gasoline around the family home is that it be done in safety containers approved by the local authorities, not glass or non-reusable plastic containers—storing gasoline in recycled milk and soda bottles is out of the question. Gasoline should be stored in red containers to distinguish it from kerosene (blue) and diesel (yellow). This color code should be followed at all times, because it makes each fuel recognizable at a quick glance.

Do Not Overfill

o When filling a container with gasoline, you should only fill the container to around 95 percent of its capacity. If the container is kept in a warm place, the liquid gasoline will evaporate into a gas, causing the contents of the container to expand. If you do not have the 5 percent allowance, there is the potential for the expansion to force gasoline out of the container or to even distort the container, possibly breaking it. Because of this expansion, it is also important to seal all containers tightly with a well-fitted cap. This prevents spillage and poisonous fumes from escaping.

Select the Ideal Location

o If you must store gasoline at home, it is recommended that you do so in the garage or tool shed, out of the reach of children. Gasoline fumes are toxic and ingesting the liquid can be lethal. As an extremely flammable liquid, gasoline should be stored away from direct sunlight, heaters, furnaces and electrical points where an accidental spark could ignite the container.

Follow All Rules and Regulations

o When deciding to store gasoline at home, be sure to check with local authorities to identify your area’s rules on gasoline storage. Permissible volumes for personal storage might vary depending on where you live, but a small amount to operate lawn mowers or other small engines is usually OK.

Keeping Safe from the "Silent Killer"

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:02:19 -0400

t As cooler weather approaches, we want to remind everyone to have furnaces and other fuel-burning appliances in their homes inspected by authorized service personnel, to prevent the serious hazards of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

What Is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and toxic gas, and is often referred to as the ‘silent killer”. When inhaled it inhibits the blood’s capacity to transport oxygen throughout the body. It can poison the body quickly in high concentrations, or slowly over long periods of time.

What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion, drowsiness and even loss of consciousness, In severe cases, CO poisoning can cause brain damage and death. The elderly, children and people with heart or respiratory conditions may be particularly sensitive to CO.

How Is carbon monoxide generated In the home?
Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete combustion of fuel such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline or wood. This incomplete combustion can occur in any device that depends on burning for energy or heat, such as furnaces, room heaters, fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves or grills and any gas powered vehicle or engine. Automobiles left running in attached garages, gas barbecues operated inside the house, grills or kerosene heaters that are not properly vented, or chimneys or vents that are dirty or plugged may create unsafe levels of CO.

When properly installed, maintained and vented, any CO produced by these devices will not stay inside the home.

What are some danger signs?

You or other members of your family have symptoms of CO exposure (see above).
You notice a sharp, penetrating odour or smell of gas when your furnace or other fuel-burning equipment turns on.
The air is stale or stuffy.
The pilot light of your furnace or other fuel-burning equipment goes out.
Chalky white powder forms on the chimney/exhaust vent pipe or soot build-up occurs around the exhaust vent.

How can unsafe levels of carbon monoxide he detected?
Carbon monoxide detectors monitor airborne concentration levels (parts per million) of carbon monoxide and sound an audible alarm when harmful CO levels are present.

Be sure that your detector has been certified to the Canadian Standards Association CAN/CGA 6.19 standard or the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard,

If you suspect carbon monoxide In your home…
If you or anyone else in your home is experiencing the symptoms of CO poisoning, ensure that everyone leaves the home immediately, leaving the door open. Call your local fire department or 91 1 from a neighbours telephone.

If your CO detector sounds do NOT assume it to be a false alarm. Open all doors and windows to ventilate the home. If you cannot find the problem and the alarm continues, contact the fire department. If there is a strong smell of natural gas in your home, evacuate immediately, leaving the door open, and contact your local gas utility.

If no symptoms are experienced, reset the detector and check to see if the alarm activates. If the detector sounds a second time, call the local fire department for their assistance.

If the detector does not sound a second time, check for common conditions that may have caused a CO build-up (see the accompanying illustration) or contact a qualified heating contractor to check your fuel-burning equipment.

Where should a carbon monoxide detector be located in the home?
Proper placement of a CO detector is important. In general, the human body is most vulnerable to the effects of CO during sleeping hours, so a detector should be located in or as near as possible to the sleeping area of the home.

If only one detector is being installed, it should be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep.

Where sleeping areas are located in separate parts of the home, a detector should be provided for each area.

Additional CO detectors should be placed on each level of a residence and in other rooms where combustion devices are located (such as in a room that contains a solid fuel-fired appliance, gas clothes dryer or natural gas furnace), or adjacent to potential sources of CO (such as in a teenager’s room or granny suite located adjacent to an attached garage).

Unlike smoke, which rises to the ceiling, CO mixes with air. Recognizing this, a CO detector should be located at knee-height (which is about the same as prone sleeping height). Due to the possibility of tampering or damage by pets, children, vacuum cleaners and the like, it may be located up to chest height. To work properly, a detector should not be blocked by furniture, draperies or other obstructions to normal air flow.

If a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector is used, it should be located on the ceiling, to ensure that it will detect smoke effectively.

Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for additional information regarding proper use and maintenance.

To keep safe, please remember:

You have a responsibility to know about the dangers of carbon monoxide. Your knowledge and actions may save lives.
CO detectors are a good second line of defence, but do not eliminate the need for regular inspection, maintenance and safe use of fuel-burning equipment.
Take the time to learn about the use of CO detectors in your home to ensure your are using this equipment properly and effectively

The Office of the Fire Marshal is part of a Carbon Monoxide Awareness Committee (comprised of representatives from industry, government, fire services, public utilities, standards and certification agencies and appliance manufacturers) that is dedicated to an ongoing, coordinated approach to protecting the public against CO hazards through greater awareness and understanding.

Home heating safety information is available on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority website at www.tssa.org

Fire Extinguishers

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:30:44 -0400

Read the instructions on your extinguisher for proper use.

Create a picture in your mind that will reflect the instructions on the extinguisher: if there’s a fire, get everyone outside and ask a member of your family to call the fire department from a neighbour’s house. Only then should you permit yourself to fight a small fire. If the fire becomes large, get out. Close doors behind you to slow the spread of the fire.

The ABCD’s of Portable Fire Extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is a storage container for an agent like water or chemicals. It is designed to put out a small fire, not a large one. Extinguishers are labelled ABC or D. Ensure you use the right extinguisher for the appropriate type of fire.

A. Ordinary Combustibles – Fires started with paper, wood, drapes and upholstery require a Class A type extinguisher.

B. Flammable and Combustible Liquids – Fires originating from fuel oil, gasoline, paint, grease in a frying pan, solvents and other flammable liquids require a Class B type extinguisher.

C. Electrical Equipment – Fires started with wiring, overheated fuse boxes, conductors, and other electrical sources require a Class C type extinguisher.

D. Metals – Certain metals such as magnesium and sodium require a special dry powder Class D type extinguisher.

A multi-purpose dry chemical labelled ABC puts out most types of fires: wood, paper, cloth, flammable liquids and electrical fires. If you intend to buy more than one, you may want to purchase a BC for the kitchen, an A for the living room and an ABC for the basement and garage.

Buying and Maintaining an Extinguisher

1. Extinguishers come in a dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, water, or Halon form. Whatever type you buy, it should be labelled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

2. The higher the number rating on the extinguisher, the more fire it puts out. High rated extinguishers are often (not always) the heavier models. Ensure you can hold and operate the one you buy comfortably.

3. Ask your dealer how to have your extinguisher serviced and inspected. Recharge it after ANY use. A partially used extinguisher might as well be empty.

4. Extinguishers should be installed near an escape route and away from potential fire hazards.

Learn How to PASS

1. Pull the pin. Some units require the releasing of a lock latch, pressing a puncture lever, inversion or other motion.

2. Aim the extinguisher nozzle (horn) at the base of the fire.

3. Squeeze or press the handle.

4. Sweep from side-to-side at the base of the fire and discharge the contents of the extinguisher.

Foam and water extinguishers require slightly different use. Read the instructions.

Fire in Your Apartment Building

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 09:53:43 -0400

Fire Safety Begins with You

Learn what to do if a fire happens in your building. This is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.

This brochure contains general advice for tenants of buildings that are three storeys high or more. If you live in a building with fewer than three storeys, talk to you superintendent or landlord and work out a personal fire safety plan. Do it now!

Every fire is different. You must act quickly when you hear the alarm or discover a fire. You must always protect yourself from smoke.

Remember, most people die from smoke, not fire. Here is what to do.

If there is a fire in your apartment

Tell everyone in your apartment to leave.
Close all doors behind you.
Pull the fire alarm on your floor and yell fire.
Leave the building using the nearest stairway.
Call the fire department when you are safe.
Meet the firefighters at the front entrance and tell them where the fire is.

When you hear the fire alarm

To go or to stay…the decision is yours

Most of the time, the best thing to do in a fire is leave the building as soon as possible. But in some cases you may not be able to leave and you may have to stay in your apartment. In either case you must act quickly. No matter what your decision you must protect yourself from the smoke.

If you decide to leave the building

Check the door to your apartment. If smoke is entering from around the door, do not open it. Protect yourself from smoke inside your apartment as described later.

If there is no smoke, brace yourself and open the door a little.

If you see smoke or feel heat, close the door quickly and protect yourself
If the corridor is clear, take your keys, lock your door, and go to the nearest stairway.

DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR
Open the nearest stairway door carefully.

If there is no smoke, use the stairway to leave the building.
If there is smoke, do not enter. Close the door. Go to another stairway and open the door carefully.
If there is no smoke here, use this stairway to leave the building
If there is smoke, do not enter. If there are other stairways, try them. If there are not, return to your apartment and protect yourself from smoke

When you are inside the stairway

If you find smoke on your way down the stairs, leave that stairway as soon as you can. In some buildings, some doors leading from the stairway to the corridor may be locked. But at least every five floors the doors will not lock so you can leave the stairway.

Use another stairway if it is clear of smoke.
If you can’t use any stairway, return to your apartment if you can, or go into any corridor and bang on apartment doors until you find a place to take shelter.
Never go to the roof. Smoke usually rises to the top of the stairway. Doors opening onto the roof are locked and you could be trapped.
Remember, wherever you are, if there is smoke, crawl low under it. The air is cleaner near the floor.

If you remain in your apartment

You must protect yourself from smoke. Stay in your apartment until you are rescued or until you are told to leave. This may take a long time. Do not try to leave your apartment a long time after the alarm has sounded. The longer you wait, the more risk there is that heavy smoke will have spread into stairways and corridors. Your chances of survival are less.

Keep smoke from entering your apartment. Use duct tape to seal cracks around the door and place wet towels at the bottom. Seal vents or air ducts the same way.
If smoke enters your apartment:

Telephone the fire department, tell them where you are and then move to the balcony. Close the doors behind you.
If you don’t have a balcony, go to the most smoke-free room, close the door and seal it with tape and towels. Open the window for fresh air.
Show your rescuers where you are by hanging a sheet from the window or balcony.
Keep low to the floor where the air is cleaner.
Listen for instructions from authorities.

Remember, fire safety begins with you.
Find out about fire safety in your building. For more information to help you survive a fire, ask your building management or the fire department.

Candle Safety

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 13:57:12 -0400

When burning candles in the home, use the following safety tips:
Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or when going to sleep.
Do not use candles where they can be knocked over by children or pets. Never leave children or pets unattended in a room with a candle.
Don’t allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
Keep candles away from items that can ignite such as clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, flammable decorations or anything else that burns.
Always use candleholders, even for wide-based candles. They should be sturdy, large enough to collect dripping wax, and non-flammable.
Avoid setting a candle on combustible material such as cardboard. Even glass can crack if heated to high temperatures; metal holders are recommended.
Place candles on a secure piece of furniture.
Do not place lit candles in windows where blinds or curtains can close over them.
Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
Extinguish candles when they get within two inches of the holder.
Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch.
When purchasing candles or centerpieces with candles, avoid those with material that could ignite either within the candle or at the base (potpourri, dried flowers, fabric, etc.).
Avoid using greenery around the base of the candles.
Use flashlights for temporary lighting in power outages, not candles. Keep plenty of fresh batteries on hand during thunderstorm seasons.
Candles that burn quickly are more dangerous than ones that burn slowly and efficiently.

Camping Fire Prevention

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:01:09 -0400

Never have a flame inside a tent such as any oil lamps, candles, matches, heaters, or stoves. Use a flashlight inside the tent.

When buying tents and sleeping bags, make sure they are labelled fire retardant. Even so, pitch the tent a safe distance upwind of your campfire.

Have an adult be responsible for matches and lighters; keep them out of children’s hands.

Camping Safety tips

Everyone loves to relax and enjoy the great outdoors when camping. But just because you are taking a break, do not forget fire safety precautions. When you arrive at your site, you should ensure that tents are kept at least 6 meters apart and away from the fire, and keep a torch handy for emergencies.

If there is a fire:

1. Fires in tents spread very quickly. Get everyone out straight away.

2. Call the Fire Fighters and give the exact location.

3. Give a map reference, if possible. Otherwise, give a landmark to help the rescuers locate you.

Tents

1. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.

2. Flammable liquids and gas cylinders should be kept outside the tent and away from children.

3. Keep cooking appliances away from walls and the roof and where they can easily be knocked over.

4. Do not cook near flammable materials or long grass.

5. Have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of the tent if there is a fire.

6. Make sure everyone knows how to put out a clothing fire – stop, drop and roll.

7. Never use candles in or near a tent. Torches are much safer.

8. Oil burning appliances should not be used in or around tents.

9. Cooking appliances should not be used in small tents.

10. Never smoke inside tents.

Prevention is the key. A fire can destroy a tent in less than 60 seconds. Avoid using naked flames inside tents.

Burns – The Need For Caution

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:20:46 -0400

Every year in Canada, severe injuries and deaths occur as a result of burns and scalds. Sadly, many of these injuries affected children and could have easily been prevented. Usually, it’s children’s curiosity that gets them into trouble. They come across a lighter or matches, or they manage to get too close to a baseboard heater or a hot stove element.

Burns from Hot Liquids

§ When bathing children, always turn cold water on first before the hot. Test the water temperature before allowing your child to get into the bathtub or shower. Consider adjusting your hot water heater to a maximum temperature of 49°C or 120°F.

§ Children should not play with a hot water tap. Teach them to turn the cold water on first.

§ Avoid carrying or holding children while you are drinking a hot beverage.

Burns from Household Appliances

§ Turn pot handles towards the centre of the stove.

§ Keep cords for electrical appliances such as deep fryers, kettles, steam irons and toasters out of the reach of children.

§ Supervise children near lamps with accessible hot light bulbs.

§ Store items that interest children, such as cookies, away from the immediate area around the kitchen stove.

§ Keep children away from stationary and portable heaters.

Lighters and Matches

Every year hundreds of fires are started by children playing with lighters or matches. Many of these fires are caused by children under the age of five. Children as young as 18 months have caused fires by operating lighters. Disposable lighters sold by retailers must be child-resistant, but remember, child-resistant does not mean childproof. Store lighters out of sight and out of the reach of children and do not remove the child safety devices from the lighter. Remember to:

§ Teach children that lighters and matches are not toys.

§ Instruct young children to tell an adult if they find lighters or matches.

§ Set a good example: always use lighters and matches responsibly.

§ Install and maintain smoke alarms.

§ Supervise your children’s play.

Prevention is the best way to keep your home safe from fire. For more information on fire prevention, contact your local Fire Department.

Fire Safety Checklist

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:27:33 -0400

Are you aware of the safety hazards around you? If you so, are you doing something to prevent those fire risks? Below is a checklist of fire hazards that can be around you in your house. Once you have gone through our list, see can you find other hazards that we’ve missed…go ahead we dare you to!

Are fuel-burning space heaters and appliances properly installed and used?

Are all space heaters placed away from traffic? Are children and elderly persons cautioned to keep their clothing away?

Has the family been cautioned not to use flammable liquids, like gasoline, to start or freshen a fire (or for cleaning purposes)?

Is the fireplace equipped with a metal fire screen or heat-tempered glass doors?

Since portable gas and oil heaters in fireplaces use up oxygen as they burn, do you provide proper ventilation when they are in use?

Are proper clearances provided between space heaters and curtains, bedding, furniture, etc?

Do you stop members of your household from smoking in bed?

Do you know you should give matches or lighters to an adult if you find them? What about your younger brother or sister?

Do you check up after others to see that no cigarette butts are lodged in upholstered furniture where they can smolder unseen at night?

Are matches and lighters kept away from small children?

Do you dispose of smoking materials carefully (not in waste baskets) and keep large, safe ashtrays wherever people smoke?

Children get burned climbing on the stove to reach an item overhead. Do you store cookies, cereal, or other “bait” away from the stove?

Do you keep your basement closets, garage, and yard, clear of combustibles like papers, cartons, old furniture, or old rags?

Are gasoline and other flammable liquids stored in safety cans (never glass jugs, discarded bleach bottles, or other makeshift containers) and away from heat, sparks, and children?

Is paint kept in tightly-closed metal containers?

Are there enough electrical outlets in every room and special circuits for heavy-duty appliances such as space heaters and air conditioners?

Are furnace, stove, and smoke pipes far enough from combustible walls and ceilings, and in good repair?

Is your heating equipment checked yearly by a serviceman?

Is the chimney cleaned and checked regularly?

For safety against chimney and other sparks, is the roof covering fire retardant?

Did you have a qualified electrician install or extend your wiring?

Do all your appliances carry the seal of a testing laboratory?

Alberta Fire Bans

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:21:39 -0400

As the wildfire hazard climbs in an area of the province, local Sustainable Resource Development staff, through the Provincial Forest Fire Centre Wildfire Prevention Section, recommend that the Minister initiate a Ministerial Order to implement a fire ban or forest area closure.

Implementing a fire ban is one tool to minimize the risk of accidental wildfires resulting from human activity. If the wildfire hazard becomes extreme, the Minister may order a forest area closure for the area affected.

Implementing a forest area closure not only minimizes the risk of human-caused wildfires in the area, but also manages the number of people in the area should a wildfire threaten the forest and create the need for an evacuation. The purpose of a forest area closure is to protect public safety.

A Ministerial Order is a temporary law. It remains in effect until it is revoked: typically when the wildfire hazard has sufficiently lessened.

Forestry Division incorporates community-based social marketing plans to help raise Albertans’ awareness of wildfire prevention. As more people spend time in the forested landscape, the incidence of wildfires that threaten human lives and property have increased. This, in turn, reinforces the need for increased proactive wildfire prevention efforts.