January 18th, 2012
This information is brought to you by the United States Fire Admin.
A Factsheet on Home Electrical Fire Prevention
Electrical fires in our homes claim the lives of 310 Americans each year and injure 1,100 more. Some of these fires are caused by electrical system failures, but many more are caused by incorrectly installed wiring and overloaded circuits and extension cords.
The Problem
During a typical year, home electrical problems account for 28,600 fires and $1.1 billion in property losses. 53% of residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring.
December and January are the most dangerous months for electrical fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use. The bedroom is the leading area of fire origin for residential building electrical fires. However, electrical fires that begin in the living room/family room/den areas result in the most deaths.
The Cause
- Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with “fixed wiring” such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches also cause many home electrical fires.
- Light fixtures and lamps/light bulbs are also leading causes of electrical fires.
- Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance, and running the cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.
Safety Precautions
- Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring.
- Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately.
- Replace any electrical tool if it causes even small electrical shocks, overheats, shorts out, or gives off smoke or sparks.
- Keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters; pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Buy electrical products evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- Keep clothes, curtains, and other potentially combustible items at least three feet from all heaters.
- If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Don’t allow children to play with or around electrical appliances like space heaters, irons, and hair dryers.
- Use safety closures to “child-proof” electrical outlets.
- Use electrical extension cords wisely; never overload extension cords or wall sockets.
- Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.
Tags: electrical fire prevention, electrical fire tips, electrical fires, electrical safety, electronics fire safety, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education
Posted in Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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January 13th, 2012
A chimney fire in action can be impressive. It has been described variously as creating loud cracking and popping noises, a lot of dense smoke and an intense, hot smell. Chimney fires can burn explosively – noisy and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbors or people passing by. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying airplane. However, those are only the chimney fires you know about.
Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have fuel to be dramatic or visible. But, the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure – and nearby combustible parts of the house – as their more spectacular cousins. With proper chimney system care, chimney fires are entirely preventable.
Masonry Chimneys.
When chimney fires occur in masonry chimneys, the high temperatures at which they burn (around 2000°F) can melt mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material. Most often, tiles crack and mortar is displaced, which provides a pathway for flames to reach the combustible wood frame of the house. One chimney fire may not harm a home. A second can burn it down. Pre-fabricated, factory-built, metal chimneys. To be installed in most jurisdictions in the United States, factory built, metal chimneys that are designed to vent wood burning stoves or pre-fabricated metal fireplaces must pass special tests determined by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). Most tests require the chimney to withstand flue temperatures up to 2100°F – without sustaining damage. Under chimney fire conditions, damage to these systems still may occur. When pre-fabricated, factory-built metal chimneys are damaged by a chimney fire, they should no longer be used and must be replaced.
For more information on chimney fires, view:
Creosote Chimney Fires – What You Must Know.
Tags: Albemarle, chimney fire, fire safety, home fire safety, home fires, masonry chimney
Posted in Burns, Children & Fire Safety, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips
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December 26th, 2011
Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fuel fires, while providing heat for a home. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the byproducts of combustion – the substances produced when wood burns. These include smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon volatile, tar fog and assorted minerals. As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs.
The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky…tar-like, drippy and sticky…or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system. Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities – and catches fire inside the chimney flue instead of the firebox of the fireplace or wood stove – the result will be a chimney fire. Although any amount of creosote can burn, sweeps are concerned when creosote builds up in sufficient quantities to sustain a long, hot, destructive chimney fire. Certain conditions encourage the buildup of creosote. Simply put, restricted air supply, unseasoned wood and cooler-than normal chimney temperatures are all factors that can accelerate the buildup of creosote on chimney flue walls.
Air supplies on fireplaces may be restricted by closed glass doors or by failure to open the damper wide enough to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly (the longer the smoke’s “residence time” in the flue, the more likely is it that creosote will form). A wood stove’s air supply can be limited by closing down the stove damper or air inlets too soon and too much, and by improperly using the stovepipe damper to restrict air movement. Burning unseasoned wood – because so much energy is used initially just to drive off the water trapped in the cells of the logs– keeps the resulting smoke cooler, as it moves through the system, than if dried seasoned wood is used. In the case of wood stoves, fully packed loads of wood (that give large cool fires and 8 or 10 hour burn times) also contribute to creosote buildup. Cool flue temperatures speed creosote production, too. Condensation of the unburned byproducts of combustion occurs more rapidly in an exterior chimney, for example, than in a chimney that runs through the center of a house and exposes only the upper reaches of the flue to the elements.
For more safety tips on fire places, click here.
Tags: chimney fire, cooking fire safety tips, cresote fire, fire prevention, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, home fire safety
Posted in Burns, Children & Fire Safety, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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December 24th, 2011
When most of us think of the holidays, we picture roaring fires in our fireplaces, stockings hung on the chimney, and Christmas trees covered in tiny lights and ornaments galore. But along with all the holiday decor comes a slew of safety concerns, particularly around your fireplace.
Here are some things you can do to ensure a fun holiday fireplace experience and keep your family and your home safe at the same time:
- Keep decor, gifts, and other holiday items away from your chimney while you have a fire going. Take consideration of all the decor, not just the stockings hanging off the chimney. Relocate gifts, garland, electric lights, Christmas trees, and anything else that could ignite.
- Your fireplace should have a mesh (or glass) screen you can close to prevent embers from jumping out into the room, so make sure to use it. If you don’t have a screen, have one installed before starting a fire in your fireplace.
- Stovepipe thermostats can be installed to monitor the temperature in your chimney and can be helpful in reminding you when to put out the fire.
- Never use flammable liquids to get your fire started. They can be a mess and can cause the fire to get out of hand.
- Firewood should be placed at the back of your fireplace for safety.
- Only use hard wood to burn your fire, never old magazines, boxes, books, or other items you want to get rid of.
- Every year, have a professional chimney specialist inspect and clean your chimney to ensure it’s working properly. This will help make sure your chimney and flue are free of leaves, twigs, and other debris.
- If you don’t have a smoke alarm in rooms that house fireplaces, install them right away. Make sure to test the batteries and replace them annually to ensure they work properly.
- Most of all, never leave your fire unattended, and never leave children alone when there’s a fire going. Make sure to also extinguish the fire fully before leaving the house or going to bed.
For more information on chimney fire safety, click here.
Tags: chimney fire safety, Earthwise, fire escape plan, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education
Posted in Burns, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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December 23rd, 2011
The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment. Remember the following safety tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.
- Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range.
- Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays for guests who smoke and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.
- After a party, always check on, between and under upholstery and cushions and inside trashcans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
- Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children (preferably in a locked cabinet). When smokers visit your home, ask that they keep smoking materials with them.
- Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections should not be used.
- Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and place them well away from tree branches.
- Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.
- Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
- When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet (one meter) away from any heat source and try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances.
- Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
- Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house.
For more holiday safety tips, click here.
Tags: cooking fire safety tips, fire escape plan, fire prevention, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, home fire safety
Posted in Children & Fire Safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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November 28th, 2011
The fire death rate among people over the age of 65 is twice as high as the national average, according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA). In addition, the fire death rate among people between ages 75 and 85 is three times the national average and after age 85, it increases to four times the national average. These statistics are especially alarming when researchers estimate that by 2030, the 65 and older population will exceed 70 million people.
Adults 65 years and older can reduce their fire death rate by changing five major fire safety habits:
Change Smoke Alarm Batteries
Having a working smoke alarm can more than double your chances of surviving a fire. Make sure alarms are installed on each level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. If sleeping with bedroom doors closed, the smoke alarms should be installed within each room. Test each alarm monthly and replace the battery at least once a year. Adults who are deaf or hard of hearing should invest in visual aids such as alarms with strobe lights. Flashing or vibrating smoke alarms should also be tested every month.
Change or Update Escape Routes
Many older adults are still using escape routes that were planned when the kids were in the house. Plan and practice your home fire escape. Consider your capabilities when preparing escape routes. Have two ways to get out of each room and if needed, make sure all exits are accessible for walkers or wheelchairs.
Change Unsafe Smoking Habits
Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths among Americans 65 years and older. Make sure that you are alert when you smoke and never smoke in bed. When you are finished smoking, soak the ashes in water before discarding them. Never leave smoking materials unattended, and collect them in large deep ashtrays.
Change Unsafe Cooking Habits
Cooking fires are the leading cause of fire injuries among older adults. When using the stove, never leave cooking food unattended. If you need to step away, turn it off. Also, wear tight-fitting clothing when cooking over an open flame; a dangling sleeve can catch fire easily. Keep towels and potholders away from the flame.
Change Unsafe Heating Practices
Install and maintain heating equipment correctly. Do not store newspapers, rags, or other combustible materials near a furnace, hot water heater, or space heater. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains or furniture, at least three feet from space heaters. Never use a stove as a substitute for a furnace or space heater.
Tags: Albemarle, fire escape plan, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips
Posted in Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Saefty Awards, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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November 28th, 2011
We all love to keep warm through winter and aim to do so as cheaply and efficiently as possible. However we should not forget that each type of heat source carries it own type of risk.
Here are some helpful tips on how to keep you and your family safe this winter:
Matches and Lighters
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Keep all matches and lighters up high, out of the sight and reach of children. |
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Teach children to take matches or lighters to an adult straight away. |
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Only use child resistant lighters and safety matchbox holders. |
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Child resistant lighters are not child proof! |
Electric Blankets
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Check for frayed cords and other damage. |
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Ensure your electric blanket is secured to your bed. |
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Always turn off your electric blanket at the wall before getting into bed. |
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Have blankets checked annually by a competent service person. |
Gas Cabinet Heaters
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Don’t use in a confined space and always ensure there is adequate ventilation, for example never use a gas heater in a bedroom. |
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Don’t leave anything too close to the heater; objects (including people) should be at least 1m away. Don’t dry clothes on these (or near any other open flames). |
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Store and install cylinders in an upright position with the valve uppermost. |
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Be careful when changing cylinders. Make sure the valve on the empty cylinder is turned off before disconnecting and the full cylinder is securely connected before turning on. |
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For families with children or the elderly or infirm always use a gas heater guard. |
Tags: Earthwise, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, home fire safety, kids fire safety, winter heating tips
Posted in Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved, Uncategorized
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November 16th, 2011
Building a bonfire
Fire can spread easily, so where and how you build your bonfire is important. If you have a bonfire, follow these simple guidelines:
- only burn dry material not damp, which causes more smoke
- build the bonfire away from sheds, fences and trees
- check there are no cables – like telephone wires – above the bonfire
- don’t use petrol or paraffin to get the fire going – it may get out of control quickly
Bonfire safety tips
Once the bonfire is lit, make sure you:
- keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby - in case of emergencies
- don’t leave the bonfire unattended
- keep children and pets away from the bonfire
- don’t throw any fireworks into the fire
- don’t burn aerosols, canisters or anything containing foam or paint – many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury
Once the bonfire has died down, spray the embers with water to stop it reigniting.
For more on bonfire safety, click here.
Tags: Albemarle, bonfire safety, burn awareness week, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, home fire safety
Posted in Children & Fire Safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved, Pets & Fire
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November 16th, 2011
Did you change back your clocks for daylight saving time earlier this month? This time of year also marks an important safety milestone.
As our nation moved back to standard time, the U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to mark the occasion as a time to test your home smoke alarms and replace the batteries if more than one year old.
Every day in the United States home fire deaths occur and working smoke alarms significantly increase the chances of surviving a deadly fire. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in a home that can alert people to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert scanning the air for fire and smoke.
In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries, Albemarle recommends the following steps to protect lives:
• Dust or vacuum smoke alarms when changing the batteries.
• Check alarms once a month using the test button.
• Replace the entire alarm if it is more than 10 years old or does not work properly when tested.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of a home, including the basement, and both inside and outside sleeping areas.
• For the best protection, equip a home with a combination of ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor alarms.
• Interconnect all smoke alarms so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Make sure everyone in a home understands the warning of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond to an emergency.
• Finally, prepare and practice an escape plan so everyone can get out of a home safely should there be a fire. Plan to meet in a place a safe distance from the fire in a spot easily spotted by first responders.
For more clock changing, fire safety tips, click here.
Tags: Albemarle, electronics fire safety, fire prevention, fire safety, fire safety checklist, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, smoke detectors
Posted in Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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October 24th, 2011
Believe it or not, according to the National Fire Protection Association, each year more than 1,000 house fires are accidentally started by pets. Pet proofing your home against potential fire hazards could save your life and the lives of your favorite four-legged friends.
We suggest practicing the following tips to keep you, your family and your pets safe.
- Be sure to secure wires and cords. Cats are especially interested in playing with anything that looks like string. Keep electrical wires and power cords secured and out of your pet’s reach.
- Don’t leave lit candles unattended, remember to blow them out when you are not in the same room. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock the candles over.
- Pets are naturally curious and will investigate almost anything that has a scent, including your oven. Did you know, exploring stove tops is the number one way your pet can accidentally start a fire?
- There is no such thing as too many smoke detectors. Your home should have at least one on each floor of your home and especially outside of each bedroom.
- In the event of an emergency, placing a pet rescue sticker alerts rescue workers that animals are inside your home. Write down the number of pets inside and attach the sticker to a front window or door
For more information on pet protection within your home, view:
Prepare Your Fiddo and Kitty When You Escape from a Fire.
Tags: fire escape plan, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Kitchen Fire Safety Tips, pet fire protection, pets
Posted in Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Pets & Fire
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