January 18th, 2012
As teachers, it is important to teach your students the fundamentals of fire safety. Below are lessons you can use to help make the fire safety activities more enjoyable.
Fire Extinguisher Kit
Have the children bring any size metal can with a plastic lid to school and a box of baking soda or salt. Cover the cans with red construction paper, write FIRE! all over the red paper with a white crayon, and fill them with salt or baking soda.
Slip a note inside the can telling mom that because we have learned NOT to ever throw water on a grease fire (because that would make it bigger), we have made a safe fire extinguisher for the kitchen. Also add instructions that this can is for sitting close to the stove where kitchen fires are apt to begin.
Firefighter Tips
Dress each student in a fire hat and coat (borrowed or from the dress-up clothes) and take pictures of the children wearing them. Then each child tells a fire safety tip. Mount the tip on a paper with their picture and the title “Firefighter Josh says…”
Art Projects
Fire Spatters - Draw a simple house frame with windows onto paper and then duplicate for each child. Let child color, if he/she desires. Then give each student a tiny dot of red in each window. Encourage him/her to blow thru a straw to blow the paint, to create a fire spray effect. Repeat with a tiny dot of yellow in each window.
Fire Painting- Give student a black piece of paper. Squirt thick lines of yellow, red, and orange paint randomly onto the paper. Give the child a piece of saran wrap and lay over the paint. Encourage the child to pull the saran wrap off, using vertical pulling action. Remove saran wrap and let dry. If desired glue on a small fire engine.
Big Red- Run a black line master of a fire engine onto thick tag-board. Then give each child a chance to paint the fire engine red, using finger paint, easel paint, marble painting, etc; (To marble paint, dip marbles in red paint. Place picture in a shallow tray and let the children shake the tray back and forth, creating marble marks; continue until child is satisfied.)
For more information on school fire safety, view:
Schools are for Learning, Not Burning
Tags: elementray fire safety lessons, fire extinguisher, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, fire safety lessons, kids fire safety, school fire safety, teach lessons, teacher fire safety activities
Posted in Children & Fire Safety, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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January 18th, 2012
With so many fire extinguishers to choose from, selecting the proper one for your home can be a daunting task. Everyone should have at least one fire extinguisher at home, but it’s just as important to ensure you have the proper type of fire extinguisher. Fire protection experts recommend one for the kitchen, the garage and workshop.
Fire extinguishers are divided into four categories, based on different types of fires. Each fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that serves as a guide for the amount of fire the extinguisher can handle. The higher the number, the more fire-fighting power. The following is a quick guide to help choose the right type of extinguisher.
- Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and most plastics. The numerical rating on these types of extinguishers indicates the amount of water it holds and the amount of fire it can extinguish. Geometric symbol (green triangle)
- Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil. The numerical rating for class B extinguishers indicates the approximate number of square feet of fire it can extinguish. Geometric symbol (red square)
- Class C fires involve electrical equipment, such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets. Never use water to extinguish class C fires – the risk of electrical shock is far too great! Class C extinguishers do not have a numerical rating. The C classification means the extinguishing agent is non-conductive. Geometric symbol (blue circle)
- Class D fire extinguishers are commonly found in a chemical laboratory. They are for fires that involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium. These types of extinguishers also have no numerical rating, nor are they given a multi-purpose rating – they are designed for class D fires only. Geometric symbol (Yellow Decagon)
- Class K fire extinguishers are for fires that involve cooking oils, trans-fats, or fats in cooking appliances and are typically found in restaurant and cafeteria kitchens. Geometric symbol (black hexagon)
Some fires may involve a combination of these classifications. Your fire extinguishers should have ABC ratings on them.
For more information about the use of fire extinguishers, view:
Fire Safety Tips for Your Workplace
Tags: cooking fire safety tips, fire escape plan, fire extinguisher, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, home fire safety
Posted in Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips
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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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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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September 29th, 2011
Maryland and Nevada recently updated their school bus fire safety standards, so why is the rest of the nation still relying on regulations from the 1960’s to protect their children? Well, CFFSI is hoping to change that, state by state, in the fall session.
With more than 1.5 Million children riding school buses in the US each day, it is shocking that national fire safety standards have not kept pace with the evolution of modern technology. Maryland and Nevada recognized the need to protect big yellows from the dangers of fast spreading flames and codified standards to set a maximum burn rate for the seats and engine components.
For more information view:
Citizens for Fire Safety
Nevada and Maryland Drive School Bus Fire Safety for our Kids with New Law
Tags: burn awareness week, fire escape plan, fire extinguisher, fire preparedness, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety for All, school bus fire safety
Posted in Children & Fire Safety, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Saefty Awards, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Conferences & Events, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved, Uncategorized
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September 27th, 2011
As summer turns to fall, it’s a good idea to refresh your memory on fall fire safety tips. Some safety tips are the same regardless of the time of year, but many safety concerns are seasonal, particularly those that involve keeping your home warm.
Clearing water from sprinkler systems, getting the furnace fixed, and repairing damaged windows help to keep a home running through the winter months. Many people don’t realize that homes are at a greater risk of fire in the cooler months. The following fall fire safety tips can help home owners prepare their home and protect their families.
- Change the battery in smoke detectors when they changing your clocks during Daylight Savings. Changing the batteries every six months prevents detectors from going dead.
- If you have a chimney, clean it! Creosote is a deposit from smoke that can build up in a chimney and can start a fire.
- Space heaters can also be a fire hazard, it is recommended to create a safe area around the heater. Any furniture should be at least three feet away.
- Trees should be a minimum of 30 feet away from the house and branches and leaves should be cleaned up to limit fuel for a fire.
For more info on fire safety, check out:
Home Fire Sources at Its Worst
Tags: cooking fire safety tips, electronics fire safety, fall fire safety, fire escape plan, fire extinguisher, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, home fire safety
Posted in Burns, Children & Fire Safety, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved, Uncategorized
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August 17th, 2011
Fire Related Accident Facts
How Many People Die in US Home Fires? One life Lost is too Many.
In 2009, U.S. fire departments responded to 362,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 12,650 civilian injuries, 2,565 civilian deaths, $7.6 billion in direct damage.
- 92% of all civilian structure fire deaths resulted from home structure fires.
- Cooking is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries.
- Kitchens are the leading area of origin for home structure fires (37%) and civilian home fire injuries (36%).
- Only 4% of home fires started in the living room, family room, or den; these fires caused 24% of home fire deaths.
- 8% of reported home fires started in the bedroom. These fires caused 25% of home fire deaths, 21% of home fire injuries, and 14% of the direct property damage.
- Smoking is a leading cause of civilian home fire deaths.
- Home structure fires peak around dinner hours between 5:00 and 8:00 pm.
- Almost two-thirds (62%) of reported home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
- Most fatal fires kill one or two people. In 2009, 9 home fires killed five or more people. These 9 fires resulted in 59 deaths.
Fires between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. caused half of home fire deaths. Sundays were the peak day for reported home fires and home fire injuries while fatal home fire injuries were more likely to occur on Saturday.
What are you doing to prevent home fire fatalities?
For more information on home fire safety, view:
8 Questions to Ensure Fire Safety for You and Your Family
Home Fire Sources at its Worst
Tags: Albemarle, cooking fire safety tips, electronics fire safety, fire escape plan, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, home fire safety
Posted in Children & Fire Safety, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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August 11th, 2011
Essential oils, which are easily combustible, are increasingly used in aromatherapy and other complementary treatments. The issue of these combustible oils came to light when a beauty therapy room at Swindon College was badly damaged in April after a blaze broke out in a pile of towels.
Fires in tumble dryers, linen baskets and airing cupboards where towels had oil on them have caught fire and fire officers are concerned that incidents in launderettes, salons and homes could have the same cause.
The problem seems to arise when the wash cycle has been set to a cool temperature. When the wash has been at 100 degrees or above, the oil residue is more likely to be safely broken down by the washing detergents.
For more on fire safety at colleges and workplaces, view:
U.S Senate Makes September Campus Fire Safety Month
Fire Safety Tips for Your Workplace
Tags: Albemarle, Burn Institute, cooking fire safety tips, electronics fire safety, essential oils, fire escape plan, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips
Posted in Burns, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Saefty Awards, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Conferences & Events, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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August 11th, 2011
The United States Senate passed Senate Resolution 104, which marks September as Campus Fire Safety Month. This has helped dramatically in raising the awareness of the importance of campus fire safety on campuses, encourages administrators of institutions of higher education and municipalities across the country to provide educational programs to all students, evaluate the level of fire safety being provided in both on- and off-campus student housing and to ensure fire-safe living environments through fire safety education, installation of fire suppression and detection systems, and the development and enforcement of applicable codes relating to fire safety.
Since January 2000, at least 143 people, including students, parents, and children have died in campus-related fires; 85 percent of those deaths occurred in off-campus residences, whereas a majority of college students in the United States live in off-campus residences.
“During National Campus Fire Safety Month, schools across the country will hold events to raise awareness in campus communities about how to prevent and respond to fires,” said Senator Lautenberg (NJ) in a statement. “We need to take every step possible to keep our students safe so they can focus on their education.”
Are you going to participate, or know anyone who will raise awareness for fire safety on campuses? Let us know!
For more information on campus fire safety view:
Schools are for Learning, not Burning
Fire Safety Tips for Your Workplace
Tags: Albemarle, campus fire safety, college fire safety, electronic fire safety, fire escape plan, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips
Posted in Burns, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Conferences & Events, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved
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