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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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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September 26th, 2011
Fire emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time of the day. It can happen at home, at the mall or even in a construction site. A construction area is more susceptible to fire and when this happens, the risks that it poses are greater compared to a burning house or building. That is why the fire department is stricter when it comes to implementing fire safety regulations in construction sites. Making sure that the safety of the workers is prioritized through observing and practicing construction fire safety is the number one goal.
The following tips are to help you stay safe at a construction site:
1. Inform the fire department about the construction project that will be completed. This is important due to the fact the fire department can assist you produce a fire safety program that is in line with the basic fire safety rules.
2. As much as achievable, prevent employing open up flames in a construction. Discover other choices to make sure that the fire will not expand or will be as well difficult to control.
3. If you genuinely require to use hazardous supplies or units like welding machines or propane torches, make sure that there are at least two fire extinguishers that are within fifteen feet of the location in which these materials or devices will be employed. This will help extinguish the fire.
4. Eliminate all combustible components from the region soon after construction hours are done or make sure to place a fire resistant covering on them to prevent fire from igniting.
5. When employing chemical solvents, have proper ventilation in the area to prevent the fumes from exploding.
6. Prohibit the construction staff from smoking cigarettes on the construction site. Often, reckless disposal of these small cigarette butts are the results of fire in a building.
7. Make sure to keep all flammable liquids stored in a fire proof cabinet on the outside of the building. These flammable liquids can easily trigger fire breaking out in a construction site.
For more fire safety tips, view: Would Your Child Sleep Through a Fire Alarm?
Tags: Albemarle, burn awareness week, construction fire safety, construction sits, cooking fire safety tips, electronic fire safety, fire escape plan, Fire Safety Education, home fire safety
Posted in Burns, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved, Uncategorized
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June 12th, 2011
How much do you know about fire safety? Grab your family and find out together. This fun quiz will help you understand where the fire dangers are in your home, and what you can do to help your family turn your house into a fire smart home.
First, cover the bottom answers,and then write down your answer and compare.
- Kids can cook alone without asking permission? T or F
- Fire is loud, hot and smoky? T or F
- When escaping a fire, crawl on the floor under the smoke? T or F
- Never go back inside a burning building. T or F
- If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop and roll. T or F
- Smoke alarms tell you about fires you may not see. T or F
- Take your time when escaping a fire. T or F
- Always call the Fire Department from home. T or F
Answer Sheet
- False – Always get your parent’s permission before doing anything in the kitchen.
- True – The temperature of fire is over 1,200 degrees and produces a lot of smoke.
- True – Crawl as low as possible to the floor to escape the smoke.
- True – Get out and stay out. Never go back into a burning building.
- True – Remember to stop, drop and roll to prevent skin burns.
- True – Smoke alarms can detect fires long before you can.
- False – Get out of your house as fast as you can.
- False – Call the fire department after you are safely out of the house from a neighbor’s home or cell phone.
For more fire safety tips, view:
Sleepover Fire Safety Checklist for Families
When You Are Away, Are Your Children Fire Safe?
Tags: Albemarle, Earthwise, electronic fire safety, electronics fire safety, fire escape plan, fire evacuation plan, fire extinguisher
Posted in Children & Fire Safety, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Saefty Awards, Fire Safety & Electronics, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Uncategorized
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May 13th, 2011
Is your child safe staying overnight at a friend’s home? Before you permit your child to sleep over with a friend, talk to the child’s parents. Depending on what you learn, it can either uncover serious fire dangers or give you peace of mind during your child’s sleepover. The majority of fire deaths occur late at night and if you don’t know for certain that the home is equipped with working smoke alarms, and that the sleepover will be supervised by an adult, don’t take the risk.
Use the following checklist to ensure your child’s safety:
Before you say YES:
- How well do you know the home?
- Is the home in a safe area?
- Is there an easy escape route for your child to leave out of in case of an emergency?
- Is your child comfortable in the home?
- Are you comfortable leaving your child there overnight?
How well do you know the parents?
- Are they mature, responsible and conscientious?
- Will they supervise the children throughout the stay?
- Are they cautious of smoking materials such as candles, matches and lighters?
Ask the parents:
- Are working fire alarms on every floor and inside/outside of each sleeping area of the home?
- Are the alarm interconnected?
- Do you have a well-rehearsed fire escape plan?
- Where will my child be sleeping?
For more fire safety checklists view:
Four Smart Moves That Can Save Your House and Family
Stay Safe With the Earthwise Fire Safety Checklist
Tags: Albemarle, burn awareness week, cooking fire safety tips, Earthwise, fire escape plan, fire prevention, fire safety, kids fire safety, kids sleepovers, sleepover
Posted in Burns, Children & Fire Safety, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Get Involved, Uncategorized
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April 20th, 2011
On Friday, April 22, people all over the world will join together to celebrate our planet – don’t be left out on the celebrations! Earth Day is a perfect time to reflect about what you are doing to help protect the environment. There are many ways that you can celebrate alone and with others. Here are some ideas:
- Planet a tree. This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cleans pollution, secures soil in place to prevent erosion, and provides homes for a lot of biodiversity.
- Make nature crafts. For example, build a birdhouse. This will play an important role in every ecosystem.
- Learn and teach others about the environment. Research issues such as pollution, endangered species, water shortages, recycling, and climate change. Teach others as well.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle all day long. Buy as little as possible during this day, and avoid items that cannot be recycled.
- Wear green and/or brown. Think tree and be like one with the environment.
- Cook a special Earth Day meal. Use locally organic produced foods that have minimal impact on the environment.
- Ride your bike or other forms of human powered transportation. This will reduce the amount of air pollution AND save you money at the pump.
We are proud to be an environmentally responsible company, not only by practicing green chemistry, but developing new products that provide fire safety and are eco-friendly. Join in and do you part too. Celebrate Earth Day every day!
Also, check out:
Holiday Fire Prevention That Can Save Lives
Going Environmentally Green in April for 41 Years
Chemists Celebrate Earth Day April 22
Tags: Albemarle, clean pollution, Earth Day, Earthwise, environment, Plant a tree, Ride a bike
Posted in Earth Day, Get Involved, Hero Stories, Uncategorized
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February 7th, 2011
No one wants to be burned by a fire, nor does anyone want to be scalded from hot liquid or steam. These injuries are painful and may result in long term care, scarring and in some cases death. Most burn injuries happen in a person’s home more than anywhere else, and the most common places in a home are in the kitchen, dining rooms and bathrooms. Although everyone is capable of getting a burn, infants and young children are at the most risk – their skin is thinner than the average adult. People with disabilities and older adults are also more susceptible to burns. Because of this, Burn Awareness Week, February 6-12, 2011, is designed to provide the following burn, fire and life saving safety tips:
- The maximum water temperature in a resident should be no more than 120˚F (48˚C).
- Be sure to carefully read all cautions on sides of gasoline containers.
- Review all safety precautions when using a portable fuel container.
- Children should never use gasoline – it should be kept out of reach at all times.
- Install anti-scald or tempering devices.
- Never use gas to start a fire.
- Do not store gasoline in your vehicle or in any living/high traffic area.
- Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
- Keep gasoline containers closed when not in use.
- When filling a tub, turn the cold water on first, and then add hot. Turn off the hot water first. This can prevent scalding.
- Try to avoid flushing toilets, running water or the use of a washer while someone is showering.
- Keep children a safe distance away from countertops or stovetops, hot liquids, hot surfaces or other cooking hazards.
- Keep all pot handles turned back, away from the stove edge and all appliance cords should be places away from the counter edge
And remember, in case of an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Tags: burn awareness week, Burn tips, childhood burns, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, home fire safety
Posted in Burns, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety Education, Get Involved, Scalding water, Uncategorized
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January 12th, 2011
Does your family have a plan for what to do in case of a fire emergency? A prepared and drawn out fire drill plan that is put into practice a few times a year will keep your family safe rather than sorry.
First, work together as a family and locate two ways out of each room, even if one of the exit routes is out of a window. Draw a map and mark where all of the doors and window are, mark where the smoke alarms are located and mark a place where everyone will meet outside. Next to every phone, place emergency contact numbers so that your children have an easier time remembering 9-1-1, the home phone number and street address. All of your smoke alarms should be working properly and checked frequently.
Next, walk through your fire drill evacuation plan with every member of your family by following these steps:
- When the smoke alarm goes off crawl on the floor over to the closest door. Feel around the door a lightly touch the doorknob to feel for heat. If everything feels cool, evacuate the house and meet at the marked meeting place. If anything feels warm, escape through the secondary exit route.
- Remind your children that smoke rises and that it is safer to crawl low to the floor because the air will be cleaner and easier to breathe.
- Close all the doors behind you to prevent the fire from spreading further.
- Once outside, pretend to call 9-1-1.
- Talk about the drill and ask your children if they have any questions.
- Place your fire drill escape plan on your refrigerator.
And remember, practice makes perfect!
Tags: fire escape plan, fire evacuation plan, fire extinguisher, fire preparedness, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, home fire safety, smoke alarm
Posted in Children & Fire Safety, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety Devices, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Uncategorized
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December 13th, 2010
Wood burning stoves and space heaters are commonly used during wintertime to heat homes because of the high cost of heating fuels. These heating alternatives are also the reason for many residential fires. Many fires can be prevented by easily following safety tips that help maintain a safe home this winter:
Furnace Heating
- Have your furnace checked every year before you begin to use it and be sure that all of the controls and emergency shut offs work properly.
- If your furnace needs repair, do not try to fix it yourself. Take the furnace to a qualified specialist.
- When the furnace is on, check your walls. If they are hot or discolored, you may need additional piping.
- Keep trash and other combustibles away from the furnace.
- Do not discard the ashes inside of your home; place them in a plastic container and dispose away from the house.
Kerosene Heaters
- Always inspect heater properly before use.
- Burning fuel in a house can produce deadly fumes, be sure to have proper venting.
- Only use the fuel recommended for the heater and never use cold fuel, which cold easily expand in the tank.
- Never fill the heater with fuel while it is in use and always refuel outdoors, away from young children.
Fireplaces and Woodstoves
- Make sure the fireplace of stove is properly installed.
- Check your chimney often and clean if necessary.
- Never use flammable liquid to start a fire.
- Use a screen in front of the fireplace or stove to keep embers from jumping out.
- Burn your stove at least twice a day to reduce the build up of creosote.
- Burning charcoal inside can produces lethal amounts of carbon monoxide; always burn charcoal outside.
- Never close your damper with hot coals inside the fireplace.
Always wear proper clothing when using these heating devices; loose clothing can be easily ignited and make sure to always turn off heating devices before going to sleep. Every level of your residence should have properly working smoke alarms. Be sure to check out more home safety tips.
Tags: fire escape plan, fire prevention, fire safety, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, home fire safety, kids fire safety
Posted in Children & Fire Safety, Fire & Smoke Alarms, Fire Safety Education, Fire Safety Tips, Uncategorized
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