Fire Prevention Week 2012 has come and gone. But, this year's highlighted fire safety theme is something that everyone, young & old, should do as well as needs to practice through the year. Always "Have Two Ways Out!"

listen to ‘Check Out Exits In Public Buildings’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘"Two Ways Out!"’ on Audioboo

Can a fire happen in your home or where you work? Will you know what to do if a fire does happens? These are important questions to answer...a person or family member's life may depend on simply knowing and having two ways out when exiting a structure, be it your home, place of work, or where you shop when a fire occurs.


Most people believe a fire won't happen to them in their homes and they don't plan ahead. Since fires usually give only three to four minutes to escape safely, not knowing what to do can be deadly. Prepare a Home Fire Escape Escape Plan and have the entire family practice it.


- Plan two ways out of every room. Your normal exit may be blocked.
- Test emergency exits. Make sure you can open windows and remove screens and storm windows.
- Provide folding escape ladders from second story windows. Make them out of light rope or purchase metal ladders for escape.
- Practice using emergency exits in the dark and always be safe when practicing. Keep a flashlight next to every bed. Most fatal home fire start at night, while we are asleep and least likely to respond quickly.
- Install and maintain smoke detectors/smoke alarms on every level of the home. Test them monthly and change out the batteries twice a year. Once in the Spring and in the Fall.
- Teach the family to stay low in smoke to avoid poisonous gases. Crawl to exits. Most fire deaths that do happen occur due to smoke inhalation.
-Arrange a meeting place outside the home. Make sure everyone knows to get out quickly and go to the meeting place.
-Call the fire department from a neighbor's house. Do not wait in a burning building to use a phone. Get out and stay out if a fire is occurring in the home.

Plan Your Escape - Have Two Ways Out! 

Be Fire Safe, Be Fire Wise, Learn Not To Burn!

Warning! Dangers With Fireworks!

Use of consumer fireworks dramatically increases risk of fire and injury. National health and safety advocates team up to warn of dangers

Click to Tweet: Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often kids & teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks http://ow.ly/bIyi9 #FireworkSafety

(via NFPA) Just in time for Fourth of July, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released its Fireworks report which explores fire and injury dangers related to consumer fireworks. The report shows that in 2010 alone, an estimated 15,500 reported fires were started by fireworks and 8,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.  It also shows that there are more fires on a typical Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

“Thousands of people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms each year because of incidents involving consumer fireworks and many times these injuries are extremely painful and require long-term recovery – using consumer fireworks is simply not worth the risk,” said James Shannon, president of NFPA. “We encourage families to enjoy public displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.”

The Fireworks report outlines specific statistics regarding how the use of consumer fireworks relates to fire danger including:

• In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires.
• These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.

The report demonstrates using consumer fireworks heightens the risk of injury and even death. The study showed:

• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14 with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• Sparklers and novelties alone accounted for 38 percent of the 8,600 emergency room fireworks injuries in 2010.

With the Fireworks report’s findings in mind, NFPA along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, founded the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks to warn individuals about the dangers of consumer fireworks.The Alliance is a group of health and safety organizations that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.









View the full Fireworks report and more information about NFPA and firework safety.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.



(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Grilling Safety From the NFPA

The Summer is here! Millions of Americans will be having cookouts grilling those hamburgers and hotdogs. It’s important to remember and follow fire safety tips so that all can enjoy a safe summer season at those fun BBQs.

U.S. fire departments responded to an average 8,200 home fires (2005-2009) involving grills, hibachis, or barbeques per year, including an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,800 outside fires. These fire incidents have resulted in an annual average of 15 civilian deaths, 120 reported civilian injuries, and $75 million in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Home Fires involving Cooking Equipment Report.

July is the peak month for grills fires, accounting for 18 percent of all home fires involving grills, including both structure and outside fires. June and May follow closely with 14 percent and 13 percent respectively.





The NPD group reports that more people are grilling all year round, showing that nearly one-third (38 percent) of American households had at least one meal cooked on an outdoor grill in an average two-week period during the year. Even in the winter months of December, January and February, one-quarter (27 percent) had eaten at least one grilled item in a 14-day period.


Other key findings in this report include:


•         Five out of every six grills involved in home fires (84 percent) were fueled by gas while 13 percent used charcoal or other solid fuel.
•         More than one quarter (29 percent) of the home structure fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio.
•         In 2009, 17,700 patients went to the emergency room because of injuries involving grills.
•         Children under the age of five account for almost one-quarter (22 percent) of all thermal grill burns.

NFPA is offers the following safety tips:

•         Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
•         The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
•         Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.
•         Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
•         Never leave your grill unattended.


For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/grilling.






(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

2012's Fire Prevention Week Theme!

 Fire Prevention Week for 2012 will be held October 7th - 13th, and it's theme this for this year is "Have 2 ways out!"

In 2008, home fires killed 2,755 people and injured 13,160. Two of every five home fire deaths were in a home with no smoke alarms and another one in five was in a home where the smoke alarms were not working.

The reality is that when fire strikes, your home could be engulfed in smoke and flames in just a few minutes. 

How to Make a Fire Safety Plan -- powered by ehow

This year's theme aims to educate how it is important to have a home fire escape plan that prepares your family to think fast and get out quickly when the smoke alarm sounds. What if your first escape route is blocked by smoke or flames? That's why having two ways out is such a key part of your plan.

Having working smoke alarms can cut the chances of dying in a fire in half.

The theme will also focus on how to choose, install, and maintain smoke alarms.

NFPA has taken the lead in public fire safety outreach by serving as the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for 88 years.




The annual public awareness and safety commemoration, which is proclaimed by the President of the United States each year, is observed by fire departments in the U.S. and Canada to mark the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire that occurred on October 8th 1871. 


According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record.


Fire Prevention Week is held every year durint the week of October 9th.

This year’s theme,“Have 2 Ways Out!”, focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.

Fire Safety and Electrical Appliances

Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of home fires in the United States. Whereas some are the result of antiquated or damaged appliances and electrical systems, many are caused by user error or deliberate misuse of electrical equipment. Homeowners and tenants should take responsibility for using electrical appliances and equipment safely.

One of the areas to be most concerned with is an appliance in a small, enclosed area. For instance, many people keep a washer and dryer in a closet or small utility area. The dryer must have an appropriate-sized vent and be kept clear of detritus. In addition, the ducts must be securely connected at joints. Loose lint in the laundry room is combustible.

Appliance cords must be checked for frays and damage. They should also be situated away from damaging elements like working light bulbs and nails. Ruptures in cords are a frequent source of house fires. Cords should be out in the open, not covered with rugs or other items. Electrical outlets are also danger areas. Do not overload electrical outlets either in the number of things or in the types of appliances that are plugged in to each outlet.

Older appliances need repair and maintenance. Often it is best to replace an appliance that is not functioning properly. One of the first signs of danger for appliances is a funny smell, especially the odor of something burning. Tenants should talk to their landlords about replacing such appliances. It is in a homeowner's best interest to have properly functioning appliances in his valuable property. Tenants should also carry renters insurance in case of an appliance-caused fire. The monthly payments are a small hedge against a possible total loss.

Unattended cooking remains one of the leading cause of U.S. home fires

Leaving an unattended pan or skillet cooking on the stove is a good way to burn your food, not to mention the chance of burning down your house.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cooking fires are the #1 cause of home* fires and home fire injuries. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fire started with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. Further more according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) statistics, almost 30 percent of all reported home fires start in the kitchen, and of those, most involve the range-top.

Basic cooking fire prevention and fire safety mesures are very simple and easy to do and can prevent a cooking situation from becoming a far worse outcome. Just remember, practice and use these Cooking Fire Safety Tips ...

* Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility.

* Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven.

* Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging).

* Keep children and pets away from cooking areas by creating a three-foot (one-meter) "kid–free zone" around the stove.

* Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped and children can't grab them.

* Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.

* Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated.

* Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner.

* Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.

* If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing.

* There is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again.

* Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings from microwaved food carefully to prevent steam burns.

Fire can ripped through a home after a unattended cooking fire gets started. Such was the case in Lehigh Acres, Florida when the Lehigh Acres Fire Rescue responded to combat a structure fire at 2706 13th Street SW at 1325 hours on 2/24/12. The cause of the fire was unattended cooking. The family told firefighters that around 1:30 p.m., they left their home after cooking and forgot to turn the stove off. Here's news footage of this fire and video footage of the firefighters fighting the blaze...

Remember, Prevent Fires! It's Your Job!

Fire and Burn Prevention

Fires and burns are the second leading cause of household injuries. Each year nearly 4,000 people in the U.S. die in home fires. Thousands of others are injured as a result of fires or accidental burns. Most of these deaths involve children and elderly adults. Kitchen accidents, space heaters, chimney fires, faulty electrical wiring, and cigarettes are common causes. Check your home for fire hazards. Install smoke detectors on every floor.

Tips on Fire Safety

Dispose of cigarettes, cigars, and matches carefully.

Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home and test them monthly.

Plan two escape routes from each floor of your home and practice using them. Be sure you can open doors and windows from the inside without a key.

Never leave a burning candle or fireplace unattended.

Don’t place anything that will burn near a furnace, water heater, space heater, or the stove top.

Don’t use flammable chemicals near appliances with pilot lights.

Have your furnace and chimney inspected each year. Some utility companies provide free or low cost inspections.

Know how to put out kitchen fires. If a fire occurs, don’t panic. For oven fires, close the door and turn off the oven. Use a pot lid to smother a stovetop fire. Keep a filled ABC-rated fire extinguisher near the kitchen.

Pay attention when you are cooking. If you must leave the kitchen turn off all burners.

Prevent scalds by setting your water heater to 120 degrees or lower. Anti-scald devices are available for bathtubs or showers.

Know emergency phone numbers for your area. In most places it is 911. Post the number near each telephone. Teach children the emergency number.

Tips to Protect Children from Fires and Burns

Teach children not to play with matches or lighters. Store them out of sight and reach.

Teach your children what to do if they smell smoke or hear the smoke alarm.

Have children practice escaping from a fire.

Never leave young children alone.

Place pots and pans on the rear burner of the stove and always turn handles inward so they are not accessible to toddlers.

Keep the cords for crockpots, coffee makers, and deep fryers out of the reach of small children.

Electrical Safety

While enjoying electric TVs, radios and other appliances, we may forget they can cause shocks and fires. In 1990, bad plugs, cords, switches, and outlets caused about 13,000 home fires and nearly 200 deaths. Most electrical fires and injuries can be prevented. People should take the time to have their electrical systems inspected and learn about electrical safety.

Tips on Electrical Safety

People who live in homes that are more than 10 years old should consider having the wiring inspected. If your home is more than 40 years old, an inspection is overdue. Be sure to consult with your local building inspector before making repairs.

Never place electric cords under rugs or bedding. Heat or sparks from these cords could cause a fire.

Follow the safety tips on new appliances.

Check electrical cords for signs of wear. Replace frayed or cracked cords to prevent shocks and fires.

Check labels on lamps and use the right size bulb. Check the label on your fuse box and be sure you use the right size fuses.

Fix electrical problems right away. If fuses blow often, circuit breakers trip often, switches get hot or people are shocked, something is wrong.

Cover unused outlets with plastic plugs.

If a cord has 3-prongs, use it properly. Don’t remove the extra prong. The third prong is there because the appliance must be grounded to prevent electrical shocks.

Take cover during a thunder storm. If you are indoors, stay away from open windows and doors and use the telephone only in an emergency. If you are outdoors stay in your car and away from water, trees, and metal objects. Avoid low areas that might flood in a heavy rain.

Do not overhaul outlets. Extension cords shouldn't be used as permanent fixtures in home rebuilding.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

A ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI is a special type of outlet that prevents shocks. These outlets are recommended for areas where water is used. Install GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens (within 6 feet of the sink), laundry areas, garages, basements, outdoor outlets, and around pools, saunas, and hot tubs. Test these outlets monthly.

For more information:

Fire Prevention: call your local fire department.

Electrical Safety: call your local utility or an electrical contractor.

In The News:

Tioga Downs presents new rescue boat to Nichols Fire Department...

Helping a Local Fire Department...

Tioga Downs C.E.O. Donates Half of the Funds for a New Rescue Boat

CEO of Tioga Downs, Jeff Gural donates to the the Nichols Fire Department $11,000 towards a new water rescue boat, making the dream of a new water rescue boat a reality for the Nichols Community.

It is greatly appreciated and Thank You Jeff!

Holiday tragedies prompt warnings on winter fires...

NFPA reminds the public to take action to be safe this winter

In the aftermath of a number of deadly holiday fires, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges the public to take simple steps to protect their family and property from fire. According to NFPA, December, January and February are the top months for home fire deaths.

“Recent fire deaths during this holiday season are tragic reminders that we are at the time of year when home fires peak,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. “Taking simple steps to prevent fires and making sure you have working smoke alarms can save lives.”

NFPA suggested ten things you can do this winter to stay safe from fire:

• All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container with a lid. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
• Develop and practice a home escape plan that includes two ways out of each room and an outside meeting place.

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and NFPA are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. Learn more information about the organizations’ joint safety campaign, “Put a Freeze on Winter Fires”.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.