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Fire/Life Safety
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General Information
Fire Home
T.O.M. Home
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Home Fire Hazards
Fires and accidents are likely to happen anywhere and at anytime including in
the kitchen, living room, bedroom, garage, storage area (attic, basement,
workroom, closet) as well as during the day or at night.
Causes of fires
include overloaded/overheated electrical cords, cigarette ashes, smoldering
(cigarette) ashes in couches, beds and chairs. Sparks from a fireplace or
unattended outdoor fire can lead to extreme fires. Appliances that are in
poor repair or condition and unattended cooking in the kitchen or on the grill
also account for many fires as well. Another area of concern in basic life
safety. Not only for children but also adults. Children and adults
get hurt unintentionally all the time by carelessness and as a result of unsafe
actions--usually because we don't want to take the extra couple seconds to make
or do something 'right'. One of the best ways to prevent fire and accidents in the
home is to do an inspection that includes looking for ways to make your home and
property safe from accidents and fire hazards. You should also include in
this inspection emergency measures incase of a fire like setting up an EDITH
plan or emergency contact plan incase of serious injury that would require a
child or other person to summons help for you. We've included some hazards
to watch for in you home:
KITCHEN:
- All electrical appliances and tools should have a label on them from
an approved testing agency. If the appliances are not working
correctly or if it gets wet, have it serviced as soon as possible to
help minimize the chance of using it again.
- Check cords on appliances. If they are worn out, frayed, torn or
cut, have them repaired.
- Don't overload receptacles.
- Be sure when using appliances on the counter, that the cord is fully
on the counter and out of the way of children who could pull them down
on themselves.
- Storing items above the stove is not a good idea. Many people
have been burned by reaching above the stove or items resulting in a pot
or pan being bumped and the contents spilling and burning themselves
and/or others around them.
- Turn pot handles so children can't pull them down (face the center of
the stove)
- Keep chemicals locked up if they are stored in the kitchen. Make
sure they have the proper label on them. Chemicals should be
stored out of reach of children and they should also be stored
separately from food. Store flammable liquids in a shed.
- Wear tight sleeves when cooking so you don't snag the handles on pots
and pans and also so that the sleeves don't come in contact with the
burners.
- Be sure to clean the oven and stove surfaces after each use to prevent
a build up of grease and dirt.
- Be sure to have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen
- Be sure that 'Pizza Ovens' and microwaves have room to 'breathe'
around them as set forth in the owners manual or users guide.
LIVING ROOM OR FAMILY ROOM
- Be sure portable space heaters are at least 3 feet away from anything
that can catch fire including walls and curtains.
- Use a metal or glass fireplace screen. Have the chimney checked
and cleaned regularly.
- Put lighters and matches where small children won't find them.
- Ashtrays should be emptied often but only when all signs of heat and
burning are gone.
- Allow plenty of space around the TV and stereo to prevent
overheating. If these appliances are not working correctly, get
them fixed. Unplug them if they are not working correctly.
- If extension cords must be used, do not over load them. Check to
be sure they are not frayed or worn. Also, do not place cords
under rugs or carpeting and never loop them over a nail or other sharp
object.
- Receptacles should be covered with a child-proof fitting.
- Only use light bulbs at or below the wattage specified by the
manufacturer for the given lamp or light fixture.
- Never place materials
such as clothing and towels on top of a halogen torchiere lamp
- Although halogen bulbs
use less energy than regular incandescent bulbs, the burn much
hotter--be careful not to get burnt!
- Never place a halogen
torchiere lamp near an open window or where a strong breeze could blow
drapery onto the lamp bulb
- never use halogen
torchiere lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms.
- Don't use a bulb higher
than that recommended by the manufacturer or 300 watts (which ever is
less) in your halogen torchiere lamp
- Avoid leaving
high-wattage (more than 100 watts) halogen lamps on when you leave the
room or when you are not at home.
- never touch a halogen
bulb with bare fingers! Even if the bulb has been turned off for
several house, they can still burn you. As well, the oils on your
fingers can damage the bulb.
BATHROOM
- Check for overloaded extension cords and
receptacles.
- Do not use phones while in the tub or shower.
- Don't place appliances (hair dryers, curlers, etc.)
near water.
- Make sure all medications and cosmetics are kept
out of reach of small children. Safety locks should be installed
on all drawers and cabinets.
- Dump old or outdated medicine down the toilet.
- Check bathtub/shower, rugs and mats for slipping hazards.
- Check the water for possible burn hazard.
BEDROOMS
- Check smoke detectors regularly to ensure proper operation.
- Keep a working flashlight next to each bed incase of power outage
- Check for overloaded receptacles and extension cords
- Check clearance of combustibles near heaters
- Each family member should know what to do incase of a fire.
EDITH is the perfect idea here!
- Plan two escapes from each bedroom in case of fire.
- If you smoke, do NOT smoke in bed.
- Use a tape measure or ruler and look for strangulation hazards and
areas where an infant can become trapped. There should be no more than 2
and 3/8 inches between crib slats, corner posts should not extend more
than 1/16 of an inch above the end panels (unless the corner posts
extend at least 16 inches high for a canopy), and headboards and
footboards should not contain cutout areas.
BASEMENT, STORAGE AND GARAGE
- Store gasoline and other flammables in tight metal containers.
Don't use flammable liquids near heat, a pilot light or while smoking
- Clean up workbench or other work area frequently
- If a fuse blows or circuit breaker trips, find the problem.
Don't just reset it as it may short something out. Be sure to
replace a fuse with one the correct size
- Don't store things near the furnace or heater
- Get rid of stored newspaper and other rubbish.
Newspapers
stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously!
- Oily, greasy rags should be kept in labeled and sealed
non-glass containers (preferably metal).
- Keep all chemicals, paints, etc. in their original containers
- Set your water heater at
120 degrees Fahrenheit to help prevent scalding.
OUTDOORS
- Move the lawnmower away from gasoline fumes before starting.
- Allow the engine to cool before refueling.
- Don't store more of anything than is
needed (oil, antifreeze, gasoline, paint, etc).
- Don't ever use gasoline on a grill or fire pit. Once the fire
has been started, never use lighter fluid or gasoline. Only use
dry kindling to revive the fire.
The Town of Menasha Fire
Department hopes that you find this information useful and valuable. If
you have any questions or concerns about safety or fire related materials or
situations in your home or business, please don't hesitate to call us.
We're more than happy to help you take care of these concerns to make your and
your families life safer.
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