Mendham Fire Department » Safety Topics

Safe Disposal of Oily or Flammable Rags

Mendham Fire Dept — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:54:40 +0000

As the weather improves, many people find themselves doing more around the house, like staining furniture, flooring or other wooden materials with an oil based stain, varnish or sealer. Often we apply these liquids with a rag or cloth, however, some people may not be aware of the risk that improper disposal of these rags may have.

If you have ever used an oil based wood stain, paint or sealer, a polyurethane finish, a varnish or any other finishing product containing high VOC’s or Volatile Organic Compounds, then it was flammable.

Oily rags have a long history of being a source of fire, because people are not aware that they have the ability to spontaneously combust and catch on fire. For a fire to exist, it needs heat, oxygen and fuel. Oily rags that get folded or balled up and tossed on the floor have the danger of going through a process that starts with oxidation. As the oil is drying on the rag, it produces heat, and air gets trapped in the folds or balled up portions. Heat and oxygen are combined in addition to the rag, which is usually made of combustible cloth that can become a source of fuel. Heat, oxygen and fuel are all that is needed to create a fire, which is why if oily rags that are not disposed of properly can create a fire that people are not prepared for.

The easiest and safest way to dispose of flammable oily or solvent soaked rags is to use this method:

Place the rags in an empty metal container that has a tight metal lid such as an empty paint or stain can;
Fill the container with water until the rags are submerged;
Place the metal lid tightly over the water soaked formerly combustible rags
Take the container to your local hazardous waste disposal center or save it until your local community has a hazardous waste pick up day;
Please make sure not to dump solvents or paint or anything else like this down your drain or sewer.

Chiminea & Fire Pit Safety

Mendham Fire Dept — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:15:04 +0000

In recent years, there has been a new concern for the Fire Service – chimineas & fire pits. Fire pits are known to be a great source of warmth and ambiance. But, with the popularity of fire pits increasing, fire safety has become even more important. There are many things you should consider while setting up and using a fire pit or chiminea.

Keep away from flammable material and fluids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid or vehicles while in use.
Do not use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away.
Do not wear flammable or loose fitting clothing such as nylon.
Do not burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard, or plywood. Avoid using soft wood such as pine or cedar that likely pop and throw sparks. Use of seasoned hardwood is suggested.
Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in case of emergency. Do not overload.
Before you light the fire, check the wind direction.
Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby.

For more information please visit USFA’s Focus on Fire Safety: Summer Fire Safety
Grills, Fire Pits, and Campfires.

Smoking & Fires in the Home

Mendham Fire Dept — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:45:32 +0000

If you smoke, Put It Out. All the Way. Every Time.

Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. The U.S. Fire Administration is working to help prevent home fire deaths and injuries caused by smoking materials. Fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials are preventable.

If you smoke or live with someone who smokes, learn the facts. A lit cigarette left alone in a room, or accidentally dropped onto a chair or bed, or hot cigarette ashes or matches tossed away before they are completely out – all can cause a large fire in seconds.

Putting out a cigarette the right way only takes seconds, too. It is up to you to make sure your cigarette is put out, all the way, every time.

One-in-four people killed in home fires is not the smoker whose cigarette caused the fire.

More than one third were children of the smokers.
Twenty-five percent were neighbors or friends of the smokers.

USFA Smoking & Home Fires Campaign

I’m a smoker or live with a smoker… What can I do to make sure our home is safe from fires caused by smoking materials?

The safest place to smoke is outside of the home. Use a sturdy ashtray or a can filled with sand to collect ashes.
Use ashtrays with a wide, stable base that are hard to tip over. If it wobbles, it won’t work.
Ashtrays should be set on something sturdy and hard to ignite, like a table.
Put It Out. All the Way. Every Time. The cigarette really needs to be completely stubbed out in the ashtray.
Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away.
NEVER toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash.
Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast. Don’t put ashtrays on them. If people have been smoking in the home, check for cigarettes under cushions.
NEVER smoke while using oxygen or anywhere near an oxygen source, even if the source is turned off. Oxygen makes any fire burn hotter and faster.
If you smoke, use reduced ignition strength cigarettes, commonly referred to as “fire-safe cigarettes.”
If you are drowsy or falling asleep, put it out. Smoking in bed is just plain wrong.
Place working smoke alarms on the ceiling of every level of your home. Get a smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky
fire that has fumes without flames. They are called “Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms.”
Have an escape plan and practice it. Plan two ways to escape from every room. Practice the escape plan at least twice a year.

Fore More information please visit usfa.fema.gov.

Cold Weather Safety

Mendham Fire Dept — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:16:42 +0000

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. This is due in part to an increase in cooking and heating fires. Holiday decorations and winter storms that can interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources also contribute to the increased risk of fire in winter.

Winter fires can be prevented! The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire-safe home this winter season.

Plan ahead for the adversities of the winter season by taking a few simple preventative measures.

Make certain your wood stove and heating system are always properly maintained and ready for extended use.

For wood-burning tips contact your local fireplace dealer.
For maintenance of your heating system contact your service person.
Protect your water pipes from freezing by planning ahead.
Turn off all outside faucets (preferably from an inside shut-off to each faucet). If no inside shut-off is provided, wrap the pipe with approved (UL) heating tape. You may also turn on any inside faucet, letting water drip slightly, allowing for expansion.
Make certain that all vents from the crawl space under the house are closed or sealed to keep out cold air.

Note: Should pipes become frozen do not use torches or other flame-producing equipment.

A hair dryer often will thaw pipes, as will the application of warm water. Pay particular attention to the north and east sides of the house as they are vulnerable to freezing due to prevailing winds.

In the event a broken pipe occurs, plan ahead by locating the main shut-off to the house and be prepared with a proper-fitting wrench.
PLAN AHEAD Broken water pipes need not occur if precautions are taken.

Home Heating Safety

For more please The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) websites.

Teaching Kids Fire Safety

Mendham Fire Dept — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:07:16 +0000

Dr. Frank Field, a retired WCBS weather and science reporter, wants kids to know what it really looks like in a fire so he produced a video series called “Fire is Black.” The series is being offered for free to schools across New Jersey. Dr. Field thinks it is imperative that families do fire drills at home and have an established escape route because fires move quickly.

Click here for the colplete “Fire Is…” Series of videos

Fire Is Video Series

A five Part Video Series on fire prevention and safety hosted by Dr. Frank Field along with his son Storm and daughter Allison.

Learn the true nature of fire. Fire isn’t like you’ve seen it in movies or on television. This video introduces you to the reality of what fire is really like and why fire safety is so important.

STOP! Before you watch any of our videos, take the Fire Is… Pretest to test your knowledge of basic fire safety.

For more News about New Jersey, visit the NJN News

Article from NJFireSafety.com October 22, 2010

Hurricane Irene

Mendham Fire Dept — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:22:59 +0000

Morris County OEM is closely monitoring Hurricane Irene as it approaches the East Coast. While the forecast remains uncertain, there is a possibility Morris County may experience hurricane or tropical storm conditions this weekend. OEM urges Morris County residents to take steps to prepare for heavy rain, storm surge, and strong winds.

All residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to check their preparedness kits, review their family emergency plans and remain informed.

Make sure that your emergency equipment, such as shutters and battery-powered radios, are in good working order.
Ensure that you have enough emergency supplies, such as non-perishable food and water, for each person in your home to last for at least three days.
Obtain and store materials necessary to properly secure your home.
Secure yard and construction debris so that they do not pose a hazard during a storm.
Take any tree trimmings to a local trash & recycling center at this time.

Additional Resources:

Summer Fire Safety

Mendham Fire Dept — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:11:51 +0000

Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor grills. Annually just under 9,000 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. In 2009, 67 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between June 19 and July 19.

Families also enjoy camping in the summer. It is important to follow the park’s rules for the use and extinguishing of campfires.

Summertime should be a time for fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.

Fireworks Safety

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.
If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area. Note: fireworks are ILLEGAL in the State on New Jersey
Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a devise does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.
Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a devise is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.
Supervise children around fireworks at all times.

Barbecue Safety

Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes – where the air and gas mix – are not blocked.

Do not overfill the propane tank.

Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.

Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.

Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.

Dispose of hot coals properly – douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas – carbon monoxide could be produced.

Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

More on Grilling Safety can be found here.

Campfire Safety

Build campfires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
Keep campfires small, and don’t let them get out of hand.
Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you’re done. Stir it and douse it again with water.
Never leave campfires unattended.

Summer Storm Fire Safety: Protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after a summer storm. Click here to learn more.
Grilling Safety: Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Read these grilling safety tips.
Wildland Fire Safety: More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings – in or near forests, rural areas, or remote mountain sites. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire. Click here to continue reading.

From US Fire Administration website, for more information please visit: www.usfa.org.

Grilling Safety Tips

Mendham Fire Dept — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:59:53 +0000

Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. cooking safety tips

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 grill 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.

Charcoal grills

There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Propane grills

Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.

Download these NFPA safety tips on grilling. (PDF, 427 KB)

From NFPA “Grilling Safety Tips” website, for more information please visit: www.nfpa.org.

Time to Check Your Smoke Alarms

Mendham Fire Dept — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:45:25 +0000

Install. Inspect. Protect. Smoke alarms save lives!

If your smoke alarm was installed more than 10 years ago, it needs to be replaced.

According to the National Fire Protection Association more than 66 percent of home fire deaths that occurred between 2003-2006 were in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family 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. Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all, so test your smoke alarm monthly by pushing the “test” button, if it has one.

Smoke alarms are powered by either a battery or are hardwired into your home’s electrical system. Hardwired smoke alarms are usually equipped with a backup battery. If your smoke alarm is powered by battery, the battery needs to be replaced annually unless it is a long-life battery (check the owner’s manual). All batteries should be maintained and replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.

Choose an annual date, such as the time change, when you will remember to maintain your smoke alarm in tip top condition. Check the manufacturer’s expiration date on the label, replace the batteries if needed, and clean dust away from the slots so that smoke can enter freely. All smoke alarms, hard-wired and battery powered, should be replaced every ten years. These simple steps will help ensure that you and your family will have the best chance of surviving if fire should strike.

Learn more about smoke alarms.

Additional Resources:

USFA has a fire safety campaign called Install. Inspect. Protect. which provides information about home smoke alarms and fire sprinklers. Please visit the campaign Website at www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smokealarms.

Follow @MendhamFireDept, as part of our twitter feed each month, we will remind you to test your smoke alarm.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips from the NFPA, visit nfpa.org.

From the U.S. Fire Administration website, for more information please visit: www.usfa.dhs.gov.

Stopping a Fire Before it Starts: 5 Things You Can Do Today

Mendham Fire Dept — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:53:27 +0000

When it comes to fire safety, information abounds. But as a busy mom, it’s often hard to find the time to wade through the information and figure out what you need to do to keep your family safer. Here are five simple things that you can do today to help protect your family from fire.

Do a Smoke Alarm Audit

Do an audit of your home’s smoke alarms. (If you don’t have UL listed smoke alarms, make a plan to install them on each level of the home, especially near sleeping areas). Check placement: Smoke rises, so smoke alarms should be located on a ceiling or high on a wall. Alarms mounted on the ceiling should be at least four inches away from the nearest wall and those mounted on walls should be four to twelve inches down from the ceiling. Test your alarms and be sure that they can be heard in bedrooms even when the doors are closed. If not, install smoke alarms in the bedrooms. Make sure that your kids know what the alarms sound like. Replace alarms that are older than 10 years and replace any alarm that has been painted over.
- Mom Tip: Change the batteries whenever you change the clocks for Daylight Savings Time.

Make Extinguishers Handy

Be sure that you have at least one or more UL listed fire extinguishers in your home. An ABC-type extinguisher is a good all-purpose choice for fires in the home. Check the gauge located on the extinguisher to see if it needs to be replaced or recharged. Also be sure that the fire extinguisher is in an easily accessible location. Remember that fire extinguishers are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. Your number one priority is to have an escape plan and to get out safely. If the fire is small and contained and the room is not filled with smoke, get everyone out and call the fire department; then, you may use the fire extinguisher to control the fire.
- Mom Tip: Read the directions and familiarize yourself with the use of your extinguisher now, before you’re in the midst of an actual emergency.
- For more on Fire Extinguishers, click here.

Talk Prevention with Your Kids

Talk to your kids about how they can prevent fires. Children under age five are especially curious about fire and need to start learning about the tremendous danger. Take the mystery out of fire and make sure that your kids know the following safety tips:
- Never play with matches, lighters or candles.
- Never play with electrical cords and never put anything in a socket.
- Blankets or clothes should never be thrown on top of lamps.
- Don’t turn up a heater without a grown-up’s permission.
- If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll.
- Mom Tip: Check under beds and in closets for burned matches or candles. Kids often choose “secret” places to play with matches and light fires. Even “good” kids are curious– teach your kids to always tell you when they find matches and lighters.

Look at Your Home From Your Child’s Perspective

Think about how your child sees potential fire hazards in your home by getting down on your hands and knees with them and taking a look around. See any dangling cords that could cause a problem if pulled? Enticing heaters or other appliances? Make adjustments to your home according to what you find.
- Mom Tip: Make your floor-tour a game with your kids. Have them point out things they see by playing eye-spy. You’ll be surprised by what catches their attention.

Avoid Overloading Sockets and Cords

Do a walk-through of your home. If you see sockets with too many cords plugged in or even too many extension cords around the house, it may be time to have extra outlets installed by a professional. Always pay attention to the acceptable wattage for cords and lamps. Also look for extension cords that are “tacked up” or run under a rug as these could be a real fire hazard for kids and adults.
- Mom Tip: The den and the nursery are particularly susceptible to overloaded outlets. Never plug something in unsafely “just this once” or “until I get another power strip tomorrow.”

For more useful tips and information, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org

Here’s a handy way to walk through each fire-prevention step with your family. Print this PDF, and check off each activity as you go. When you’re done, print out the award certificate for your family for a job well done!

Credit: safetyathome.com

Mendham Fire Department » Safety Topics

Safe Disposal of Oily or Flammable Rags

Chiminea & Fire Pit Safety

Smoking & Fires in the Home

If you smoke, Put It Out. All the Way. Every Time.

USFA Smoking & Home Fires Campaign

I’m a smoker or live with a smoker… What can I do to make sure our home is safe from fires caused by smoking materials?

Cold Weather Safety

Home Heating Safety

Teaching Kids Fire Safety

Fire Is Video Series

Hurricane Irene

Summer Fire Safety

Fireworks Safety

Barbecue Safety

Campfire Safety

More

Grilling Safety Tips

Safety tips

Charcoal grills

Propane grills

Time to Check Your Smoke Alarms

Install. Inspect. Protect. Smoke alarms save lives!

Additional Resources:

Stopping a Fire Before it Starts: 5 Things You Can Do Today

Do a Smoke Alarm Audit

Make Extinguishers Handy

Talk Prevention with Your Kids

Look at Your Home From Your Child’s Perspective

Avoid Overloading Sockets and Cords