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.

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:

• Morris County OEM
• NOAA Watch
• Ready.gov – Hurricanes

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.

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.

@SmokeAlarm: Folow @SmokeAlarm, it’s LAFD’s free Smoke Alarm Test reminder. They tweet once a month to remind you to test your smoke alarms.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

With the onset of the holiday season, it is important to focus on fire safety and prevention. The celebration of the season brings with it increased usage of electric lights, decorations, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree, all of which can be potential fire hazards. Additionally, cooking fires increase during the holidays as families and friends gather to celebrate. By following general fire safety precautions, potential holiday fires, deaths, and injuries remain preventable.

Christmas Trees

What’s a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion – “Keep the tree watered.”

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be.

Selecting a Tree for the Holidays

Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove! For a donation, Mendham Fire Department will gladly pick up your Christmas tree for you and place it on the pile at the Borough Park for this year’s annual 12th Night Celebration. Click here for pick up information.

Dry Tree vs. High Moisture Tree Fire

The demonstration showing how flammable a dry Christmas tree can be as opposed to a tree watered regularly. This test was conducted by the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories. Click here for more info.

Holiday Lights

Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

Holiday Decorations

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace

Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.
Artificial Christmas Trees

If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Candle Care

Avoid Using Lit Candles

If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree

Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.

Click here for more on Candle Safety.

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

Focus on Fire Safety: Candle Fire Safety

With the holidays fast approaching and the increased usage of seasonal decorations, it is important to focus on candle fire safety and prevention.  Because the majority of candle fires result from human error and negligence, candle fires and their associated casualties are preventable.

• If possible, avoid using lighted candles.
• If you must use candles, ensure that they are placed in sturdy holders.
• Keep candles away from children and pets.
• Be sure to extinguish candles after each use.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.

By following a few candle fire safety tips, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

Causes and Circumstances of Home Candle Fires

• On average, one home candle fire is reported every 34 minutes.
• More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations is too close to the candle.
• In one-fifth (20%) of candle fires, the candles are unattended or abandoned.
• Almost two-fifths of home candle fires begin in the bedroom.
• Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 26% of the associated deaths.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.  In December, 13% of home candle fires begin with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
• One-half of home candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6 am.
• Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.
• The risk of fatal candle fires appears higher when candles are used for light.

Candle Safety Tips

• Avoid using lighted candles.
• If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• Set a good example by using matches, lighters, and fire carefully.
• Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters, or candles.
• Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
• Extinguish candles after use and before going to bed.
• And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!

Remember!  Candle fires are PREVENTABLE!

In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!

Escape first, and then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it frequently with your family.  Designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.

Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke, and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason: it may cost you your life.

Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.

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

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that approximately 80 percent of all fire deaths in the United States and Canada occur in the home. Roughly 11 people per day, die in home fires in the U.S. and Canada. Many lives can be saved if people react immediately when a fire alarm sounds. Once a fire starts, there’s no time to develop a plan. The NFPA urges everyone to “Know When to Go.”

In Single Family Homes: If a smoke detector sounds in your home, leave immediately—do not investigate.

When a Smoke Detector Sounds:

• Alert others by shouting, “Fire! Everyone outside!” and leave immediately.
• Test doors with the back of your hand before opening them; if the door is warm, use an alternative escape route.
• Use windows as alternate exits.
• If you must exit through smoke, crawl low, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) above the floor, where the air is cleaner.
• When you are outside, go to your meeting place.
• Call the fire department using a neighbor’s phone, portable phone, or fire alarm box.
• Do not go back inside for any reason.

Know What to Do

• Know at least two ways out of every room.
• Practice your escape plan with an exit drill every six months.
• Pick a meeting place outside your home where everyone can gather once they’ve left the building.
• Keep exit paths clear of furniture and clutter.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly visible from the street.

Special Situations

If possible, older adults and people with mobility disabilities should sleep on the ground floor.

Make special plans for anyone who may need assistance escaping.

Let you fire department know whether your household includes someone who may have difficulty escaping a fire.

In High-Rise Buildings: Consult your building management or fire department and know what to do in advance. In some occupanies, such as high-rise apartment buildings, the safest action when a fire alarm sounds may be to stay inside the dwelling unit and protect yourself from smoke until the fire department arrives. Some building evacuation plans may require you to go to a “safe area” inside the building and wait for the fire department to supervise evacuation.

When a Fire Alarm Sounds: If you can hear instructions over your building’s public address system, do as you are told; you might be told to stay where you are.

If You Stay

• Stay calm and take steps to protect yourself.
• If possible, go to a room with an outside window or balcony and a telephone.
• Close all doors between you and the fire. Stuff the cracks around your door with towels, rags, or duct tape and cover vents to keep smoke out of the room.
• If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department even if you see fire trucks, and report your exact location.
• Wait at a window and signal for help using a flash light or by waving a sheet or light-colored cloth.
• If possible, open the window at the top and bottom, but do not break the window.
• Be ready to close the window quickly if smoke rushes in.
• Be patient. Rescuing all the occupants of a high-rise building can take several hours.

If You Go

Follow your building’s evacuation plans exactly unless there is immediate danger. Proceed cautiously, checking each door you encounter for heat and each corridor of stairwell for smoke. If you encounter smoke or flames at any point, seek an alternative exit route. If none is available, return to your room, protect yourself from smoke, and wait to be rescued.

• Elevators should not be used during a fire.
• If you must exit through smoke, crawl low, under it where the air is cleaner.
• As you exit, close all doors behind you to prevent the spread of smoke or flames.
• Once you are out, do not go back inside; tell the fire department if anyone is trapped inside.

Plan Ahead

• Learn your building’s evacuation plans.
• Be familiar with the sound of the fire alarm.
• Learn the location of pull stations that activate your building’s fire alarm, and how to use them.
• Post emergency numbers near all phones.
• Know at least two escape routes from your apartment or condo, and pick a meeting place outside.
• Learn the fastest route to your building’s fire exits so that you can find them, even in the dark

Reprinted from the NFPA pamphlet “Know When To Go! React Fast To Fire”

Extinguishers Have Limits

USED PROPERLY, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.

Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. Even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions.

The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read directions during an emergency.

• The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged.
• The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked by fire.
• The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought. Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.
• The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. (Many portable
  extinguishers discharge completely in as few as 8 to 10 seconds.)

Choosing Your Extinguisher

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE tested by independent laboratories and labeled for the type and size of fire they can extinguish. Use these labels as a guide to purchase the kind of extinguisher that suits you needs.

Classes of Fires

There are three classes of fire. All fire extinguishers are labeled using standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire.

Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper.

Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and oil-based paint.

Class C: Energized electrical equipment – including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers,
and appliances.

The extinguisher must be appropriate for the type of fire being fought. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse.

Multipurpose fire extinguishers marked ABC may be used on all three classes of fires.

Remember, in some cases it may be dangerous to use any type of extinguisher. For instance, pressurized extinguishing agent could spread a grease pan fire rather than put it out.

Extinguisher Sizes

Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can handle. This rating will appear on the label – for example, 2A:10B:C. The larger the numbers, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out, but higher-rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate the extinguisher before you buy it.

Installation and Maintenance

EXTINGUISHERS SHOULD BE installed in plain view, above the reach of children, near an escape route, and away from stoves and heating appliances.

Extinguishers require routine care. Read you operator’s manual to learn how to inspect your extinguisher. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance.

Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. (Service companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under “Fire Extinguishers.”) Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once and must be replaced after use.

Remember the Pass-Word

KEEP Your back to an unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire.

Follow the four-step PASS procedure.

PULL the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other lever-release mechanisms.

AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the lever above the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of
a lever.)

SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire reignites, repeat the process. *Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you thing you’ve extinguished the fire.

Should you Fight the Fire?

BEFORE YOU BEGIN to fight a fire:

• Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving, the building.
• Make sure the fire department has been called (dial 911).
• Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.
• Be sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.
• Be sure you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher.

It is reckless to fight a fire in any other circumstances. Instead, leave immediately and close off the area.