|
Fairview Fire Department
 2234 Fairview Blvd
Fairview, TN 37062
TEL: (615) 799-0307
FAX: (615) 799-0701
Emergency: Dial 911
Email:
firechief@fairview-tn.org
The Fire Department became a
city department in 2001, with the appointment of its first
full-time chief. Effective July 2003, the department will
begin 24-hour protection of the City. The volunteer
department served the city for over two decades and the
volunteers are still vital in providing protection to the
citizens. With implementation of the 24-hour shifts, the
department will have six full-time firefighters.
In a cooperative agreement with
Williamson County, the City of Fairview Fire Department also
provides services to county residents of Williamson County
Fire & EMS District 15. District 15 covers approximately
90 square miles and about 12,000
people. In exchange for this contract service, the
county
provides monthly funding to the city.
Chief Cooper also serves as
Fire Marshall and is involved in review of building plans and
enforcement of fire codes.
FIRE SAFETY & LIFE SAVING TIPS
INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOKE ALARMS
- Make sure working smoke alarms are
installed on each level of your home. You may want a family
member or friend to assist you.
- Remember to test smoke alarms monthly and
change the batteries at least once a year. You may want a
family member or friend to assist you.
- Audible alarms should pause with a small
window of silence between each successive cycle so that
blind or visually impaired people can listen to instructions
or voices of others.
Get Out Safely:
A Fact sheet on Fire Escape Planning
More than 4,000 Americans die each year in
fires, and more than 25,000 are injured. Deaths resulting from
failed emergency escapes are particularly avoidable.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA),
a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
believes that having a sound escape plan will greatly reduce
fire deaths and protect you and your family's safety if a fire
occurs.
HAVE A SOUND FIRE ESCAPE PLAN
In the event of a fire, remember - time is
the biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape plans help
you get out of your home quickly. In less than 30 seconds a
small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a
major fire. It only takes minutes for a house to fill with
thick black smoke and become engulfed in flames.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Practice Escaping From Every Room In The
Home
Practice escape plans every month. The best
plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary
way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way
out. A secondary route might be a window onto an adjacent roof
or using an Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved collapsible
ladder for escape from upper story windows. Make sure that
windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and
that security bars can be properly opened. Also, practice
feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your
eyes closed.
Security Bars Require Special Precautions
Security bars may help to keep your family
safe from intruders, but they can also trap you in a deadly
fire! Windows and doors with security bars must have quick
release devices to allow them to be opened immediately in an
emergency. Make sure everyone in the family understands and
practices how to properly operate and open locked or barred
doors and windows.
Immediately Leave The Home
When a fire occurs, do not waste any time
saving property. Take the safest exit route, but if you must
escape through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke
and keep your mouth covered. The smoke contains toxic gases
which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
Never Open Doors That Are Hot To The
Touch
When you come to a closed door, use the back
of your hand to feel the top of the door, the doorknob, and
the crack between the door and door frame to make sure that
fire is not on the other side. If it feels hot, use your
secondary escape route. Even if the door feels cool, open it
carefully. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it
slowly. If heat and smoke come in, slam the door and make sure
it is securely closed, then use your alternate escape route.
Designate A Meeting Place Outside and
Take Attendance
Designate a meeting location away from the
home, but not necessarily across the street. For example, meet
under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front
sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no
one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe.
Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the
fire department.
Once Out, Stay Out
Remember to escape first, then notify the
fire department using the 911 system or proper local emergency
number in your area. Never go back into a burning building for
any reason. Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If
someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They are equipped
to perform rescues safely.
Finally, having working smoke alarms
installed on every level of your home dramatically increases
your chances of survival. Smoke alarm batteries need to be
tested every month and changed with new ones at least once a
year. Also, consider replacing the entire smoke alarm every
ten years, or as the manufacturer guidelines recommend.
This is Fire:
A Fact sheet on the Nature of Fire
Every day Americans experience the horror of
fire. But most people don't understand fire. Only when we know
the true nature of fire can we prepare ourselves and our
families. Each year more than 4,000 Americans die and more
than 25,000 are injured in fires, many of which could be
prevented.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA),
a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
believes that fire deaths can be reduced by teaching people
the basic facts about fire. Below are some simple facts that
explain the particular characteristics of fire.
Fire is FAST!
There is little time!
In less than 30 seconds a small flame can
get completely out of control and turn into a major fire. It
only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house. In
minutes, a house can be engulfed in flames. Most fires occur
in the home when people are asleep. If you wake up to a fire,
you won't have time to grab valuables because fire spreads too
quickly and the smoke is too thick. There is only time to
escape.
Fire is HOT!
Heat is more threatening than flames.
A fire's heat alone can kill. Room
temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and
rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super hot air
will scorch your lungs. This heat can melt clothes to your
skin. In five minutes a room can get so hot that everything in
it ignites at once: this is called flashover.
Fire is DARK!
Fire isn't bright, it's pitch black.
Fire starts bright, but quickly produces
black smoke and complete darkness. If you wake up to a fire
you may be blinded, disoriented and unable to find your way
around the home you've lived in for years.
Fire is DEADLY!
Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do.
Fire uses up the oxygen you need and
produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even
small amounts of smoke and toxic gases can make you drowsy,
disoriented and short of breath. The odorless, colorless fumes
can lull you into a deep sleep before the flames reach your
door. You may not wake up in time to escape.
In the event of a fire, remember time is the
biggest enemy and every second counts!
Escape first, then call for help. Develop a
home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside.
Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from
every room. Practice feeling your way out with your eyes
closed. 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. And
remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your
family.
Rural Fire Prevention Checklist:
A Fact sheet on Rural Fire Safety and Prevention
Self-reliance is the rule for fire safety
for many people. If you live in an area where the local fire
department is more than a few minutes away because of travel
time or distance, or if you are outside the limits of the
nearest town, be sure you know how to be self-reliant in a
fire emergency.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA)
encourages you to use this fire safety checklist to help you
protect yourself, your home and its surroundings from fire.
Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire
Stops With You!
Maintain Home Heating Systems
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned
annually by a certified specialist.
- Insulate chimneys and place spark
arresters on top.
- Extend the chimney at least three feet
above the roof.
- Remove branches hanging above and around
the chimney.
Have A Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan
- Install smoke alarms on every level of
your home.
- Test them monthly and change the
batteries at least once a year.
- Practice fire escape and evacuation
plans.
- Mark the entrance to your property with
signs that are clearly visible.
- Know which local emergency services are
available and have those numbers posted.
- Provide emergency vehicle access through
roads and driveways at least 12 feet wide with adequate
turnaround space.
Make Your Home Fire-Resistant
- Use fire-resistant and protective roofing
and materials like stone, brick and metal to protect your
home. Avoid using wood materials that offer the least fire
protection.
- Keep roofs and eaves clear of debris.
- Cover all exterior vents, attics and
eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters.
- Install multipane windows, tempered
safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows
from radiant heat.
- Use fire-resistant draperies for added
window protection.
- Keep tools for fire protection nearby:
100 foot garden hose, shovel, rake, ladder and buckets.
- Make sure water sources, such as hydrants
and ponds, are accessible to the fire department.
Let Your Landscape Defend Your Property
- Trim grass on a regular basis up to 100
feet surrounding your home.
- Create defensible space by thinning trees
and brush within 30 feet around your home.
- Beyond 30 feet, remove dead wood, debris
and low tree branches.
- Landscape your property with fire
resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from
spreading quickly.
- Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from
your home and other structures.
- Store flammable materials, liquids and
solvents in metal containers outside the home, at least 30
feet away from structures and wooden fences.
Follow Local Burning Laws
- Do not burn trash or other debris without
proper knowledge of local burning laws, techniques and the
safest times of day and year to burn.
- Before burning debris in a wooded area,
make sure you notify local authorities and obtain a burning
permit.
- Use an approved incinerator with a safety
lid or covering with holes no larger than 3/4 inches.
- Create at least a 10 foot clearing around
the incinerator before burning debris.
Fire Safety Lasts a Lifetime: A Fire
Safety Fact sheet for Older Adults and their Caregivers
People over the age of 65 face the greatest
risk of dying in a fire. Last year, more than 1,200 Americans
over the age of 65 died in home fires and 3,000 were injured
in fire-related incidences.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA),
a directorate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
wants older adults, their caregivers and all Americans to know
that there are special precautions you can take to protect
yourself and your home from fire.
UNDERSTANDING THE RISK
Why are Older Adults at Risk?
- Decreased mobility, health, sight, and
hearing may limit a person's ability to take the quick
action necessary to escape during a fire emergency.
- Depending on physical limitations, many
of the actions an individual can take to protect themselves
from the dangers of fire may require help from a caregiver,
neighbor, or outside source.
INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOKE ALARMS
- Make sure smoke alarms are installed on
each level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.
- Test them monthly and replace the
batteries at least once a year.
- Caregivers are encouraged to check the
smoke alarms of those who are unable to do it themselves.
The chances of surviving a home fire almost doubles with the
initial warning from a smoke alarm.
PLAN YOUR ESCAPE
Planning fire escape plans around one's
capabilities is a key element to fire safety!
- Know at least two exits from every room.
- If you use a walker or wheelchair, check
all exits to be sure they can go through the doorways.
- Make any necessary accommoda-tions, such
as providing exit ramps and widening doorways to facilitate
an emergency escape.
- Unless instructed by the fire department,
never use an elevator during a fire.
DON'T ISOLATE YOURSELF
- Speak to your family members, building
manager, or neighbors about your fire safety plan and
practice it with them.
- Contact your local fire department's
non-emergency line and explain your special needs.
- The fire department will probably suggest
escape plan ideas and may perform a home fire safety
inspection and offer suggestions about smoke alarm placement
and maintenance.
- Ask emergency providers to keep your
special needs information on file.
LIVE NEAR AN EXIT
Although you have the legal right to live
where you choose, you'll be safest on the ground floor if you
live in an apartment building.
- If you live in a multi-story home,
arrange to sleep on the ground floor, and near and exit.
BE FIRE-SAFE AROUND THE HOME
The leading cause of residential fire deaths
among older adults is careless smoking.
- If you must smoke, never smoke in bed or
near an oxygen source, gas stove, or other flammable object.
- When cooking, never approach an open
flame while wearing loose clothing and don't leave cooking
unattended. Use a timer to remind you of food in the oven.
- Don't overload electrical outlets or
extension cords.
- Never use the oven to heat your home.
Properly maintain chimneys and space heaters.
- Take special precaution if you are on
medication that makes you drowsy.
KNOW YOUR ABILITIES
Remember, fire safety is your personal
responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!
Fire Prevention & Safety
Tips
Often people believe that there are more
fires in the winter months, and that may be so. However, fires
caused by candles occur throughout the year and are on the
increase nationally. We offer these recommendations to keep
you safe.
“Candles can offer a warm ambiance and a
festive mood, but they can be dangerous if used carelessly”,
said Assistant Fire Marshal Jason Jones. “We urge everyone to
take common-sense precautions when decorating with candles
this winter season and throughout the year” continued Sells.
The National Fire Protection Association
Recommends:
- Use candles only with constant adult
supervision.
- Extinguish all candles when leaving a
room or going to sleep.
- Keep candles well away from items that
can catch fire, such as Christmas trees, flammable
decorations, clothing, books, paper, curtains, etc.
- Make sure candle holders are
non-combustible and big enough to collect dripping wax.
- Do not place lit candles in windows,
where blinds or curtains can close over them.
- Keep wicks trimmed to ¼ inch, and
extinguish candles when they burn down to within two inches
of the holder.
- Keep candles and all open flames away
from flammable liquids.
- Do not use candles in places where they
can be knocked over by children or pets.
Where young children are present:
- Keep candles up high, out of reach of
children.
- Never leave a child unattended in a room
with a candle. A child should not sleep in a room with a lit
candle.
- Keep all matches and lighters up high and
out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a
locked cabinet.
During power outages:
- Flashlights and other lights generated by
batteries are much safer light sources than candles.
- Try to avoid carrying a lit candle.
- Don't use a candle to go into a closet to
look for things.
- Never use a candle for light when fueling
equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame
may ignite the fumes.
- Extinguish all candles when leaving the
home or when going to sleep.
Address Numbers
Homes and businesses should have address numbers posted to be
visible and legible from the street.
- The minimum size should generally be no
less than six (6) inches in height.
- Numbers on mailboxes should be posted on
both sides of the box or post to be visible to emergency
responders from either direction of travel.
- Reflective numbers work well.
- The numbers should contrast with their
background.
- Commercial buildings with tenant suites,
should also post the tenant suite number at the tenant
entrance.
Gasoline Precautions
Precautions to take when filling a gasoline container. The
following precautions should be taken when filling a container
with gasoline from a dispenser:
- Keep gasoline away from ignition sources
like heat, sparks, and flames.
- Do not smoke.
- Shut off the vehicle’s engine. Disable or
turn off any auxiliary sources of ignition such as a camper
or trailer heater, cooking units, or pilot lights.
- Only store gasoline in containers with
approved labels as required by federal or state authorities.
Never store gasoline in glass or unapproved containers.
- Portable containers must be placed on the
ground, and the nozzle must stay in contact with the
container when filling, to prevent buildup and discharge of
static electricity. Do not fill a container in or on a
vehicle, including in car trunks or truck beds. (Placing the
container on the ground minimizes any static electricity
buildup that could lead to a spark and cause a fire.)
- Fill the container at a slow rate. This
will decrease the chance of static ignition buildup and
minimize incidents of spillage or splattering.
- Manually control the nozzle valve
throughout the filling process.
- Keep your face away from the nozzle or
container opening.
- Avoid prolonged breathing of gasoline
vapors. Never siphon gasoline by mouth. Do not put gasoline
in your mouth—gasoline can be harmful or fatal if swallowed.
If someone swallows gasoline, do not induce vomiting.
Contact the Emergency Medical Services immediately.
- Keep gasoline away from your eyes and
skin, because it may cause irritation.
- Use gasoline only in open areas that get
plenty of fresh air.
- Never use gasoline to wash your hands.
- Remove gasoline-soaked clothing
immediately.
- Fill container no more than 95 percent
full to allow for expansion.
- Place cap tightly on the container after
fillingdo not use containers that do not seal properly.
- If gasoline spills on the container, make
sure that it has evaporated before you place the container
in your vehicle.
- Report spills to the attendant.
- Use gasoline as a motor fuel only.
- When transporting gasoline in a portable
container make sure the container is secure from tipping and
sliding, and never leave in the direct sunlight or in the
trunk of a car.
- There are some on-going studies being
done about the use of cellular phones in use during pumping
operations. At this point we can only recommend you use good
sound judgment when talking on a cell phone while pumping
gasoline. If in doubt, don’t do it.
Storage and handling of gasoline
Gasoline must be stored in an approved container or tank.
Gasoline containers must also be provided with an approved
label as required by federal and state authorities. Storage in
anything other than an approved container is strictly
prohibited by the fire code.
Gasoline is a flammable liquid and should be
stored at room temperature, away from potential heat sources
such as the sun, a hot water heater, space heater or a
furnace, and away from ignition sources. Gasoline vapors are
heavier than air and can travel along the floor to ignition
sources. Therefore, appliance pilot lights or ignition devices
should be kept more than 50 feet from where gasoline is stored
or handled, and elevated at least 18 inches above the floor.
Other precautionary measures include:
- Do not smoke where gasoline is handled or
stored.
- Always keep gasoline out of reach from
children.
- For better ventilation, it is best to
handle gasoline outdoors.
- Keep gasoline containers tightly closed
and handle them gently to avoid spills.
- Do not mix even a small amount of
gasoline with kerosene or diesel.
- Do not use gasoline in kerosene heaters
or lamps.
- Store gasoline in a building separate
from the house or place of occupancy, such as a shed or
garage.
- Put gasoline in a small engine (like a
lawnmower) only when the engine and attachments are cool.
Portable Fire
Extinguishers
When used properly, portable fire extinguishers can help save
lives and property. They are also useful in containing small
fires until the fire department arrives.
Portable fire extinguishers are not designed
to extinguish large or spreading fires. Even against small
fires, they are useful only under certain conditions. Before
using a portable fire extinguisher, be sure the fire
department has been notified. A few things to remember are.
Fire extinguishers ARE designed for:
- Small fires
- Confined fire areas
- People who are familiar with extinguisher
operation
Fire extinguishers ARE NOT designed for:
- Large fires
- Rapidly growing fires
- People who are unfamiliar with fire
extinguisher use
Fire extinguishers come in different
classes. Know what is on fire and use the proper extinguisher.
Class A
- Ordinary Combustibles
- Wood
- Paper
- Plastics
- Cloth
Class B
- Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- Grease
- Oil
Class C
- Electrical Equipment
- TV
- VCR
- Power Tools
Class D
- Flammable Metals
- Magnesium
WARNING!
Using a fire extinguisher on the wrong class of fire can MAKE
THE FIRE WORSE!
Fire extinguishers should be mounted near
the exit in the common path of travel, at least 4-inches off
the floor, no higher that 5-feet, and the maximum travel
distance to an extinguisher should be not more than 75-feet.
Extinguishers in homes and businesses should have not less
than a 2-A 10-B:C rating.
When a fire occurs always:
- First notify 911, and sound any alarms
- Evacuate immediately
- Rescue anyone in danger
You can try to use a fire extinguisher if
you...
- Know the fire is small and confined
- Keep a clear escape route. Don't let the
fire get between you and the exit
- Stay low, below the smoke
- If you have any doubt, leave the area
- Leave if fire grows out of control
- Close door to contain fire before you
leave
- Wait for the fire department's permission
before you re-enter the area
NEVER...
- Attempt to extinguish a large or rapidly
growing fire
- Fight fires without an escape route
- Fight fires in a smoke filled room
- Fight fires if you are in doubt
- Assume the fire is out. Wait until the
area is inspected by the fire department.
- Ignoring any of these steps can be
dangerous and fatal.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms aren't new. The technology has been around since
the 1960s. The single-station, battery-powered smoke alarm,
similar to the one we know today, became available to
consumers in the 1970s. NFPA estimates that 93% of U.S. homes
have at least one smoke alarm. They save so many lives that
most states have laws requiring them in residential dwellings.
So, why is all the attention being paid to smoke alarms this
Fire Prevention Week?
Still a major problem
Although 13 of every 14 homes have at least one smoke alarm,
almost half of home fires and three-fifths of fire deaths
occur in the share of homes with no alarms. Thousands of
people still die each year in home fires where smoke alarms
aren't present.
In addition, there are now more homes with
smoke alarms that don't work than homes without alarms at all.
These poorly maintained units create a false sense of security
among occupants. Approximately one-third of homes with smoke
alarms that experience fires have smoke alarms that aren't
working, and hundreds of people die each year in these fires.
Tragically, the grave importance of
installing and maintaining smoke alarms has not yet been fully
realized. Most people who die in home fires are not in the
room where the fire starts; working smoke alarms alert people
to fire and give them time to escape in a situation where
minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
Working smoke alarms save lives
Having a smoke alarm cuts your chance of dying nearly in half
if you have a home fire. By properly placing, regularly
testing and maintaining your alarms, you can ensure that they
are in fact working and will alert you if a fire breaks out.
Make sure you buy only those alarms that bear the mark of an
independent testing laboratory. Some alarms operate using an
"ionization" sensor while others use a"photoelectric" sensor.
An ionization alarm uses an extremely small quantity of
radioactive material to make the air in the alarm chamber
conduct electricity. Smoke from a fire interferes with the
electrical current and triggers the alarm. A photoelectric
alarm uses a tiny light source shining on a light sensitive
sensor. The alarm is triggered when smoke from a fire
interferes with the light. All tested and labeled smoke alarms
offer adequate protection if they are properly installed and
maintained.
Make placement a priority
A recent NFPA report on smoke alarms found that there is a
substantial number of households that do not have the devices
on every level of the home, as needed. The majority of fire
deaths occur at night when people are asleep. NFPA's National
Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) says homes must have smoke alarms on
every level of the home -- including the basement -- and
outside each sleeping area. New homes are required to have a
smoke alarm in each sleeping area as well.
To slow the spread of smoke and fumes if a
fire develops, NFPA suggests that you sleep with your bedroom
doors closed. If you sleep with your bedroom doors closed,
install a smoke alarm inside each bedroom. alarms should also
be installed in other areas of your home where people sleep.
In new homes, the National Fire Alarm Code requires hard-wired
alarms to be interconnected, so that if one alarm is
activated, all alarms will sound the alarm signal. On floors
without bedrooms, smoke alarms should be installed in or near
living areas, such as family rooms and living rooms.
Alarms that are hard-wired into the home
electrical system should be installed by a qualified
electrician. If your alarm plugs into a wall socket, make sure
it has a restraining device to keep its plug from being pulled
out. Never connect an alarm to a circuit that could be turned
off at a wall switch. Most alarms are battery-powered and can
be installed with a screwdriver and drill and by following the
manufacturer's instructions.
"Test Your Alarms! Let's Hear it for Fire
Safety"
Since smoke and deadly gases rise, alarms should be placed on
the ceiling at least 4 inches from the nearest wall, or high
on a wall, 4-12 inches from the ceiling. This 4-inch minimum
is important to keep alarms out of possible "dead air" spaces,
because hot air is turbulent and may bounce so much it misses
spots near a surface. Installing alarms near a window, door or
fireplace is not recommended because drafts could detour smoke
away from the unit. In rooms where the ceiling has an
extremely high point, such as in vaulted ceilings, mount the
alarm at or near the ceiling's highest point.
Maintenance is a must
What good are smoke alarms that don't work? No good at all!
That's why it is imperative that you keep your smoke alarms
fit and in good shape. It's easy. Maintain your smoke alarms
by:
Testing
Whether your alarms are hard-wired or battery-operated, NFPA
recommends testing them once a month to make sure they are
operating. A working smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances
of dying in a home fire. Testing is the only way to ensure
they are working to protect you. Test each alarm by pushing
the test button and listening for the alarm. If you can't
reach, stand under the alarm and push the test button with a
broom handle.
Replacing Batteries
If your smoke alarms are battery operated, replace their
batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. NFPA
recommends doing this at least once a year or when the alarm
chirps, alerting you that the battery power is low. Replace
the batteries immediately if you move into a new home. Make
sure no one disables your smoke alarms by borrowing batteries
for other uses. Everyone you live with should understand how
critical it is to have working smoke alarms.
Cleaning
Just as you clean your home, your smoke alarms need to be
cleaned. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions
about cleaning. Cobwebs and dust usually can be removed with a
vacuum cleaner attachment. If you are going to be doing work
nearby that could send dust in the air, cover the alarm with a
shield. Also, shield the alarm if you are painting around it,
and never paint on it. Remove the shield promptly after work
is completed.
Dealing with nuisance alarms
Regularly cleaning your smoke alarms and following the
manufacturer's instructions may help stop "nuisance" or false
alarms. If this doesn't stop them, install a fresh battery in
the alarms giving nuisance alarms. Evaluate where your alarms
are placed if the problem still persists. Cooking vapors and
steam can set off a smoke alarm. If the alarm is near the
kitchen or bathroom, try moving it farther away. If nuisance
alarms continue, install a new smoke alarm.
No substitute for smoke alarms
Fire protection in the home must start with smoke alarms.
There are many other kinds of alarms which may be designed to
detect such factors as high temperatures, rapid changes in
temperature, and certain gases produced in fires. However,
these alarms are not as effective as smoke alarms in giving
the first warning when a fire breaks out. NFPA does not
require heat alarms in homes, however, they may be used for
optional extra protection in areas like kitchens, attics, and
garages, where smoke alarms are susceptible to nuisance
alarms.
Tests performed on the speed of warning
given by smoke alarms and heat alarms for many types of
typical home fires showed smoke alarms consistently give first
warning -- often by enough of a margin to make a major
difference in your chances of escaping alive. Smoke and deadly
gas spread farther and faster than heat.
Contrary to popular belief, the smell of
smoke may not wake a sleeping person. Instead, the poisonous
gases and smoke produced by a fire can numb the senses and put
one into a deeper sleep.
Smoke alarms are cost-effective
A battery-operated smoke alarm for the home retails for less
than $10. Smoke alarms with extra features can cost up to $25.
Batteries cost $1 to $2, depending on the brand. A smoke alarm
for a typical hard-wired system costs $14-$18. Smoke alarms
for people with hearing impairments cost approximately $100
each. In 1994, home fires caused $481,000 in damage every
hour.
Smoke Detectors and Home Escape Planning
Could Save Your Life!
Why a Smoke Detector? Most fires occur at night when people
are sleeping. A smoke detector can alert you when there is a
fire, in time to save your life. Smoke detectors work by
sensing rising smoke from a fire and sounding an alarm.
What Type Should I Buy?
1. Photoelectric uses a photoelectric bulb that sends forth a
beam of light. When smoke enters, light from the beam is
reflected from smoke particles into a photocell and the alarm
is triggered.
2. Ionization Chamber contains a small, safe
radiation chamber source that produces electrically charged
air molecules called ions. When smoke enters the chamber, it
causes a change in the flow of ions, triggering the alarm.
Both are EQUALLY EFFECTIVE and neither
requires that you be familiar with its inner workings. As long
as you buy a detector that is tested by a major testing
laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), you can be
assured it has met certain testing requirements.
Where Should I Install My Detector?
Smoke rises, so the best place to install a detector is on the
ceiling or high on an inside wall just below the ceiling. If
the detector is below an uninsulated attic or in a mobile
home, the detector should be placed on the wall 4 " - 12"
below the ceiling.
In a Multi-level home, a detector is needed
on each level. On the first floor it should be placed on the
ceiling at the base of the stairwell. Detectors should be
installed within 15 feet of the bedrooms so they can be heard
when the door is closed. But, remember not to install a
detector within 3 feet of an air supply register that may blow
smoke away. Don't install a detector between an air return and
the sleeping area. The smoke will be recirculated and diluted
resulting in a delayed alarm.
If you are installing more than one detector
you may want to consider purchasing units that can be
interconnected. That way when one unit detects smoke, all the
detectors will sound the alarm.
How Are Detectors Powered?
Detectors can be powered two ways:
- Batteries
These are the easiest to install. They require no outlets or
wiring connection, however, batteries must be replaced twice
a year. We recommend you change them in the Spring and in
the Fall when you change your clocks. All UL listed battery
operated detectors are required to sound a trouble signal
when a replacement is needed. The signal usually lasts 7
days, so it's advised to check the efficiency of the
detector following extended periods away.
- Household current
Detectors can be powered with household current two ways.
They can be plugged into any wall socket or can be wired
permanently into your home's electrical system.
During Power Outages:
Detectors that are powered solely by household current will
not give early warning during times of power outages. The
Franklin Fire Department strongly recommends that at least one
battery operated detector or a detector with battery back-up
is installed and maintained on every level of the home.
How Can I Best Care for My Detector?
Dirt, extreme changes in temperature and cooking exhaust can
cause a false alarm or malfunction of the detector. To prevent
false alarms, locate the detector away from air vents, air
conditioners and fans. Keep the grillwork free of dirt by
occasional vacuuming and dusting. Don't paint the cover of a
smoke detector as this may clog the grillwork. Test your
detector every month or more often if necessary to make sure
it's working. This is usually done with the test button, if
provided.
Carbon Monoxide
Detectors
1. What is carbon monoxide (CO) and how is it produced in
the home?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous
gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid,
liquid, and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas,
liquified petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal, or wood may
produce CO. Burning charcoal produces CO. Running cars produce
CO.
2. How many people are unintentionally
poisoned by CO?
Every year, over 200 people in the
United States die from CO produced by fuel-burning appliances
(furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters). Others die
from CO produced while burning charcoal inside a home, garage,
vehicle or tent. Still others die from CO produced by cars
left running in attached garages. Several thousand people go
to hospital emergency rooms for treatment for CO poisoning.
Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide
poisoning. Experts believe, however, that individuals with
greater oxygen requirements such as unborn babies, infants,
children, senior citizens and people with coronary or
respiratory problems are at greater risk.
3. What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
The initial symptoms of CO poisoning
are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
Many people with CO poisoning mistake their
symptoms for the flu or are misdiagnosed by physicians, which
sometimes results in tragic deaths.
4. What should you do to prevent CO
poisoning?
Make sure appliances are installed
according to manufacturer's instructions and local building
codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals.
Have the heating system (including chimneys and vents)
inspected and serviced annually. The inspector should also
check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and
complete disconnections, and loose connections.
Install a CO detector/alarm that meets the
requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the
requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard. A carbon monoxide
detector/alarm can provide added protection, but is no
substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can
produce CO. Install a CO detector/alarm in the hallway near
every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the
detector cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.
- Never burn charcoal inside a home,
garage, vehicle, or tent.
- Never use portable fuel-burning camping
equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
- Never leave a car running in an attached
garage, even with the garage door open.
- Never service fuel-burning appliances
without proper knowledge, skills, and tools. Always refer to
the owner's manual when performing minor adjustments or
servicing fuel-burning appliances.
- Never use gas appliances such as ranges,
ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home.
- Never operate unvented fuel-burning
appliances in any room with closed doors or windows or in
any room where people are sleeping.
- Do not use gasoline-powered tools and
engines indoors. If use is unavoidable, ensure that adequate
ventilation is available and whenever possible place engine
unit to exhaust outdoors.
5. What CO level is dangerous to your
health?
The health effects of CO depend on
the level of CO and length of exposure, as well as each
individual's health condition. The concentration of CO is
measured in parts per million (ppm). Health effects from
exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm are
uncertain, but most people will not experience any symptoms.
Some heart patients might experience an increase in chest
pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms
may become more noticeable (headache, fatigue, nausea). As CO
levels increase above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation,
unconsciousness, and death are possible.
6. What should you do if you are
experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning?
If you think you are experiencing
any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air
immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn
off any combustion appliances, and leave the house. Call your
fire department and report your symptoms. You could lose
consciousness and die if you do nothing. It is also important
to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell
your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your
problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are
experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning when you are
operating fuel-burning appliances. Before turning your
fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure a qualified service
person checks them for malfunction.
7. What has changed in CO
detectors/alarms recently?
CO detectors/alarms always have been
and still are designed to alarm before potentially
life-threatening levels of CO are reached. The UL standard
2034 (1998 revision) has stricter requirements that the
detector/alarm must meet before it can sound. As a result, the
possibility of nuisance alarms is decreased.
8. What should you do when the CO
detector/alarm sounds?
Never ignore an alarming CO
detector/alarm. If the detector/alarm sounds: Operate the
reset button. Call your emergency services (fire department or
911). Immediately move to fresh air -- outdoors or by an open
door/window.
9. How should a consumer test a CO
detector/alarm to make sure it is working?
Consumers should follow the
manufacturer's instructions. Using a test button, some
detectors/alarms test whether the circuitry, as well as the
sensor which senses CO, is working, while the test button on
other detectors only tests whether the circuitry is working.
For those units which test the circuitry only, some
manufacturers sell separate test kits to help the consumer
test the CO sensor inside the alarm.
10. What is the role of the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in preventing CO poisoning?
CPSC worked closely with
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to help develop the safety
standard (UL 2034) for CO detectors/alarms. CPSC helps promote
carbon monoxide safety awareness to raise awareness of CO
hazards and the need for regular maintenance of fuel-burning
appliances. CPSC recommends that every home have a CO
detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the most recent
UL standard 2034 or the IAS 6-96 standard in the hallway near
every separate sleeping area. CPSC also works with industry to
develop voluntary and mandatory standards for fuel-burning
appliances.
11. Do some cities require that CO
detectors/alarms be installed?
On September 15, 1993, Chicago,
Illinois became one of the first cities in the nation to adopt
an ordinance requiring, effective October 1, 1994, the
installation of CO detectors/alarms in all new single-family
homes and in existing single-family residences that have new
oil or gas furnaces. Several other cities also require CO
detectors/alarms in apartment buildings and single-family
dwellings.
12. Should CO detectors/alarms be used in
motor homes and other recreational vehicles?
CO detectors/alarms are available
for boats and recreational vehicles and should be used. The
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires CO
detectors/alarms in motor homes and in towable recreational
vehicles that have a generator or are prepped for a generator.
Locking FDC Caps
For several years the fire department encountered trash, bird
nests, and other obstructions in automatic fire sprinkler
piping during routine inspections. Fortunately no building was
lost because the fire department could not support the
sprinkler system because of obstructed piping. However, the
common condition was a serious offense of the fire code and
threatened the building and the lives of its occupants and
firefighters that would enter under fire conditions.
When searching for a way to protect the
integrity of the sprinkler system an article in a trade
magazine advertised the Knox FDC Cap. The cap does several
things including:
- Protects sprinkler system against
vandalism
- Guarantees clean connection lines
- Eliminates damage to connection threads
- Assures FDC control by fire department
- Prevents frequent cap replacement
- Provides easy-on, easy-off access
- Eliminates trash, bird nests, and other
obstructions
Winter Fires-Safety
Tips for the Home
Many homeowners and residents search for some type of
auxiliary heating appliance. Supplemental heating is growing
more popular as the cost of winter heating increases. Many
people turn to kerosene heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces,
and electric space heaters. All of these methods of heating
are acceptable. However, they do represent a major
contributing factor in the ignition of residential fires. Many
of these fires can be prevented minding fire safety and
following these recommendations.
Kerosene Heaters
- Be sure your heater is in good working
condition and look for excessive carbon build-up on exhaust
parts. Every heater should have an emergency shut-off in
case the heater is tipped over.
- Any time a heater is in operation the
room or area must be ventilated to prevent the build-up of
the products of combustion. Burning fuel produces deadly
fumes.
- Consult the manufacturer’s
recommendations for the type of fuel to use. Never use a
fuel in a heater that is not designed for that type of
heater.
- Keep kerosene and other fuels in an
appropriate container in well-ventilated storage areas
outside the home and out of reach of children.
- Never fill the heater while it is in
operation or while it is hot. Pay particular attention to
not overfill the unit. Cold fuel may expand in the tank when
it warms up.
- Refueling should be done outside of the
home and after the unit has cooled down.
- Keep children safely away from kerosene
heaters—especially when they are wearing nightgowns or other
loose clothing that can be easily ignited. Small children
and toddlers may not be aware the heater is HOT. Keep them
within your sight…they are counting on you for their safety.
Wood Stoves and Fireplaces
- Be sure the stove or fireplace is
installed properly. Wood stoves should be located at least
36 inches from combustible surfaces, including walls, room
furnishings and contents.
- Wood stoves should be purchased from a
quality manufacturer and bear a UL listing or be listed by
another testing agency.
- Have the chimney inspected annually by a
certified chimney sweep and cleaned as needed. Some chimneys
may need to be swept semi-annually.
- Do not use flammable or combustible
liquids to start or accelerate a fire.
- Keep glass doors or a metal screen in
front of the fireplace opening to prevent embers and sparks
from escaping or a log from rolling out of the firebox.
- To prevent burns to the flooring or
carpet outside the hearth, a flame resistant rug may be
used.
- Don’t use excessive amounts of paper to
start the fire. Burning paper can be drafted up the chimney
and ignite creosote.
- Never use charcoal or charcoal lighter
fluid to start a fire inside.
- Keep combustible materials and
decorations a safe distance from the fireplace opening. Pay
particular attention to hanging items on the mantel. A spark
from the fireplace could easily ignite these materials.
- Before you go to sleep, be sure your fire
is out and the ashes have cooled. Never close the damper
with hot ashes in the firebox. A closed damper will help
fire and ashes to generate heat and produce carbon monoxide.
- When using synthetic logs, follow the
directions on the package. Never break a synthetic log apart
to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They
burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.
- Be sure furnace controls work properly.
- Leave furnace repairs to qualified
professionals.
- Gas fired fireplaces and furnaces should
be checked annually to insure proper combustion.
- Homes with a gas fired fireplace and or
furnace should have carbon monoxide detector(s) installed
for life safety.
Other Fire Safety Tips
- Never discard hot ashes inside or near
the home, in a dumpster, municipal trashcan, or near any
thing combustible. Place them in a metal container and allow
cooling for 24 hours, or soak with water before disposing
them.
- Never use a range or oven as a
supplementary heating source. It may be a safety hazard and
a source of potentially toxic fumes.
- If you use an electric heater, be sure
not to overload the circuit. Use only extension cords that
have the necessary rating capacity to carry the amp load.
Discontinue use if trouble signs appear.
- Avoid using an electric heater in
bathrooms, or areas where it may come in contact with water.
Not only is it a fire hazard but it presents a life safety
hazard as well.
- Keep electric heaters 36 inches from
combustible materials and decorations.
- Frozen water pipes? Never thaw them with
a propane torch or other open flame. The open flame may
ignite plastic pipes and metal pipes can conduct heat to
combustible structural materials and result in a fire. Use
hot water or a hair dryer. Extreme caution should be
observed when attempting to thaw pipes with an electric
device under mobile homes and in crawl spaces or other areas
where moisture may be present.
- Be sure that windows used for escape
operate in cold weather.
- Be sure every level of your home has a
working smoke detector, and be sure to check it and clean it
on a monthly basis.
- Contact the Fairview Fire Department for
advice and questions on Home Fire Safety.
|
