Fire Safety Tip of the Week

Week of February 22, 2010 - Keeping Children from Playing With Fire 

• Keep all lighters and matches away from children, preferably in high, locked cabinets.
• If your child expresses curiosity about fire, calmly but firmly explain the dangers and that lighters and matches are for adult use only.
• Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features.
• Teach young children to alert an adult if they see matches or lighters.
• Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place children may go to play or hide unsupervised.
• If you suspect your child is fascinated with fire or setting fires, get help immediately.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Fire Safety Tip Archives

Week of February 16, 2010 - NATURAL GAS SAFETY

If you have natural gas in your home, always be alert for any leaks.  If you smell gas or hear a leaky gas connection, immediately leave the house, then call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s phone or a cell phone.  Keep all doors and windows closed when you leave the house; this will allow the fire company to better locate the source of the leak. Never strike a match or use a lighter; any spark or flame can create an explosion.  Have the gas system repaired and checked by a professional representative from the utility company before turning the gas back on.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of February 8, 2010 - Burn Awareness Week

Feb. 7-13 is Burn Awareness Week, and during this week, Shriners Hospitals for Children® will kick-off a campaign focused on preventing gasoline-related and scald burn injuries. Burn injuries are among the most disfiguring and potentially serious bodily injuries.  Scald burns, which are caused by hot liquids, steam or foods, are the most common burn injury among young children and the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children under age 4. Many people do not fully understand the dangers of gasoline. Gasoline is highly volatile – the fumes are capable of ignition from several feet away. Reckless use and improper storage of gasoline lead to thousands of young children and teens being burned every year. The highest at-risk group for gasoline and other flammable substance burns are kids age 13 and older. A Web site has been developed for the campaign at www.burnawarenessweek.org.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of February 1, 2010 - Help Us, Help You

It’s imperative that you keep house numbers visible from the street so that in the event of an emergency, Fire, EMS and Police personnel can find your residence quickly and easily.  This winter, make sure snow and ice do not block the numbers from view. Please give us a hand if there is a hydrant in front of your house and take a moment to clear out the snow.  Saving us those precious minutes in the event of an emergency could save lives.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of January 25, 2010 - Home Heating Fires

As a leading cause of home fires, heating is a concern for every community each winter. Again this year, with the possible increase in use of alternative heating equipment, families need to be especially vigilant to use all heating appliances properly.  Alternative heating sources can be used safely. If you are using pellet stoves, wood stoves, space heaters or any other non-traditional home heating equipment this winter to follow this advice: 

• Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
• Use and purchase portable space heaters with an auto shut off so if they’re tipped over they will shut off.
• Place portable heaters on solid, flat surface at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
• Always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer. When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• If the pilot light of your gas heater goes out, allow 5 minutes or more for the gas to go away before trying again, do not allow gas to accumulate, and light the match before you turn on the gas to the pilot to avoid risk of flashback.
• Heaters should bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets. Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of January 11, 2010 - Gas Cans Recalled

No-Spill LLC (Lenexa, KS) is recalling 5-gallon gas cans made out of heavy-duty red plastic and carry date codes AIP09202 through AIP09222. The date code is located on the bottom of the can. Not all cans in this date range are affected. These gas cans leak fuel at the black plastic collar where the spout connects to the can, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. Gas cans were sold nationwide at lawn & garden stores, hardware stores and online between August and November 2009 for about $30. For more information visit: www.firesafety.gov.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of January 4, 2010 - Radon Gas Awareness

The EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and an estimated 20,000 deaths each year can be attributed to excessive radon exposure. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon; however it could be present at a dangerous level in your home.  The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon to prevent unnecessary exposure. Test your home for radon. It’s easy and inexpensive; kits can be found at your local hardware store. If you have a radon level of 4 pCi/L or more detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.  For more information visit http://www.epa.gov/radon/.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

We wish you a safe and happy New Year’s.  As you go out to celebrate the coming of 2010, drop your keys at the door or have a designated driver for your group.  Don’t make us your designated driver.  Stay alive, don’t drink and drive!

Have a Safe and Happy New Year’s, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

This holiday season when you’re cleaning up from opening all the presents, make sure you do not burn wrapping paper or ribbons in a fireplace or wood stove.· Doing this will create dangerous toxic fumes and carbon monoxide from the dyes, inks and coatings in many papers.· Metallic, glossy or other treated paper can also produce sparks. Burning wrapping paper is dangerous and is even illegal in some states. These chemicals can also build up in chimneys and can cause fires if highly combustible creosote is ignited.· Recycle regular wrapping paper and flattened gift boxes.· Toss any foil or metallic wrapping paper and ribbons in the regular garbage.·

Have a safe and happy holiday season! Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Electric decorations can be dangerous if not handled properly and should always be turned off when leaving your house and especially when going to sleep.· Follow these safety tips: 

• UL approved electrical timers are the best way to make sure your lights are safety turned off.· If you do not have a timer, turn off all electric decorations before going to sleep.· Do not leave electric lights and other decorations on throughout the night.·
• Before decorating, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on any electrical decorations.· If using outdoors, be sure the decorations are made for all weather use and can be exposed to the elements.· Use only UL approved items.
• Carefully inspect each cord for cracking, fraying, loose or bare wires, which may start a fire.· Do not use any damaged cords.· Consider using miniature lights with cool-burning bulbs. Do not mount light strings in any way that could damage the wire insulation. Never staple electric cords.·
• Do not connect more than three light string sets together and do not overload extension cords.·
• Don't allow children or pets to play with light strings or other electrical decorations.
• Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home and dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.

Stay Safe and Happy Holidays,·Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of November 23, 2009 - Holiday Ladder Safety

With the holiday season upon us, the King of Prussia Vol. Fire Company wants to remind families to stay safe while using ladders in and around the home. When decorating or cleaning, ladders help get household jobs done, however they can also be a safety risk if not used properly. This holiday season and throughout the year, follow these ladder safety tips: 

• When using a ladder outdoors, stay away from all power lines or other overhead hazards. Coming in contact with live wires can be fatal.
• Make sure rungs are dry before climbing the ladder.· Do not use in inclement weather.
• Use the proper size ladder for the job and make sure the ladder is secure.
• Place the ladder on level ground and make sure all locks are engaged.
• Rest the ladder against a firm surface at the correct angle.· Follow the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders: for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact, move the base of the ladder out 1 foot. If the ladder is at the wrong angle there is a greater risk of it slipping out from under you.
• Always have someone foot the ladder for you (facing the structure) by placing their foot against the beam of the ladder.· Face the ladder when climbing; keep both hands on the rungs and wear slip-resistant shoes.· Keep both feet on the ladder at all times.
• If you need to carry items up the ladder, use a belt or shoulder bag.· Always hold onto the ladder with one hand while working.
• Keep your body centered on the ladder and gauge your position by your belt buckle. If your buckle passes beyond the ladder rail, you are overreaching and at risk for falling.· Do not overstretch while on the ladder, if necessary climb down and move the ladder.· Remove any equipment / supplies that could fall before moving the ladder.
• For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it's the fourth rung from the top. Never go higher than these rungs.
• Follow the manufacture's guidelines and inspect the ladder for any damage, use common sense and never take risks.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of November 9, 2009 - Home Cooking Fires Peak on Thanksgiving Day

Home cooking fires are three times more likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day any other day of the year. It’s easy to get wrapped up with guests; however it is imperative that cooking never be left unattended.· Keep a 3-foot “kid free” zone around all cooking appliances and never hold children while cooking. Turn all handles toward the inside of the stove. Avoid wearing any loose clothing that could ignite.· Keep all combustible items away from the stove and clean the stovetop of food and grease. The popularity of turkey fryers has increased as well as the number of fires and injuries from them. Fryers can easily tip over, overflow, overheat and ignite if they are overfilled.· Follow all manufacturers’ directions and safety instructions.

Hve a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving,·Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of November 9, 2009 - "Stop, Drop, & Roll”

Stop, Drop, & Roll is a procedure taught to children but it’s for adults as well and should be practiced with the whole family.· In the event that clothing catches fire:

STOP immediately where you are, do not run.
DROP to the ground quickly.
ROLL over and over (rocking back and forth if the flames are concentrated in one area) until the flames are extinguished, covering your face with your hands.

Cool the burn with cool, not cold, water for 10-15 minutes. If burns are severe, dial 911.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of November 2, 2009 - Prevent Leaf Fires

As the leaves are piling up on the ground and in the streets it’s important to remember to keep them clear of parked cars.· Hot catalytic converters, tailpipes, etc. on the undercarriage of most vehicles can easily catch not only leaves on fire, but also your vehicle. Only park your vehicle on cleared areas of the streets and/or driveways.· Dispose of cigarettes properly.· A thrown cigarette from a car or passerby can easily catch dried leaves on fire as well.· If a fire does occur, dial 911 for the fire department and keep away.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of October 26, 2009

Daylight Savings ends on November 1, 2009.·· When you change your clocks; change your batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!··

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of October 19, 2009 - Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is fast approaching; follow these safety tips for a safe holiday: 

• When shopping for costumes or making them at home, use flame-resistant or flame-retardant costumes. Avoid trailing features to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flames.· Make sure costumes are bright and reflective or add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags.·
• Review “Stop, Drop and Roll” in the event costumes catches fire.
• Keep all decorations away from open flames or heat sources and do not overload electrical outlets.
• Illuminate pumpkins and walkways with small flashlights or glow sticks.· Avoid decorating with candles.· If using candles, use fireplace matches and keep away from any combustibles, children and pets.·
• Keep all exits clear.· If children are attending parties make sure they know where the exits are and plan a way out incase of an emergency.·
• Provide children with flashlights with fresh batteries or chemical light-sticks.
• Make sure children know their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Use non-toxic makeup as an alternative to sight-limiting masks.
• Make sure children stay in a group and have an adult escort.· Know the route they will be taking and set a curfew. Review the route and acceptable behavior. ·
• Have an adult check all candy thoroughly before eating.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of October 12, 2009 - Clearing Home Escape Routes

Every family should·practice their home escape plans and conduct regular drills.· But one very important fact that can be overlooked is to make sure that all exits are kept clear.· In most homes there are always areas where "stuff" accumulates.· Be sure that all of the exits in your home are free of clutter.· It's easy to get disoriented in a fire and having clutter increases the risk of entrapment.·

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of October 5, 2009 - The History of National Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week was established in 1922 by a proclamation from President Wilson to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire began on October 8th, and continued its destruction through October 9, 1871.· More than 250 people were killed in the blaze, which destroyed more than 17,400 buildings and burned more than 2,000 acres.· More than 100,000 people were left homeless.· The Great Chicago Fire is said to have started in a barn although the cause has never been proven.· On that same day in October in 1871, a massive forest fire dubbed the “most devastating forest fire in American history”, also raged through Northeast Wisconsin. The forest fire, which is thought to have been started by workers clearing land for railroad tracks, destroyed 16 towns, killed 1,152 people, and burned 1.2 million acres.·

Both fires changed the thinking of public officials about fire safety. On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, it was decided that the anniversary would be used to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention.· Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9th falls and is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.

National Fire Prevention Week runs all this week and the theme focuses on·burn awareness and prevention: “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.”·

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of September 28, 2009 - Fire Prevention Week·

National Fire Prevention Week runs next week from October 4-10, 2009.· This year’s theme focuses on·burn awareness and prevention, as well as keeping homes safe from the leading causes of home fires: ·“Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.” ·Here are some tips to follow to prevent burns: 

• Keep hot foods and liquids away from tables and counter edges so they cannot be pulled or knocked over.
• Have a 3-foot “kid-free” zone around the stove and never hold a child in your arms while preparing hot food or beverages.· Teach children that hot things hurt.
• Be careful with heating appliances such as curling irons, oven, irons, lamps, heaters.
• Only use heating pads for 15-20 minutes at a time and do not lie, sit or place anything on the pad.
• To avoid scalds, set the water heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees and consider having “anti-scald” devices on tub faucets and shower heads.
• Remember young children and older adults skin burns more easily.· Test the water before placing a child or yourself in the tub.· Be careful about scalding water. Before you put your child in the tub, test the temperature with your wrist, elbow, or the back of your hand. Do not rely on a tub with a temperature indicator. If you're using a thermometer with a read-out, infant bath water should be no more than 100 degrees. However, even when using a thermometer use your wrist, elbow, or the back of your hand as your main guide.· Never leave young children alone in the tub, shower or near a sink.
• Treat a burn right away. Put it in cool water for three to five minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth and remove all clothing, jewelry and metal from the burned areas.
• If the burn is bigger than your fist or if you have any questions, get medical help right away.

Stay Safe, Robin Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

September 27 – October 3, 2009 is National Chimney Safety Week, making it the perfect time to have your chimney cleaned and inspected.· Professional cleaning removes the highly combustible creosote produced by burning wood and wood products along with any bird and animal nests, leaves or other debris that may create a hazard by blocking the flow of emissions. ·Even if you don’t have a fireplace, you should have the vent chimneys for heating systems cleaned to remove any soot and creosote buildup.·

In the event of a chimney fire, get everyone out of the house and dial 911 for the fire department.

For more information visit the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) website at www.csia.org.· CSIA is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to chimney and venting system safety.

Stay Safe, Robin·Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Week of September 7, 2009 -Safe Home Use of Oxygen

Never smoke while using oxygen or are anywhere near an oxygen source, even if it is turned off.· Because oxygen is and accelerator, it can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.· Keep oxygen tanks at least six feet from radiators, furnaces and space heaters. Never smoke when using oxygen, and ask other people to not smoke around you. Post a sign which states "no smoking, oxygen in use." This will help remind visitors to refrain.· Tanks should be stored upright and secured.·· Keep a fire extinguisher close and be familiar with how to use it. If a small fire were to start it is essential to put it out quickly.

Stay Safe, Robin·Kelsh - Fire Prevention Director / Safety Officer, KPVFC

Look for the Fire Safety Tip of the Week in the King of Prussia Courier.