Fire_Rescue

Emergencies spawned by terrorism, fire, hazardous materials spills, hurricanes, floods and snowstorms can happen anywhere, at any time. Prince William County government is second to none in emergency operations readiness, trained public safety personnel and equipment. Local officials and relief teams will be on the job after a disaster, but they may not be able to reach everyone right away. If disaster strikes, you need to know how to take care of yourself and your family.

With the very real potential for an overwhelming natural or manmade disaster, it is critical to involve local communities, businesses, schools and families in disaster preparedness efforts. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is co-sponsoring National Preparedness Month. Their goal is to encourage all Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and schools by increasing individual awareness and readiness for both natural and man made disasters. There are 3 major areas in which you can prepare for a possible emergency situation:

1. Assemble an Emergency Kit – Everyone should be able to survive relatively

comfortably on their own, for at least three days. During that time period, you may need to remain in your home without outside aid, until danger subsides. Elements of a good kit include:

· A gallon of water per person per day (replace every 6 months)

· Non-perishable foods (i.e., canned or dried)

· Manual can opener

· Warm cloths/sleeping bags or blankets

· Prescription medications

· Extra cash

· Flashlights and extra batteries

· Battery powered or wind up radio

· First aid supplies

· Special needs items for babies, seniors, and people with disabilities

· Duct tape and heavy duty plastic garbage bags

2. Make a Family Communications Plan – Your family may not be together at home when a disaster occurs. Make sure everyone knows how to get in touch and where to go.

In case local communications are down, designate an out of state friend or relative as a central contact point.
Keep a list of family and emergency contacts near the phone and/or computer.
Designate a safe-room in the house where everyone can gather. The best choice is an inside room above ground with few windows and doors.
Select a safe gathering place outside of town where everyone can meet if evacuation is necessary.
Familiarize yourself with site specific plans such as schools, day care providers, and businesses where you and your family may be located.

3. Learn More About Readiness – Planning helps. If your family knows what to expect, they will react calmer during and after a disaster.

Make accommodations for the elderly, those with special needs, and pets.
Organize, update, and safeguard your insurance policies and other important documents.
Know where to access local emergency information such as radio, television, and computer based sources.
Get to know your neighbors, their special skills and needs. Plan now to work together after a disaster until help arrives.
Take training to learn more about basic first aid, CPR, hazardous materials, and other risk reduction techniques.

For more information visit www.pwcgov.org/fire and click on Disaster Preparedness or call 703-792-6360.

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The Dangers of Turkey Frying

The holiday season is just around the corner. The house is filled with the aroma of food especially a piping hot turkey filled with your favorite stuffing browning to perfection in the kitchen oven. However, today, this traditional way of cooking a turkey has changed. Many individuals are intrigued with frying turkeys. Turkey frying is a method by which turkeys are placed in a vat of cooking oil and fried at a high temperature. The turkey is cooked thoroughly and rapidly. On the outside, the turkey is brown and crisp while the inside is moist and juicy. The time to prepare and cook a turkey is cut dramatically during this process. However, this method of cooking is known to be dangerous and can cause severe injuries and extensive property damage.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) (www.nfpa.gov) recommends to those individuals who prefer their turkey to be prepared in this manner to seek out professional establishments that cater to this method of cooking, i.e. grocery stores, specialty food retailers and restaurants.

The NFPA states the dangers that may occur if you’re considering frying turkeys:

Hot oil may splash or spill at any point during the cooking process, when the turkey is placed in the fryer or removed.
Fryers designed for outdoor use and using a stand are considered particularly vulnerable to upset or collapse, followed by a major spill of hot oil.
In deep frying, oil is heated to temperatures of 350 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Cooking oil is combustible, and if it is heated beyond its cooking temperature, its vapors can ignite.
Propane-fired turkey fryers are designed for outdoor use, particularly for Thanksgiving, by which time both rain and snow are common in many parts of the country. If rain or snow strikes the exposed hot cooking oil, the result can be a splattering of the hot oil or a conversion of the rain or snow to steam, either of which can lead to burns. Use of propane-fired turkey fryers indoors to avoid bad weather is contrary to their design and dangerous in its own right. Fires have occurred when turkey fryers were used in a garage or barn or under eaves to keep the appliance out of the rain.

Many turkeys are purchased frozen, and may not be fully thawed when cooking begins which creates the risk of contact between hot cooking oil and water, which can mean an oil splatter or a cloud of hot steam.

Use of the electric turkey fryers introduces a burn hazard to the home because of close quarters and a particular danger to children and others who are gathered for a festive occasion.

In order to be considered acceptably safe, a turkey fryer would have to be designed to reduce the risk of hot oil release to a negligible level at every stage of the cooking process.

Although some turkey fryer packaging displays independent product safety testing labels, NFPA indicates that turkey fryers are not suitable for acceptably safe use by even a well-informed and careful consumer and discourages the use of turkey fryers except by properly trained professionals using professional-quality equipment.

To view a video presentation of the dangers of turkey frying, visit Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. at http://www.ul.com/consumers/turkeys.html.

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Fire-Safe Landscaping: Protecting Your Home and Your Lives

Each year, hundreds of mulch fires are reported across the U.S. causing injury, death and millions of dollars in property damage. These fires most often are started by individuals discarding smoking materials such as cigarettes or cigars including lighted matches into mulch laden landscapes/flower beds before entering a building or home. Yet, these types of fires are preventable if one uses the effective tool of fire-safe landscaping.

Fire-safe landscaping creates an area of defensible or reasonable amount of space between your home and flammable vegetation and can protect your property and home against devastating fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) (www.usfa.dhs.gov), learning how to landscape and maintain your property can help minimize fire damage and slow fires if a fire should start. Dead trees and shrubs are a catalyst for fire -- providing fuel to the fire. By removing flammable vegetation, you reduce the threat of fire.

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire) and the USFA suggest the following basic rules to create a fire-safe landscape around your home:

Remove all dead plants, trees and shrubs.
Reduce and remove excess leaves, plant parts and low-hanging branches.
Replace flammable plants and vegetation with fire-resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly.
Thin trees and brush within 30 feet around your home.
Remove dead wood, debris and low tree branches.
Remove small trees and plants growing under trees. They permit ground fires to jump into tree crowns.
Space trees 30 feet apart and prune to a height of 8 to 10 feet.
Place shrubs at least 20 feet from all structures and prune regularly.
Plant drought-tolerant vegetation 3 feet from your home and adjacent to structures to prevent ignition.
Provide a 10 to 15 foot separation between islands of shrubs and plant groups to break-up continuity of vegetation.
Check your local nursery or county extension service for advice on fire resistant plants that are suited for your environment.
Create fire-safe zones with stone walls, patios, swimming pools, decks and roadways.
There are no "fire-proof" plants, therefore, select high moisture plants that grow close to the ground and have a low sap or resin content.
Choose plants that resist ignition such as rockrose, iceplant and aloe.
Choose and plant fire-resistant shrubs such as hedging roses, bush honeysuckles, currant, cotoneaster, sumac and shrub apples.
Choose and plant trees that are less flammable than pine, fir and other conifers such as hardwood, maple, poplar and cherry trees.
Maintain a well-pruned and watered landscape which serves as a green belt and protects against fire.
Keep plants green during the dry season and use supplemental irrigation, if necessary.
Trim grass on a regular basis up to 100 feet surrounding your home.
Stack firewood at least 30 feet from your home.

Remember

Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared!

· Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.

· Test them monthly.

· Change the batteries at least twice a year (spring and fall).

· Have an escape plan.

· Practice your escape plan on a regular basis.

Fire safety is your personal responsibility... Fire Stops With You!

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Heat Stroke - A Life-Threatening Illness

August has been known for being one of the hottest months of the year. It falls within the “dog days of summer” a period between early July and early September when the weather is the hottest and muggiest of the season. During this period, individuals need to heed weather warnings regarding high temperatures to avoid being a victim of heat-related illness as heat stroke/sunstroke also known as hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia occurs when the body is exposed to excessive heat and produces or absorbs more heat than it can release, thereby causing the body temperature to climb uncontrollably.

There are two ways in which the body regulates temperature; when the heart increases blood flow to the skin and through perspiration. Perspiration or sweat is a process that cools the body. When the body becomes dehydrated and unable to produce sweat the body’s temperature begins to rise swiftly and hyperthermia/heat stroke occurs.

Victims of heat stroke will show the following signs or symptoms:

· Confusion, disorientation, agitation

· Headaches

· Fainting

· Dizziness

· Increased heart and respiration rate

· Pale or bluish skin

· Chills

· Nausea

· Vomiting

Heat stroke can develop suddenly but is usually preceded by heat exhaustion, a less-threatening condition. When signs of heat exhaustion are apparent, it’s imperative that the victim’s body temperature be immediately lowered by:

· Moving to a cooler area within the building or outdoors in the shade.

· Removing clothing.

· Bathing in cool water (not cold).

· Wrapping in wet towels or clothes.

· Applying cold compresses to the torso, head, neck and groin.

· Drinking water for hydration.

Hyperthermia can affect anyone, yet some populations, i.e. young children and the elderly, are more susceptible than others. According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (www.pediatrics.org) and San Francisco University’s Department of Geosciences (http://ggweather.com/heat/index.htm), each year, children die from heat stroke after being left unattended in motor vehicles. From 1998 – 2007, over 360 child vehicular hyperthermia deaths have occurred. Safe Kids Worldwide (www.usa.safekids.org) and General Motors have joined forces and created a brochure, Never Leave Your Child Alone, in an effort to inform parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, particularly on warm days.

The elderly are also seriously affected by heat-related illnesses and injuries. According to the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), they are more prone to heat stress due to: chronic medical conditions that may disturb the body’s normal response to heat, and prescription medicines that may impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or reduce or prevent perspiration. For this high risk group, preventative measures outweigh treatments.

You can help protect elderly relatives, neighbors and friends from heat-related stress by:

· Visiting at least twice a day and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

· Provide transportation, if needed, to air-conditioned locations.

· Make sure they have access to an electric fan.

Hyperthermia is preventable. The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue suggests the following safety tips to minimize your risk:

· Wearing light, loose-fitting clothes.

· Wearing a bright colored wide-brimmed hat with vents

· Avoid strenuous exercise during daylight hours in hot weather.

Stay hydrated -- Drink plenty of liquids.

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Heating Your Home Safely

Fall has officially arrived with winter just around the corner. As the weather becomes colder, many contemplate ways in which to heat their homes to keep their families warm. But with the rising cost of energy, many families will struggle to find inexpensive ways of heating their homes and will become vulnerable to quick fixes putting them and their families at risk for injuries or worse.

As individuals see a rise in their heating bills they begin to seek alternative fuel efficient ways in which to heat their homes. According to the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org), half of all households are resorting to alternate heating sources i.e. portable and space heaters, kerosene heaters, fireplaces and wood and coal stoves. Heating fires are the second leading cause of residential fires and fire-related deaths (every 3 hours someone is killed in a house fire), according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)(www.usfa.fema.gov). The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)(www.nfpa.org) reports that these alternative heating sources account for over 60 percent of all home heating fires. When using these particular heating sources, the following precautions should be taken to assure your family’s safety when keeping warm:

Fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances

· Keep fireplaces and woodstoves clean.

· Annually have your fireplace and woodstove leaned by a certified chimney specialist.

· Keep the area around your fireplace and woodstove clean and free of debris, decorations and flammable materials.

· Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces

· Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.

· Keep air inlets open on woodstoves and fireplaces, if closed may cause creosote buildup and lead to a chimney fire.

· Use fire resistant materials around woodstoves, i.e. walls and floors.

Safely Burn Fuels

NEVER use flammable liquids to start a fire.

· Use only seasoned wood. Certain types of wood such as soft moist wood increases creosote buildup.

· Build small fires that will burn completely and produce less smoke.

· NEVER leave a fire unattended in a fireplace. Extinguish the fire before leaving the house or going to bed.

· Always remove ashes in a covered metal container.

Kerosene Heaters

· Buy only UL-approved heaters and check with your local fire department on the legality of kerosene heater use in your community.

· Never fill your heater with gasoline or camp stove fuel; both flare-up easily and increase the risk of fire. Use only fuels appropriate for the appliance.

· Refuel outside and only after the heater has cooled.

· Kerosene heaters should not be used in small enclosed areas, due to the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep a window ajar or the door open in a room when in use.

· Kerosene heaters should be cleaned and wicks replaced annually.

Electric Space Heaters

· Buy only heaters with the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) safety listing.

· Check to make sure it has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over. Always unplug your electric space heater when not in use.

· Avoid the use of extension cords.

· Frayed or damaged cords should never be used.

USFA reminds everyone that fire safety is your personal responsibility - Fire Stops with You!

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Home, a Safe Haven or Not?

Our families and their safety are the most important things in our lives. We tend to view our home as the safest place for our families. That’s what the majority of Americans think according to The State of Home Safety in America Report, a study conducted by the Home Safety Council (HSC) (http://www.homesafetycouncil.org). But is it truly a safe haven?

Each year, in the U.S., there are approximately 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits as a result of home related injuries -- injuries that could have been prevented. Falls, poisonings, fire and burns, are the top three causes of home related injuries -- accounting for 33% of all home related injuries. Children under the age of 14 and adults over 65 are most susceptible to these types of injuries.

You can increase the safety of your family and home by taking a more comprehensive approach to assessing what hazards exist within the home, commencing and practicing effective home safety, and maintaining that practice.

June is National Home Safety Month. The HSC and the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire), suggests the following safety checklist to prevent injuries in your home:

Falls Prevention

· Use bright lights at the top and bottom of stairs.

· Use nightlights in hallways and dark areas.

· Install grab bars in the tub, shower and near toilets.

· Use rubber bath mats or non-slip strips in the tub.

· Wipe up spills and splashed water promptly.

· Install handrails along both sides of steps and stairways.

· Secure rails along the full length of the stairway.

· Keep stairs and pathways clear of clutter.

· Use baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs in homes with toddlers.

Fire & Burn Prevention

· Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees.

· Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, and

· In or near sleeping areas.

· Test each smoke alarm monthly.

· Replace smoke alarm batteries with new batteries twice a year (spring and fall).

· Practice your fire escape plan.

· At least twice a year.

· Have two exits out of every room.

· Choose an outside meeting place.

· When cooking on the stove, stay in the kitchen.

· When burning candles, make sure an adult is in the room at all times.

· Lock matches and lighters away from children.

Poisoning Prevention

· Know the National Poison Control Center toll-free number 1-800-222-1222.

· Post the number by every phone in the home.

· Store cleaning products, automotive fluids, and chemicals under lock and key.

· Always store gasoline in approved container.

· Install child locks on all cabinets.

· Check with products for child resistant closures.

· Install a carbon monoxide detector to alert you of unsafe CO.

· Keep all medicines and vitamins in original containers.

· Insist on child-resistant caps.

· Store away in a secure area away from children.

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Lightning - An Underrated Killer

Summer is a time to enjoy outdoor activities. It is also a peak time for one of the deadliest weather incidence – lightning! July is the deadliest month for lightning fatalities and injuries in the U.S. According to the National Weather Service (www.weather.gov), lightning is an underrated killer. Each year, there are approximately 25 million lightning flashes in the U.S. with each flash being a potential killer. On average, approximately 62 people have been killed by lightning over the past 30 years (ties with the average cause of deaths by tornadoes). Because lightning does not cause mass destruction, its danger is grossly underrated. Annually, there are approximately 300 lightning injuries. This figure is estimated to be much higher when considering individuals who do not seek medical attention and therefore, their injuries are not reported. So far this year, in the U.S., there have been 8 fatalities due to lightning strikes. In 2007, hundreds of individuals were injured and 45 people were struck and killed by lightning

Approximately one third of lightning injuries occur at work, one-third during recreational or sports activities and the last third occur under diverse situations which include injuries sustained within buildings. Individuals struck by lightning incur injury to the brain and the nervous system. People who survive lightning strikes experience loss of memory, the inability to multitask, become easily distracted, irritable and for some an entire personality change takes effect.

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire) in accordance with the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (www.noaa.gov), recommends the following lightning safety tips:

Safe Buildings

One that is fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floors. Take precautions even inside. Lightning can enter a building as a direct strike, through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and through the ground. It can travel through the electrical, phone, plumbing, radio/television reception systems and through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.

When inside:

· Avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment or cords.

· Avoid contact with plumbing. DO NOT wash your hands, take a shower, wash dishes, and do laundry.

· Stay away from windows and doors; stay off porches.

· DO NOT lie on concrete floors; do not lean against concrete walls.

Unsafe Buildings

One that is partially open or a small structure, i.e. picnic shelters, dugouts, sheds, carports, etc.

Safe Vehicle

A hard-topped car, SUV, minivan, bus, tractor, etc. Close all doors and roll up the windows. DO NOT touch any metal surfaces.

When outside:

· Seek safe shelter when you:

· First hear thunder. (Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from an area where it is raining. That's about the distance you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance.)

· See dark threatening clouds developing overhead.

· See lightning.

Remember Your Pets

Outdoor pet houses are not lightning-safe. Pets chained to trees or wire runners can easily be struck by lightning. Consider a safe alternative during a thunderstorm.

Protect you and your loved ones from being a victim of lightning strikes by:

· Adhering to the NOAA’s safety motto – “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”

· Stay in your safe shelter until 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder.

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Motorcycle Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

More motorists are trading in or parking their larger motor vehicles for motorcycles as a way of beating the rising cost of gasoline. Nationwide, there is an increase in motorcycle traffic cruising our highways and countryside roads. Yet, with this increase in ridership there is an increase in motorcycle accidents. Although, the U.S., in recent years, has been successful in reducing automobile deaths, the National Highway and Transportation Administration (NHTSA)(www.nhtsa.gov) indicates the rate of motorcycle fatalities has more than doubled in the past ten years ( 2,116 in 1997 to over 4,800 in 2006) -- offsetting the gain in lives saved from higher seat belt use and improved passenger vehicle safety. Currently, motorcycle fatalities are the Nation’s greatest highway traffic safety challenge.

Motorcycle registration has jumped 63 percent between 1997 and 2005. Its popularity is attributed to its initial cost, recreational use, fuel efficiency (for some models) and continued use during winter months. Yet, motorcycles provide little protection to its occupants, one of the main reasons why motorcyclists are killed in crashes. Research has shown that helmets are the most effective piece of safety gear for motorcyclists – protecting riders against head injuries. Wearing protective clothing and equipment serves as a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists by providing:

- Comfort and protection from the elements.

- Protection from injury.

- Visibility to other motorists, through the use of color or reflective materials.

The majority of motorcycle crashes can be attributed to other motorists and their poor judgment of speed, poor judgment of spacing, and failure to detect or recognize motorcycles among traffic. Motorists need to be aware that their actions affect the safety of other vehicles and their occupants. Most often, drivers of other vehicles involved in motorcycle collisions state, “They did not see the motorcycle before the collision,” or “They did not see the motorcycle until it was too late.”

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)(www.msf-usa.org), the majority of motorcycle deaths can be prevented if motorcyclists take responsibility by doing everything possible to make their ride safe. MSF, a non-profit foundation internationally recognized and supported by motorcycle manufacturers and the motorcycle community for their standards of excellence in motorcycle rider education and training operates over 1,500 "RiderCourse" sites in the U.S. They are a leader in motorcycle safety partnering with NHTSA, state governments, the military and other organizations to improve education, training and operator licensing for motorcyclists.

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire), MSF and NHTSA urge motorcyclists to:

- Get trained and licensed.

- Wear personal protective gear – all the gear, all the time “ATGATT” – including a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218-compliant helmet manufactured to the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

- Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs.

- Ride within your own skill limits.

- Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher rider courses.

Motorcycle fatalities and injuries are not the problem of just one person or organization to solve it is everyone’s responsibility -- the States, local jurisdictions, national organizations, rider groups, manufacturers, insurers, individual riders and drivers. It’s everyone’s responsibility to do everything within their power to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for all motorcyclists, every trip, every time.

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Poisons Never Take a Holiday

With all the hustle and bustle during the holidays, we tend to become preoccupied with other things, thereby letting our guard down when it comes to everyday safety. The National Capital Poison Center (www.poison.org) warns that a moment’s inattention can turn a holiday celebration into a family tragedy. “Children are at particular risk for poisoning when families travel or their routines are interrupted”, warns Rose Ann Soloway, Clinical Toxicologist at the Poison Center. “Medicines and poisons that are normally locked up may be left within reach.”

According to Health A to Z, an online health and medical resource (www.healthatoz.com), there are approximately 10 million cases of poisoning in the U.S. each year. Of those cases, 80% are children under the age of five. Each year, about 50 children die from poisonings.

“Don’t let your guard down!” is the message being conveyed by the Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire) and the National Capital Poison Center. To prevent a holiday poisoning, they suggest the following life-saving tips:

“Poison proof” your visitors

o Place purses and medicines up high, where children can’t see or reach.

o Lock visitors’ suitcases that contain medications – so children can’t get to them.

“Poison proof” your travel

o Lock your medicines out of sight and reach when your own family is on the road or visiting other homes.

o Take a few minutes to “poison proof” homes that you visit.

o Lock medicines and household products out of sight and reach of your children.

o Put the poison center number on or near each phone. (Call 1-800-222-1222 if you need phone stickers or magnets.)

“Poison proof” holiday gatherings

o Assign one person to keep an eye on each child. (Everyone assumes that someone else is keeping track.)

o Keep alcoholic beverages out of children’s reach and in their original containers. (Many alcoholic beverages look like juice when they are in plastic cups or glasses.)

o Clean up left-over food, drink, and cigarette butts before going to bed. The children will be up before you the next morning!

“Poison proof” your gifts

o Small batteries and magnets can be deadly if swallowed.

o Follow age recommendations on toys.

o Keep toys meant for older children out of reach of toddlers and babies.

o Secure battery compartments in a way that children can’t open them. Discard used batteries well wrapped, so that children and pets can’t swallow them.

o Gifts containing alcohol (e.g. perfume, cologne, and after shave) and chemicals (e.g. chemistry and science kits) are poisonous if children swallow them.

“Poison proof” your decorations

o Berries of holly, mistletoe, and Jerusalem cherry are poisonous.

o Other plants can cause choking if children eat them. Put them out of reach.

o Spray snow can cause lung irritation. Don’t spray when children are around.

o “Angel hair” can irritate the mouth and skin.

o “Bubble lights” contain a liquid which is poisonous if swallowed.

o Call the Poison Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for a possible poisoning – or even with just a question about a poison.

o All day, every day – even holidays.

o The 24 hour number, 1-800-222-1222, works everywhere in the United States.

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Practice Home Heating Safety

Annually, during the cold winter months, fire strikes many homes. The majority of these fires are caused by home heating devices according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)(www.nfpa.org). The peak period for home heating fires occur during the months of December, January and February.

For a fire safe winter, the Department would like to remind you to keep the following safety tips in mind when using alternative heating sources:

Have your heating system thoroughly checked by a professional service technician to assure your system is working properly should a power outage occur during the winter months.

Have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year, prior to using the fireplace, to avoid a possible chimney fire. Chimneys and chimney connectors account for the largest share of home heating fires.
Place a spark arrestor across the top of your chimney. This will prevent sparks from igniting your roof.
When emptying ashes from the woodstove or fireplace, NEVER place the ashes in paper bags or any other combustible container. Ashes can remain hot for several days. Collect them in a metal container with a lid and store them on a noncombustible surface or spread them on the ground away from any combustible material.
NEVER use gasoline or other flammable liquid to start a fire or rekindle a small fire.
Use a fireplace screen or glass partition to prevent flying embers or logs from rolling out.
Portable heaters should be approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and automatically shut off if tipped over.
When using a portable kerosene heater, NEVER use gasoline or diesel fuel. Make sure to fill the heater outside your home and away from any ignition sources.
Keep newspapers, clothing, furniture, drapes, trash and other combustible items, including firewood, at least 3 feet away from your furnace, hot water heater, portable space heaters, or wood burning devices.
Small children and pets should be closely supervised and NEVER left unattended in the same room when utilizing alternative heating devices.
During a power outage, use flashlights. Candles have an open flame and are very dangerous.
When using a portable generator, NEVER place the generator inside the home, a garage, shed or other enclosed or partially enclosed space.
Place portable generators outside of the home and away from openings, i.e. doors, windows and vents.
Install CO alarms with battery backup and place the alarms outside each sleeping area. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (www.usfa.dhs.gov), each year, in the U.S., more than 500 lives are claimed and another 15,000 are sent to hospital emergency rooms from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

In addition, check your smoke detectors! Smoke detectors provide an early detection of fire and are the best means for you and your family to escape. Smoke detectors should be checked monthly and the batteries changed twice a year. The best time to do this is during the time change, when daylight savings time begins and ends.

Remember: Change your clocks, change your batteries.

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Practice Water Safety Year-round

As the school year ends and the summer fun begins, families become involved in many outdoor activities. Enjoying the water at the various waterparks, community centers, backyards, and outdoor rivers, lakes and oceans is the pinnacle of their summer. While enjoying the water during these fun-filled days, the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Injury & Violence Prevention (www.vahealth.org/civp) urges the public to take precautions to prevent drownings – the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S., and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children 14 and under. Over a five-year span, 2002-2006, 83% of drowning deaths, in Virginia, were unintentional. The majority of drowning deaths (46%) occurred in rivers, lakes, bays and other natural bodies of water, 13% occurred in swimming pools and 12% in a bathtub.

When you’re having fun at the beach or in your neighbor’s backyard pool, injuries are the farthest thing on our mind. However, taking safety precautions anytime you are in and around water, will prevent injuries or death from drowning.

To help prevent water-related injuries the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Injury & Violence Prevention and the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue(www.pwcgov.org/fire) suggests the following water safety tips to help keep you and your family safe around water:

• Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool, spa, bathtub, toilet, water-filled bucket, pond or any standing body of water. Always designate a responsible adult to be the “Water Watcher” of young children while in and around water and should not be involved in other distracting activities, i.e. answering the phone, playing games, etc.

• Install an unclimable 5-foot fence to surround any pool or spa. Fence openings should be no more than 4 inches wide to prevent children from squeezing through the spaces.

• Install fence gates, self-closing and self-latching, with latches above a child’s reach.

• Flotation devices or swimming lessons alone DO NOT protect a child.

• Don’t allow children to play in and around the pool or spa area. Remove all toys, balls and floats from around or in a pool.

• Learn to swim.

• Avoid swimming after dark.

• Avoid swimming in the muddy water of lakes, ponds and rivers.

• DO NOT dive in above-ground pools, in shallow water or in water where you don’t know the depth.

• Always swim and/or boat with a buddy and select areas with lifeguards.

• Regardless of one’s swimming ability, require all persons to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets/personal flotation devices (pfds) when involved in water-related recreational activities.

• Avoid alcohol consumption or use of other drugs while supervising children during recreational water activities.

• Learn CPR! It saves lives.

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Protect Yourself Against the “What If?”

Our home is one of our most prized possessions. No matter the size, it is furnished with things that bring comfort to our mind, body and soul. At the end of the day, one looks forward to returning home, to a place filled with familiar objects of sights, sounds and smells. As comforting as this may seem, the unexpected can happen. In a matter of minutes, a fire can destroy your home and a lifetime of possessions within a matter of minutes.

Home fires remain dominate among structure fire problems. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (www.usfa.dhs.gov), in 2006, there were 1,642,500 fires in the United States. Of those fires, residential fires represented 25.1 percent and 79 percent of all structure fires with an estimated $9.6 billion in property damage. One of the leading causes of home structure fires are cooking equipment fires. The second and third leading cause of residential fires is heating equipment and appliances. Clothes dryers account for 80% of all residential fires resulting in approximately 1300 fires and $88 million in damages each year.

Scenarios such as these are all too real. What if your neighbor starts a cooking fire and it spreads to your unit? Or, the apartment complexes dryer catches on fire and spreads to your unit. What happens if a “what if” scenario occurs? Are you prepared should a “what if” happens to you? If not, you may lose everything! The best precaution to take against “what if” is renter’s insurance. Without renter’s insurance, your neighbor isn’t liable for your loss and your landlord isn’t held responsible whether the accident was caused by you or a neighbor. The only person responsible for replacing your possessions is you! And to make matters worse, you can be held accountable for damages to property, loss to others and even injuries sustained by an individual. You could even be held liable to the apartment owner. Renter’s insurance protects you and your belongings.

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue responds to numerous fire service calls on a daily basis. Once the fire has been suppressed and property damage has been assessed, it becomes apparent that the tenant did not carry renter’s insurance and the devastation becomes all too real. According to Mortgage News Daily (www.mortgagenewsdaily.com), there are a staggering number of renters who do not carry renters insurance. Of the 81 million people that rented homes last year, two-thirds were uninsured. It’s a known fact that people tend to avoid what they do not understand. Insurance falls within that category. Yet, insurance policies and costs vary as do the carriers that provide them. Check with various insurance companies; compare policies and prices prior to purchasing.

At the end of the day, take a look around your home and the comfort it provides. Take a look at your family and the joy derived from a warm and safe environment. Then ask yourself once again, "Why do I need renter's insurance?”

To protect yourself from liability
To safeguard your property and valuables
To protect and recover your possessions in the event of a loss
To financially protect yourself
To quickly and easily receive payment for claims
To provide you with temporary living coverage if your residence is damaged
For peace of mind!

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Raising Awareness – The Key to Preventing Injuries

According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), injuries are defined as unintentional or intentional. Unintentional injuries include motor vehicle crashes, poisonings, falls and suffocations. Injuries sustained from suicide and violence are categorized as intentional injures. By increasing protective factors, you can reduce or eliminate the risks of being injured. Reducing or eliminating risks can be accomplished by changing the environment, individual behavior, products, social norms, and instrumental policies -- legislative and government.

In 2006, there were over 4,000 deaths as the result of injuries with Virginias spending more than 891 million dollars in hospitalization fees. Of unintentional injury deaths, 73% of these injuries were the result of motor vehicle traffic crashes, poisonings, falls and suffocations. Among those categories, motor vehicle traffic, poisoning and falls accounted for 68% of all unintentional injury deaths. Individuals highly affected by these devastating figures are children. Each year, 20.6 million kids (56,000 kids a day) are injured, 22, 000 die annually due to injuries and 60, 000 are permanently disabled. Yet, injuries are preventable and the key to injury prevention is awareness. By raising awareness, we increase the odds of keeping our children safe.

September 1 – 7 is National Childhood Injury Prevention Week. The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire) request your assistance in preventing childhood injuries within your home and community by taking the following precautions:

Poisoning

· Lock all items out of your child's reach

· Use child resistant containers

Drowning

· Never leave children unattended near pools, toilets, bathtubs, showers, hot tubs, animal troughs, pails (diaper and household)

Fires and Burns

· Keep children away from stoves and fireplaces

· Lock up lighters and matches

· Check and keep smoke detectors and fire extinguishers functioning

· Check water temperature for baths

Choking

· Keep the house free of small objects that pose a choking threat (including pennies)

Falls

· Secure windows and doors

· Remove tripping hazards

· Keep paths well lit

· Bathroom surfaces should be non-slip

Electrical

· Cover outlets and keep plugs locked

· Secure cords to prevent tripping

Suffocation/Strangulation

· Keep all plastic wraps and garbage bags out of reach

· Keep wires, cords and strings out of reach

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Fire Safety Tips for College and University Students

The holiday season is over and the older children have packed up and returned to school to begin a second semester of studies and fun-filled activities. However, one thing students should continue to be aware of and practice whether they’re living in a dorm or on an off-campus residence is fire safety.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (www.nfpa.org), dormitory or group occupancy fires have increased from 1980 – 2005. During this period, U.S. fire departments responded to approximately 3,300 structure fires in dormitories, fraternities, sororities and barracks. Annually, these fires have caused an average of 7 civilian deaths, 46 civilian fire injuries and accounted for $25 million in direct property damage. These fires are attributed to cooking, contained or confined cooking equipment and heating equipment with cooking equipment being the leading cause. Of reported structure fires, 72% are cooking/cooking equipment fires, 7% are contained fires (trash or rubbish fires) and 3% involve heating equipment. Data indicates that a fire, on or off-campus residence, occurs between 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. and on the weekends.

The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire) and NFPA suggest the following safety tips to protect your loved ones from a fire-related incident while attending an educational institute:

· Learn and practice your building’s fire evacuation plan.

· Participate in all fire drills so you know what to do should a fire/emergency occur.

· Leave immediately when you hear the fire alarm; don’t assume it is a drill.

· Close doors behind you and take your room keys with you in case you can’t escape and you need to return to your room.

· Know the location of all building exits, whether it is your building or you’re a visitor in another building, in case you have to find your way out of the building in the dark.

· Make sure your building has smoke alarms.

· Keep a flashlight handy.

Escape Tips:

If smoke is present, get low and go under the smoke.
Feel the door before opening, if hot use your second or alternative way out.
Use the stairs – Never the elevator during a fire.
If trapped, call 911, tell them where you are (learn how to dial out of your building. Some buildings require a 9 or a 1 before you can dial out, i.e. 9-911 or 1-911.
If trapped, place rags around the seal of your door and signal from your window you need help.

Additional steps to take if you are an individual with a disability:

Prior to the start of the semester, inform Housing and your Resident Advisor that you are disabled.
Learn the alternative escape plan for classrooms and living quarters.
Alert others as to the type of assistance you will need to leave the building should a fire/emergency occur and the building is to be evacuated.

Most importantly, Get Out, Stay Out! Know the location of your designated meeting place and be sure to notify the on-scene fire and rescue workers that everyone is accounted for and safe.

Remember: Fires are preventable! So exercise personal responsibility and safe practices.

Additional information:

Campus Firewatch (www.campus-firewatch.com)

Center for Campus Fire Safety (www.campusfire.org)

NFPA (www.nfpa.org - search for college safety)

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The Hidden Dangers of Candle Fires

For decades, the primary use of candles was to light the way of a darkened path during an electrical outage. Today, candles are used more frequently and for a variety of uses. With their flickering beauty, they set the ambiance of a room or an event. Besides romantic settings, some households use candles on a daily basis as a deodorizer or air freshener and although beautiful, candles are dangerous evenly deadly.

In 2002 - 2005, candle fires were reported, on average, every 34 minutes. Of these fires, 20% were unattended or abandoned. Reports indicate that over half of all candle fires started with combustible items such as furniture, mattresses, bedding, and decorations that were too close to the candle. And although the majority of candle fires began in the bedroom, only a small percentage (13%) of candle users burn candles in the bedroom.

There are five holidays throughout the year in which major candle fires occur; Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Halloween. December is the peak month for candle fires in the home. The number of candle fires that occur in this month almost double in comparison to other months. Of the home fires occurring during this month, 13% are the result of candles being used in combination with holiday decorations -- a sizeable increase for one month when compared to the 4% increase for the rest of the year.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)(www.nfpa.org) suggests the following candle safety tips to keep you and your family fire-safe during the holiday season and throughout the year:

Use sturdy candle holders that won’t tip over easily and are made from a material that cannot burn, such as metal, ceramic or glass and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Protect candle flames with glass chimneys or containers.
Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from things that can catch fire, like clothing, books, curtains, silk and dried flower arrangements, holiday decorations and Christmas trees.
Children and pets are fascinated by a flickering candle. Keep children and pets away from burning candles and never leave a child or pet unsupervised in a room with a lighted candle.
Keep matches and lighters safely out of a child’s reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
Never use a candle when oxygen is present.
Keep candle wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within 2 inches of the holder. Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last ½ inch of wax starts to melt.
For emergency lighting, use flashlights not candles.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discourages the use of candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

The Prince William County Department of Fire & Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire) suggests using battery-operated flameless candles. The appearance of the lighted wick in these candles is similar to a real candle and some are designed to exude fragrances of various fruit and spices -- contact your local retail stores for availability.

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Be Aware and Well-Prepared During Winter Travel

The winter season holds many delights from its breathtaking beauty to fun-filled outdoor activities -- the perfect time for a winter wonderland get-away. But it also brings treacherous weather and road conditions affecting daily or special holiday travel. To keep your family safe and warm when traveling during the winter season, follow these vital steps before you hit the road:

Keep a winter emergency kit in each car which includes:

· a shovel

· windshield scraper

· flashlight

· battery powered radio

· cell phones (fully charged)

· extra batteries

· water and snack food

· pet food/supplies

· extra hats/mittens/clothing

· first aid kit

· blankets and pillows

· tow chain or rope

· road salt/sand/kitty litter

· booster cables

· emergency flares

· colored flag/cloth

Keep a disaster supply kit in each car which includes some of the same items as the winter emergency kit except for these additional items:

· Non-perishable foods/juices (canned and/or packaged)

· Non-electric can opener

· Paper plates/paper cups/eating utensils

· Medications

· Cash/traveler's checks

· Clothing and sturdy shoes (seasonal plus rain gear)

· Tools

· Toiletry items

· Special needs/items for babies and seniors

· Important documents

· Books/games/toys

Keep all vehicles fueled and in good repair.

Winterize your vehicles by having a mechanic check:

· ignition system

· thermostat

· lights

· flashers

· exhaust

· heater

· brakes

· defroster

· tires

· belts and hoses

· battery

· oil

· wipers and wiper fluid

Ensure all vehicles have adequate:

· antifreeze

· windshield washer fluid

If travel by car is necessary during a winter weather advisory or winter storm watch:

· Travel during daylight hours

· Don't travel alone

· Keep others informed of your schedule, route and expected time of arrival

· Avoid shortcuts -- stay on the main roads

According to the AAA Mid-Atlantic (AAA)(http://www.aaamidatlantic.com) there are basic safety tips for driving in inclement weather conditions. The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire) and AAA recommends the following tips for drivers:

· Increase your following distance by 10 seconds -- allowing yourself time or the car in front of you to stop and gain control of the vehicle

· Use extra caution on bridges and overpasses - they freeze first and melt last

· Accelerate slowly – it increases your traction on the road

· Ease off of the gas pedal – allowing your tires to regain control of the vehicle

· Brake slowly and gently – this decreases your risk of loosing control of your vehicle

· Control the skid - ease off of the accelerator or brake, and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go

· Never use cruise control during icy conditions – the driver should be in full control of the vehicle at all times

· Drive in cleared lanes – this reduces your risk of hitting a patch of ice that may cause you to lose control of the vehicle

Pat Collins, Emergency Services Manager, Prince William County Emergency Operations Center, urges everyone to also, “Prepare a home emergency supply kit should you need to stay in your homes during a winter emergency. For more information on what to include in the kit, please visit www.Ready.gov.”

Cooking Fires Peak During Holidays

It’s a known fact that more individuals cook during the winter holiday season than any other festive holiday throughout the year with Thanksgiving being the peak day for home cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)(www.nfpa.gov), cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries with unattended cooking as the leading cause of these fires. People tend to not pay attention while cooking, therefore, the majority of cooking equipment fires are the result of human error rather than malfunctioning equipment. Cooking equipment has the probability of igniting common household items such as paper or plastic bags, food, grease, cabinets, wall coverings, or curtains due to close proximity to the heat source. Of the number of home fires reported, three out of ten home fires start in the kitchen and two out of three start with the range or stove. NFPA states that electric ranges or stoves have a higher risk of fires, injuries and property damage whereas gas ranges or stoves have a higher risk of fire deaths. In 2005, 480 deaths and over 4,600 injuries were associated with cooking equipment fires.

As we begin to celebrate the holidays, the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire) and NFPA urges everyone to practice fire safety and recommends the following cooking safety tips:

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling or boiling food.
If you must leave the room turn off the stove
When simmering, baking or roasting, check it frequently and use a timer as a reminder.
Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging).
Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet (1 meter) around the stove.
Keep pets from underfoot so you do not trip while cooking.
Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.
Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated. Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool.
Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire; it can spray/shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.
If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Have the oven serviced before you use it again.

Working smoke alarms play an important role in the reduction of deaths from cooking fires. They remind distracted individuals about food forgotten on the stove. Yet, all too often, unwanted activations during cooking have caused many individuals to disable their smoke alarms. No matter the circumstance, do not disable your smoke alarms and remember to test your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries when you change your clocks during spring and fall.