Fire Safety Tips

Preparation Is Key To Success

Having the knowledge to prevent fires is a great asset, especially when babysitting young children. Fire is the second leading cause of death in the home. Many children believe that playing with fire is a game. It has been shown that one out of every twenty fires that occurred in the home was started by a child. By discussing the topic of fire with children many injuries can be prevented.

An Evacuation Plan

Make sure to get all important information regarding fire safety from the adult(s) who have hired you to take care of their children. Memorize the escape plan as well as the meeting place outside in the event of fire. If they do not have a plan in place, remind them of the importance of planning and practicing two ways out of each room in the home. It is important to get all of this information in advance.

• Have the adults give a tour of the household. Make sure that all windows and doors are accessible to you.
• Locate two ways out of each room
• Have them show you where the fire alarm (if applicable) and extinguisher(s) are located
• Find out if the smoke alarm has been tested recently and is working
• Fill out the babysitter information sheet and keep it with you at all times
• Be sure to have a meeting place with the children to make sure everyone has left the house safely
• Note the children’s prior knowledge on fire safety. If they are unaware of how to escape a fire be sure to have them talk with their parents. Do not make the children scared of what you tell them. If a meeting place is set do not puzzle them with making a new safe place.

Rules for Babysitting

Be sure to monitor the kids while babysitting them. Also make sure to check on the kids periodically if they are asleep. Keep the sound of the television low and listen for any strange noises. Be firm with rules so there are no discipline problems. Also, do not tie up the phone lines with calls from friends-it could divert your attention from the child(ren).

Safety Measures

• Do not smoke or use candles (they are the number one cause of unintentional fires). Ask the parents to keep all matches, lighters, and other fire devices out of reach from children. Suggest they keep them up high or put them into a locked cabinet.
• Any space heaters should have three feet of open space surrounding them. Do not put anything that can burn near or on it. Keep the children from playing around the space heater.
• If you must cook for the children do not let them or their toys near the stove. Set down rules for the kids before cooking. Make sure all pots and pans handles are facing inward, and never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking.
• If using the microwave use microwave friendly containers. Do not leave the food in longer then the directions say. Let all food cool down before touching or eating.
• If a fire starts, do not attempt to put it out yourself.
• Grease fires can be smothered with a lid. Do Not Use Water to put it out!

If a Fire Occurs

Your number one priority is to get the children and yourself out of the house safely and quickly. Never go back into the house! Once everyone is out of the house safely, and at the meeting place call the fire department from a neighbor’s house. Make sure to give the dispatcher your exact address, phone number, and any other information in a clear voice. Do not hang up until they say it is fine to do so. Call the adults who have hired you after you call 911.

Evacuation Tips

• If your primary escape route is not passable due to smoke or fire use your backup plan. If smoke is unavoidable, crawl low to the floor with your head no higher than two feet above the ground.
• Check all doors for heat before trying to leave the room. Use the back side of your hand to check the door while kneeling down. If it is not hot open the door slowly and make sure it is clear.

If the Children are Trapped

Once outside, keep the children you are watching with you at all times. During a fire they may try to run back into the house for a pet. If the children that you are babysitting cannot get out of the house call the fire department from a neighbor’s house or use a portable phone. Be specific when telling them where the children are located in the house.

Here are some home maintenance tips for wildfire prevention:

• Be sure to keep a clean and green area around the home (30’).
• Clean up dead and downed needles and leaves.
• Keep roofs and gutters clean of all debris
• Keep driveways clear of overhanging brush and trees
• Have an address sign at the driveway so emergency responders can find you
• Fire resistive plants are great way to reduce the fire danger around your home with out taking away its natural beauty.
• For more information on plants that are fire safe contact your local landscape professional or nursery.
• Escape debris burns are the number one cause of fires by people so always tend your outdoor fire.

Since people cause most wildfires, we all have a part in preventing them. We can be more careful ourselves, and whoever and wherever we are, we can influence others to use more care with fires.

Safe Campfires

Campfires are permissible in this area without a campfire permit, including within Wilderness areas. Temporary fire restrictions will be enacted as the fire danger warrants. Contact your local fire protection agency for information on closures and restrictions. You are responsible for maintaining a safe campfire and can be held liable for the suppression cost should you cause a wildfire.

Forest fire hazards can be severe in the fall and spring, when dry leaves cover the forest floor. Never leave a campfire unattended, even for a short period of time. When breaking camp, thoroughly douse the fire with water, scatter or bury the cold ashes, and cover the firepit with soil. Scatter any partly burned or unused firewood after it is completely cold.

Although campfires offer warmth and cheer, they can also destroy organic matter in the topsoil and their ash may inhibit plant growth. Blackened rocks, charred wood, and accumulated ash also alter the natural appearance of the site. Lightweight gas stoves are more efficient and faster for cooking than fires, and they leave minimal impact.

• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile any extra wood away from the fire.
• Keep plenty of water handy and have a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
• Keep the campfire small. A good bed of coals or a small fire surrounded by rocks give plenty of heat.
• Scrape away litter, duff and any burnable material within a 10-foot diameter circle. This will keep a small campfire from spreading.
• Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold. Break it so you can feel the charred portion before discarding it.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread.
• Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Move rocks, there may be burning embers underneath. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. Be sure all burned material has been extinguished and cooled. If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough soil and sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cooled. Feel all materials with your bare hand. Make sure that no roots are burning. Do not bury your coals— they can smolder and break out.

Smoking

When smoking is permitted outdoors, safe practice requires at least a 3-foot clearing around the smoker. Grind out your cigarette, cigar, or pipe tobacco in the dirt. Never grind it on a stump or log. It is unsafe to smoke while walking or riding a horse or trail bike. Use your ashtray while in your vehicle, and don’t empty the ashtray on the ground.

Dry summer weather leads to an increase in outdoor fire risk. Despite our region’s reputation for rain, the Seattle Fire Department responds to fires each summer which are the result of dry weather conditions and unsafe human practices. Below are ideas on surviving the summer fire season safely.

Barbecues

• Before lighting your barbecue, eliminate everything that may be hanging overhead and move the grill a safe distance away from trees, buildings, and other things that can burn.
• Charcoal Grills: Be sure to use starter fluids designed for charcoal barbecue grills and do not add fluid after the coals have been lit. Once they are cool, ashes and coals should always be placed in a metal container with a tight lid.
• Gas Grills: Make certain the hose connection is tight and check the hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks. As soon as your meal is done cooking, turn the grill and the fuel cylinder off.

Fireworks

• Private use, sale, or possession of fireworks is prohibited in the City of Seattle. Make the right choice, the safe choice and leave fireworks to the professionals.
• If you want to include fireworks in your July Fourth celebration, plan to attend a public display, such as those scheduled for discharge over Elliott Bay and Lake Union.

Cigarettes

• Carelessly discarded cigarettes, whether tossed from car windows or dropped on the sidewalk, start many fires each summer. This habit can be very dangerous if the weather has been dry. Safely dispose of cigarettes in ashtrays.

Arson/Dry Brush

Arson is a crime that can happen at any time, any day of the year. Individuals can make a difference in preventing these fires. The following tips will help you prevent a fire from occurring around your home or business this summer.

• Clean up wastepaper, long grass, weeds, litter, or anything that can burn from around buildings.
• Remove dead plants or bushes as soon as possible. Leave your indoor and outdoor lighting on during hours of darkness.
• Consider installing devices that automatically turn on outdoor lights when they sense darkness or movement outside the home.
• Report any information you believe may be related to arson to the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1800-555-ARSON or call 9-1-1.

Safe at Play

Summer fun can include parks, lakes, beaches and campsites. The following websites provide safety tips and prevention measures to keep in mind:

www.smokeybear.com
Wildfire prevention
www.uscgboating.org
Boating safety
www.seattlechildrens.org
Water safety for children
www.helmets.org
Not just for kids nor bikes
www.safekids.org
Injury prevention for kids
http://www.seattle.gov/police/ prevention/Tips/tourist.htm
Crime prevention for visitors

The Seattle Fire Department urges business owners to take the following fire prevention steps during special events and holiday celebrations.

Outside

• Clean-up and remove any wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter or other combustibles from around your building, including the alleys and recessed doorways.
• Consider installing outdoor lights that turn on when they sense motion or darkness outside the business.

Dumpsters

• Arrange for additional dumpsters or take refuse to transfer station, if overfilling is a problem.
• Place locks on commercial dumpsters if possible. Locks will reduce illegal dumping and discourage anyone from intentionally starting a fire in your dumpster.
• Locate commercial dumpsters and recycling containers at least five feet away from combustible walls and openings of combustible roof eave lines.

Staff

• Assign a responsible staff member to monitor safety throughout the night.
• Review emergency evacuation plans with all staff members.

Inside

• Make sure all decorations and displays are flameproof or fire retardant.
• Check that all fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers and other fire and life safety systems are working.
• Keep decorations clear of sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations.
• Keep exit and exit ways open and unobstructed by furniture or decorations.
• Use heavy-duty extension cords for decorative lighting. Make sure they are not overloaded.
• Keep packaging debris and other combustible material in approved, covered containers.

Exiting

• Keep exit doors unlocked when the building is occupied. If you are concerned about people coming in through open exit doors post staff by the door to prevent unauthorized entrance.
• Ensure lit exit signs are illuminated and visible at all times when the building is occupied.
• Keep stairways and stairway landings free from storage of any type.
• Do not allow your premises to become overcrowded. Strictly enforce your occupant load limitations.

Arson

• Participate in neighborhood crime watch programs. Arrange with nearby businesses to keep an eye on each other’s property
• Call 911 to report any suspicious persons or activity in or around your business.
• Please share any information you believe may be related to arson on the Arson Alarm Hotline at 1-800-55-ARSON. A reward may be provided for information resulting in an arson conviction. Persons providing information may remain anonymous.

If you have questions regarding the fire safety of your business, please call the Seattle Fire Marshal’s Office at (206) 386-1450 during weekday business hours.

Roughly 70 percent of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are the great safety success story of the 20th century — but only when they’re working properly.

Do You Rent & Need a Smoke Alarm?

Whether you live in a rented house or apartment, your landlord is required to provide you with a working smoke alarm.

Responsibilities of Landlords

• Install working smoke alarms as required by code and following the manufacturers instructions.
• Buildings constructed prior to 1980 may have battery powered alarms installed. Smoke alarms installed in buildings constructed since 1980 should receive their primary power source from building wiring.
• All smoke alarms should carry the approval of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) Testing Laboratories.
• Inspect and test alarms when a unit becomes vacant. Smoke alarms should be repaired or replaced before the rental unit is reoccupied.
• Instruct tenants on the purpose, operation and maintenance of the devices. Provide written notice to tenants describing their responsibility to maintain smoke alarms.

Responsibilities of Tenants

• Maintain smoke alarms in good working order. This involves testing the detector monthly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as well as regularly cleaning the alarm with a vacuum.
• If the smoke alarm is battery operated, the tenant is responsible for replacing the battery once each year using the battery type listed on the alarm.
• Caution: If you live in an apartment building with wired-in smoke alarms, check with your landlord for correct testing and maintenance procedures.

Inform your landlord of this legal requirement by showing him/her this information. Ask your landlord to supply you with the necessary smoke alarms as soon as possible.
If you live in the City of Seattle, contact Department of Planning & Development (www.seattle.gov/dpd) if an approved and operable smoke alarm is not provided upon request.

If you need assistance working with your landlord, contact one of the local mediation offices for tenant-landlord disputes.

• The Dispute Resolution Center
  (206) 443-9603
• The Tenant’s Union
  (206) 723-0500
  1-800-752-9993

You can also call the Washington State Attorney General’s Office Consumer Line at 1-800-6925086. You can either talk to an operator or listen to recorded messages.

Roughly 70 percent of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are the great safety success story of the 20th century — but only when they’re working properly.

Who Should Have Smoke Alarms?

Every home should have at least one smoke alarm. In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save lives.
A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm will provide an early warning signal to your household providing the chance to escape.

Where Do I Install My Smoke Alarms?

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside any sleeping areas.
Smoke alarms are not hard to install. In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, install your smoke alarms 6 to 8 inches from the ceiling or side walls.

How Do I Keep Them Working?

There are two simple steps to remember when caring for your smoke alarms.

1. Replace the battery at least once a year in models that use 9 volt batteries. The Seattle
Fire Department recommends you change the battery in your smoke alarm when you change you clocks each fall.
2. Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with how smoke alarms work. Regularly vacuum over your smoke alarm to keep it working right.

What’s Chirping?

The“chirping” noise lets you know that the battery in your smoke alarm needs to be replaced.

What If the Alarm Goes Off While I Am Cooking?

Then it is doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it activates due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. If this happens frequently, you may want to move the smoke alarm to a new location.

When Do I Need to Replace My Smoke Alarms?

Smoke alarms should function properly for ten years. Like most electrical appliances, smoke alarms wear out. After ten years your smoke alarm will have been working for over 87,000 continuous hours. You may want to write the purchase date with a marker on the back of your smoke alarm. That way you will know when it should be replaced.

What If I Can’t Afford Smoke Alarms?

The Seattle Fire Department can provide and install smoke alarms for owner-occupied homes in the City of Seattle, when the homeowner is a senior citizen, disabled or living on a low income.

What If I Rent?

Landlords are required by law to provide working smoke alarms at the time a tenant moves into a residence. Tenants are required to maintain the alarm in working order.

Americans over the age of 65 have a fire death rate nearly twice the national average. For those over 75, this jumps to three times the national average. Whether living independently or in a care facility, there are steps seniors can take to remain safe from fire.

Kitchen Caution

• Don’t leave food unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or potholder as a reminder.
• Wear short or close fitting sleeves and an apron to avoid catching clothes on fire.
• When cooking, keep a pot lid close by. In case of a pan fire, use the lid to smother the fire.
• Clean the stove and toaster regularly to avoid grease and crumb buildup.
• Use potholders, not towels, to handle hot pans and dishes.
• Don’t use the oven to heat your home.

Heating Hazards

• Keep everything at least one foot from any heat source.
• Unplug electrical appliances and heaters when not using them.
• Never hang clothes near a heater to dry them.
• Don’t leave portable heaters alone or go to sleep while they are on.
• Make sure curtains hang well away from heat sources.

Safe Smoking

• Never smoke in bed or while lying on the couch. Smoke only when alert— never when tired or drowsy.
• Use a large, sturdy ashtray or purchase a special “safety ashtray”.
• After using an ashtray, leave it on the kitchen counter or in the sink overnight before emptying. Always empty ashtrays into a nonburnable container, such as a metal garbage can.

At Bed Time

• Keep your robe, slippers, eyeglasses and house keys close by the bed.
• Check to be sure that any space heaters are turned off and heat is turned down.
• Close your bedroom door while sleeping.

Be Prepared

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Check smoke alarms monthly. If you need a smoke alarm, call the Seattle Fire Department at 206-386-1337.
• Plan your escape routes (two from every room, if possible) in case a fire does strike. Locate two exit stairways from your apartment building. Never use elevators in a fire.

Calling 9•1•1

• Place a 9•1•1 sticker on your phone so that you will always have the number at your fingertips during an emergency.
• Call 9•1•1 from a safe location for any fire, medical or police emergency.

In the event of a fire in a public assembly, house staff such as ushers and stage hands will be called on to assist with a prompt evacuation of patrons and players from the facility. Preparing staff ahead of time on both the facility’s fire emergency plan and on how to manage an efficient and orderly evacuation of patrons is key to a safe outcome.

Staff Preparation

A smooth evacuation is dependent on staff members being prepared ahead of time to assist large numbers of people while exiting the building.

Responsible staff members should be familiar with the following:

• layout of the facility.
• location of all exits.
• location of all pull alarms.
• sound of the fire alarm.
• building evacuation procedures.

Evacuating Patrons

Evacuation should begin immediately upon alarm, as the spread of fire and smoke can be very rapid. Every second counts for a safe evacuation. Here are some points to keep in mind.

• Keep people moving calmly, yet quickly. No one should be allowed to run. Assist those individuals with special needs.
• Use all exits. Be aware of all evacuation routes. Use the safest route available to quickly evacuate all patrons.
• Keep patrons informed of the situation. Have a prepared evacuation message. This helps convey appropriate evacuation instructions and takes the pressure off of staff.
• Instruct people to move away from the building. With a lot of people to get out of the building, and a lot of Fire Fighters and equipment to get inside, it is important to lessen congestion as much as possible.
• Prevent people from re-entering the building. Patrons may re-enter the building only after the Fire Department has declared it safe to do so.
• Meet the Fire Department. A designated person, usually a supervisor or house manager, should meet the arriving Fire Department to inform them of the situation and assist them as needed.
• Designate a reunion location. Decide on a single location for patrons who have become seperated from their parties to reunite.

When the alarm sounds, or a fire is discovered, an orderly evacuation of the facility should begin immediately.

With more people using barbecue grills than ever before, it is important to always remember that anytime you work with fire there is a chance of getting burned. Keep safety in mind when setting up, using and cleaning up after an outdoor grill.

Setting Up

Always read the owner’s manual before using your grill and follow the assembly guidelines and safety procedures.

• Barbecue grills are designed for outdoor use only. Never barbecue in an enclosed area because carbon monoxide can accumulate and kill you.
• Set-up your grill in an open area at least 10 feet away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves and brush.
• Before using your grill make sure all parts are firmly in place and the grill is on a flat surface.

Fueling

For those who want to barbecue, regardless of whether they are in a private home, apartment or condominium, the Seattle Fire Department recommends the use of one-pound propane cylinders as the least hazardous fuel source.

Inspect your propane grill to make certain all connections are tight before turning on the gas. Spray soapy water water on all gas connections and supply lines. If you see soapy bubbles, turn off the tank and try reconnecting or have the leaking fuel lines repaired before using.

If you have a charcoal grill, purchase and use the proper starter fluid as recommended by the manufacturer. Apply starter fluid directly to the coals and let it soak into the coals for a minute before lighting. If the coals start to die out fan them to feed the flame. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire.

During Use

From the time you light the barbecue until you are finished cooking, stay with your fire.

• Do not leave starter fluid, lighters or matches within the reach of children.
• Use the proper tools. Long handled barbecue utensils and flame retardant mitts will prevent burns from heat and flame.

Cleaning Up

Keep an eye on the grill, even after you have finished cooking.

• When finished using your propane barbecue always make sure that you not only turn off the barbecue but shut off the propane cylinder too.
• Allow coals to cool for 48 hours before disposing. If you are not able to wait, douse coals with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers, only metal.

Use in Apartments & Condominiums

The use of barbecues in apartments, condominiums and single-family homes is not regulated by current Washington State law. The Seattle Fire Department recommends the use of one-pound propane cylinders as the least hazardous fuel source, particularly on decks of multi-family residences.

However, apartment building owners and condominium associations, through lease agreements and owner’s association rules, may still prohibit or restrict use of barbecues.