Fire Safety Tips

It seems there is an exception to nearly every rule, and the codes that govern kitchen hood installation are no different.
These codes are designed to promote health and safety. Most governmental building inspectors establish and enforce code requirements for their state and/or city.
Having this sort of “book knowledge” is good, but “real world” knowledge also is necessary to adequately enforce the code
That lack of real world experience often prompts plan examiners to go against the intent of the code- to ensure health and safety- while attempting to follow the letter of the code.
Some plan examiners need to pay more attention to the safety tips the contractors are proposing and consider that we are doing what we can to comply with the code.
Imagine a situation in which a kitchen hood system has to be installed in a new building and the code required that the system be installed 10 feet from the edge of the roof. However, doing that would have made future cleaning, repairs and services difficult and dangerous for workers, because of a nearby hedge and a slope on the building.
Sometimes when you comply with the code, real safety and practicality are being ignored just to meet the code. But you shouldn’t forget that the concept of safety and practicality is a great issue too.
The Process
When a hood cleaning company is hired to install a hood system, someone must first submit drawings to the appropriate plan examiner for the city. In some cities, this is a person who has a background in the field and engineering and/or design knowledge.
Sometimes the plan inspector is someone who may possess the book knowledge, but they’ve never worked in the field and don’t realize that following the code actually decreases safety in some cases.
Basically, they just read from the code book. If the code says to put in 10 access panels, that’s what they expect, even if doing so would mean that some of those panels aren’t accessible. That is not practical, nor does it make good sense.
In situations where the hood installation firm recommends an alternative to strictly adhering to the code, someone with the firm takes this idea to the city and explains the situation. If it is believed that putting an exhaust fan five feet from a building’s edge because at 10 feet, there is a slope that would make cleaning and servicing the fan more dangerous, he tells the examiner.
Once the examiner approves the alteration, they include an explanation on the drawing that explains why the code won’t be followed in that situation.
Thankfully, examiners who insist on following the code without exception are few.
This happens seldom, most planning examiners are pretty reasonable, knowledgeable guys. They understand what’s out there, and they know when the guy in the field is telling them something different from the code, it’s because there is a safer way, not because he’s trying to make the work easier.
The danger in having these “strictly by the book” examiners is that is breeds apathy over time and contractors begin to stop considering the long-term consequences of their work.
Contractors should put personal care into their work. They should consider safety in everything they do and work to ensure there are no flaws. But because there are “pencil pushers” who enforce the code without any external considerations, many contractors today just build according to code and don’t consider the consequences.
The code is designed to protect people and promote safety. We don’t want to get around the code, we just want to make sure we follow the spirit of the code and the intention behind it.
About APS-Hoods
APS-Hoods is a Denver, Colorado based full-service restaurant fire protection business that installs, services, repairs and performs routine inspections and cleaning for hood and fire suppression systems. Founded by Chief Executive Officer Massoud Farazandeh in 1989, APS-Hoods has grown into a national leader in kitchen hood sales, hood cleaning and fire protection for restaurants and facilities.
Reputable, professional restaurant hood cleaning services are trained to safely use 3,500 to 4,000 psi steam cleaners to penetrate and cut through built up grease.
© 2008 Sinai Marketing and APS-Hoods. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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Building a real wood fire pit can be a relatively easy task if you follow these simple instructions. With a little sweat equity, you can be roasting marshmallows and cooking hot dogs over the open flame that very same evening. Here are the instructions for How to build a fire pit:
1. Choose a location that is away from all structures and over hanging branches that could start on fire. The location must be level and free of any underground cables or wires.
2. Mark your fire pit location by driving two stakes in the ground at approx 2ft diameter and create a circle outlining your fire pit using a can of spray paint.
3. Remove the sod inside the circle and create a hole about 12″ in depth x 6″ wide and fill half full of pea gravel and the second half full of sand.
4. Add approx 3″ of sand to the circle. The sand will help with leveling and will prevent the fire from spreading to the roots below.
5. Surround the fire pit with 3 rows of pavers. Gaps between the pavers will help to ventilate the fire pit.
6. Sit back relax and enjoy your first fire in your new fire pit.
I hope the instructions for How to build a fire pit were useful in building your dream fire pit. A fire pit can make for endless hours of good times and family togetherness. Don’t miss our fire pit safety tips & warnings. It provides good information to help you keep it safe around your fire pit.
Fire Pit Safety Tips & Warnings
When learning how to build a fire pit it is not only important to focus on the construction details, but you must be aware of a few safety precautions before you get started.
Make sure to check with your local codes because some municipalities do not allow open fires. Most do have distance restrictions that you need to beware of before you start plotting your location.
When your fire pit becomes operational use designated fire starters and not gasoline or lighter fluid that could lead to an explosion.
Have a 5 gallon bucket of water or a garden hose near your fire pit in case the fire were to spread outside the fire pit.
Do not start fires when your surroundings are dry. A simple spark could start a grass or brush fire.
Be careful not to stack the wood too high. The wood can shift leading to the wood falling out and starting an unwanted fire.
These are just a few tips from how to build a fire pit that you should keep in mind when building your fire pit and enjoying great times around your fire pit. Remember safety first and fun second.
How to Build a Fire Pit Information

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Chocolate chip cookies are especially more delicious when they are made by you and your children. Although children can be messy in the kitchen (and in any room for that matter), there are a lot of good things that happen when you and your children create concoctions together. Cooking provides an opportunity to teach your children lessons on senses, math, literacy, science, geography and safety.
Senses
Your children are almost guaranteed to enjoy the cooking process as much as you do if it involves stirring and mixing (especially if they can do this with their hands instead of using kitchen utensils). Cooking is a great activity for kids because it offers a hands-on experiment involving different textures and smells. It also provides a nice opportunity to munch and nibble. And, there is no gender discrimination when it comes to cooking – boys love to get their hands covered in dough just as much as girls do.
Lessons
Cooking can provide an important math lesson when it comes to calculating cupfuls and tablespoons. It’s a great way to teach about weights, measurements and fractions. And, the ability to follow steps in a recipe is a basic literacy skill called sequencing. It’s like following the order of events in a story. Consider adding a scientific element into your cooking equation by posing questions such as “what dissolves faster, a whole sugar cube or a crushed one – in warm water or cold water?” Challenge your child to guess then find out. Even geography can sneak into your cooking lesson when preparing cultural dishes. It provides an opportunity to teach your children about dishes and foods from different countries.
Safety
Prior to your cooking experiment, it’s a good idea to re-educate yourself on kitchen safety and pass the information on to your kids. Following are 5 safety tips that parents and children should follow:
1. Make sure there is an adult present when cooking.
2. Review the recipe before you begin to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients.
3. Wash hands before cooking, especially before and after handling raw meat.
4. Exercise precaution with fire (an adult should always be present when a stove or oven is on).
5. Hold and use kitchen utensils properly, such as knives.
Turn your kitchen into a learning opportunity for your children and have fun cooking!
Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com
Find parenting tips and resources at http://becomingaparent.myguidesusa.com

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In 2004, the 410 thousand residential fires in America caused more than 14 thousand injuries and 3 thousand deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). You can prevent fire-related deaths and injuries, and even most residential fires by being knowledgeable about fire safety. Ensure your and your family’s safety by creating an escape plan, teaching children fire safety and fire-proofing your home.
Fire Safety Escape Plan
a fire safety escape plan tells everyone what to do if your home catches on fire. Your family needs to discuss fire safety issues, and design an escape plan for your home. The escape plan needs to inform everyone in your family of the two safest routes out of each room in your house and where to meet once outside.
When discussing fire safety issues with your family, it is also a good idea to talk about each person’s responsibilities in the case of a fire, such as who helps whom out of the house. Be sure to explain to each family member to crawl to a safe exit; don’t stop to save anything, and, if possible, to alert others by yelling “FIRE!” or beating on doors as they crawl by.
Fire Safety and Kids
Fire safety and education begins with children. Tragically, children cause over thousands of residential fires each year, the majority stemming from children playing with matches. You need to teach your children to obey the following fire safety rules: Never play with matches or lighters, always have an adult help you when cooking, never touch gasoline or any other flammable liquids,
Always STOP, DROP, AND ROLL! If you or your clothes catch on fire
Never place anything into an electrical outlet and always get help from an adult if something catches on fire.
Your children are the most important people in your life, so educate them about fire safety and prevention.
Fire Safety and Your Home
Electrical fires are the most common type of residential fires in America. The following fire safety tips lower the probability of residential electrical fires: Don’t overload outlets or piggy-back extension cords, Keep all combustible items, such as hairspray and household cleaners, away from all heaters, Check all electrical tools and appliances for frayed or cracked cords, Purchase electrical appliances that meet the Underwriter’s Laboratory’s (UL) safety requirements and Keep children away from electrical appliances, such as heaters and irons.
Electric stoves, ovens, stereos, heaters, and clothes dryers are responsible for the majority residential electrical fires. Follow all manufacturers’ instructions, and use all appliances carefully and responsibly. Sometimes, no matter the precautionary fire safety steps you take, an electrical fire can still occur. If this happens, knowing the proper fire safety procedure is invaluable in keeping your home safe. Shut off burning appliances by unplugging the cord, Put out small fires with your home fire extinguisher, Do not put water on electrical fires, Get everyone out of the house and Do not try to handle large fires by yourself; call 911, report the fire, and tell them it is an electrical fire.
Educating yourself and your family on fire safety helps to lower your chances of a residential fire and gives you the knowledge of what to do in the case of a fire.
Where you can find out more about Fire Alarms and articles on Fire Alarm Equipment.

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Are your parents safe living at home? Are they mentally pretty clear, but beginning to have physical or judgment deficits which might impact their safety? Does your elderly parent have the judgment to safely handle a knife in the kitchen? Do you worry that Mom may fall down and not be able to get to the phone? According to The National Safety Council, falls are now the leading cause of injury deaths in people 65 years of age and older. Fall risk is just one of several safety issues specific to the kitchen. In this article, I will show you how to identify and reduce these hazards, keeping your elderly loved ones safer.
* Floors and floor coverings: Some floor cleaning solutions and floor wax leave the surface very slippery and should not be used. Throw rugs should be attached to the floor with double sided tape. If a cane or walker is used, throw rugs should be eliminated altogether.
* Lighting: Light switches need to be within easy reach. There should not be any areas inside the kitchen that cannot be illuminated.
* Water temperature: Set the hot water heater to no more than 120 F to lessen the risk of burns.
* Fire safety: Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen, and be sure to review its use with your elder loved ones. This is also a great opportunity to discuss fire safety in general, such as: avoiding loose hanging pajamas or loungewear while cooking; exit strategies, etc.
* Clutter: This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked. Clear away unwanted items, especially from all pathways in the home. Besides reducing tripping hazards, this will help lessen fire risks.
* Heavy Objects: Go through the kitchen and move out-of-reach and heavy objects to a more convenient place to discourage use of a footstool, which would pose a fall risk.
* Use of sharp utensils and electric appliances: Observe your older family member cutting with a sharp knife or cooking with the microwave. If judgment is adequate, but lack of strength or coordination interferes with opening a jar or using a kitchen tool, there are many adaptive or assistive devices which can help. Rocker knives, eating utensils with thicker handles, and jar-openers are just a few examples.
* Food preparation is best done sitting at a table to prevent fatigue and fall risks.
* Food safety: Refrigerator temperature should be no greater than 40 F to slow bacterial growth, per the FDA. Food leftovers should be labeled with dates and discarded according to recommended time guidelines, or if they smell or look “off”. As my mom always used to say, “If in doubt, throw it out!” Since many elderly people may have a dulled sense of smell and poor vision, routinely check what’s in the refrigerator when you visit.
* Emergency plan: Be sure there is a smoke detector properly functioning on each level of the home. Attach an easy-to-read list of emergency phone numbers near every phone and review emergency procedures with your elderly family members. Since a large percentage of falls occur in the kitchen, installing a phone in this room is a great idea. You may want to consider a mobile safety alarm which is worn on the wrist or as a pendant, to automatically summon help with the push of a button.
If you still are not sure whether your loved ones just need a few new devices or if they truly need more involved help to be safe, you may want to obtain a safety evaluation performed by a Physical or Occupational Therapist specializing in geriatric care. These professionals are experts in determining one’s safety and judgment while performing activities of daily living and also can recommend appropriate assistive devices and alternative living environments if a change is needed.
Ronna Sather is a licensed physical therapist with over 30 years of professional experience, assisting and guiding thousands of families dealing with the safety and independence of elderly loved ones at home. You can visit her website at http://www.seniorsafetyathome.com to find more articles, resources and products which promote senior safety and make life easier in the home environment.

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Your stove is possibly one of the most useful appliances in your home, but it can also be the most dangerous if you aren’t careful. It´s something that most people don´t think about much, but your stove can be the scene of many accidents. It pays to be cautious whenever you use your stove to avoid injuries and possible problems.
General Safety Precautions
Whether you have a gas, wood or electric stove, there are certain safety tips that should always be followed to keep your family safe.
• When cooking, turn the pots so the handles don´t stick out over the edge of the stove where small children can grab them and pull boiling hot food on top of themselves.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher handy near the stove, even if there is a sink nearby, grease fires will just spread if you throw water on them, so it´s better to use an extinguisher.
• Only let children cook under adult supervision.
• Use oven mitts and potholders to handle hot pans and pots to prevent burns from the high temperature metals.
• Don´t use metal spoons to stir food on the stove and then leave them in the pot. They heat up quickly and can burn your hand the next time you touch them.
• Avoid using loose, flowing clothing or leaving dish towels near hot burners, since these can catch fire.
Gas Stoves
For obvious reasons, gas stoves need extra safety precautions. You want to make sure that there are no gas leaks, so anytime you hear a hissing or smell gas and can´t tell where it is coming from, turn off your gas at the source, open all windows and exit the house. Call the fire department to check it out. Here are some other things to keep in mind with gas stoves.
• If your stove doesn’t have a pilot light, be sure to light it immediately after turning the gas on. You can cause an explosion by waiting more than a second or two. Even minor gas explosions can seriously injure someone who is close to the stove at the time.
• Check regularly for gas leaks and if you notice any stove parts getting rusty or old, be sure to replace them.
• Gas tends to heat very quickly, so watch your pots carefully to make sure you don´t end up with soups boiling over or starting a fire in a pan. If you do end up with a fire, use your fire extinguisher, don´t throw water on the flames.
Electric Stoves
Electric stoves are the staple of most kitchens. They heat evenly with coils and electricity tends to be more stable than gas as far as safety goes. However, there are still some precautions specific to electrical stoves.
• Clean under the burners regularly to prevent fires. Extra bits of food that fall under the burner into the tray can catch fire if the burner is hot enough.
• Since pots are placed directly onto the burner, it´s pretty easy to accidentally touch the hot element. Be careful when reaching across the stove, even if it´s turned off, since the element can store heat for a while afterwards.
• Take care and use protective equipment to put things in the oven. Electric stoves usually have elements at the top of the oven and this can really be a danger when you reach far into the preheated oven.
Stoves are very useful and can be a great appliance to have, but they do need to be treated with care in order to avoid injury. Cook carefully and follow the safety precautions listed above to get the best, safest use out of your stove.
When cooking with a stove, be sure to exercise safety precautions to prevent against a possible accident. Extra care and awareness will help guard against any potential mishaps.

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Airgun shooting safety really is simple: if you will always observe Rule One — never, ever, point your gun at anything that you don’t want to see a hole in – you’ll never have cause for regret. Airsoft guns are not cap guns or squirt guns. There is a real potential danger that airsoft guns possess, not only towards children but adults as well. Always make sure that you know what you are aiming at, and it is what you intend to hit. Also make sure that where you are aiming has unobstructed view and there is nothing beyond it that can be in danger. You do not want to shoot a dog, cat or child because you couldn’t see beyond your target. Even though air guns aren’t imitations of real guns, always keep them empty until you are ready to use them, and keep your finger away from the trigger until you are ready to spot a target. Air guns looks so much like a real gun that in case of a crime; it would be difficult to distinguish between the two.
There are many safety tips to take in to consideration before using airsoft guns. Most importantly, you must always wear protective eyeglasses when firing. It should be treated as a real firearm and used only for supervised sporting games and events. Only people above the age of 18 can legally buy and use them. Always where protective eyewear and never look directly into the barrel. Do not operate around children, nor allow them to operate one.
Accessories for airsoft guns include gun goggles that feature shatter resistant polycarbonate lenses, anti fog ventilation and an adjustable strap. Be aware that the speed that the airsoft gun shoots can range from 250 to 350 feet per second, and they can be modified to shoot faster. To check the speed it is advisable to buy a chronograph.
Airsoft Guns provides detailed information on airsoft guns, airsoft gun history, airsoft gun pellets, airsoft machine guns and more. Airsoft Guns is affiliated with Cell Phone Stun Gun.

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If you have a lot of wood that needs chopping, put down the axe and get yourself a log splitter. Log splitters can help you with everything from cutting firewood or to building wood furniture. Log splitters can be found at lumber stores and hardware stores, but they can cost a pretty penny. Used log splitters can help you save money, or alternatively, if you are especially handy, download plans for building log splitters from the internet and get building.
Hydraulic Log Splitters – The Benefits
There is not much to a hydraulic log splitter – just an engine and an oil pump, but those simple features make splitting logs so much easier. What’s more, the simplicity of the machine means it is easy to maintain. All you have to do is keep the engine filled and change the oil every now and then, and you’re in business.
What to Look for in Hydraulic Splitters
With hydraulic splitters, it is all about horsepower. Splitters range from fairly weak to super powerful (with increasing prices to boot). For occasional use at home, such as splitting firewood for the winter, going for something on the lower end of the horsepower scale is not only acceptable, but it is desirable from a safety point of view. For professionally logging, go for the big bang motors.
Hydraulic Log Splitter Safety Tips
Like all power tools, log splitters can be dangerous when used by someone who is not sure what they are doing or who doesn’t take their power seriously. These safety tips will keep the accidents at bay when log splitting:
- Kids and log splitters don’t mix
- Dress for the work – cover your arms and legs and save the shorts and flip-flops for the beach.
- Never split lumber without eye gear
- Read the directions before you use the splitter. Practice the motions for awhile before turning it on. Let is run in your hands for awhile before you put everything together. Know your machine.
- Don’t get too close, unless you want to take a flying log to the head
- If you need to adjust the machine, turn it off
- Log splitters are for daytime use only.
- Log splitting does not make a good party trick, no matter what you think after a few beers. Alcohol and log splitters are like kids and log splitters – don’t mix them.
- Don’t try to cut other things with the splitter – wood only.
- No one is ever so well versed in log splitting that they can take the safety guards off the machine.
Vince Paxton repeatedly writes long articles on themes relating to build your own hydraulic log splitter. You can find his writings on hydraulic wood splitter at http://www.insidewoodworking.com and other sources for hydraulic wood splitter news.

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