Fire Triangle Fuel Heat Oxygen

Life Safety –The primary goal of fire safety efforts is to protect building occupants from injury and to prevent loss of life. Property Conservation –The secondary goal of fire safety is to prevent property damage. Continuity of Operations –By preventing fires and limiting damage we can assure that work operations will continue.

The best time to fight a fire is before it starts

Fire Prevention The most important firefighting anyone can do 4

If these are needed, it’s already too late Anything after the fire starts is just an attempt to reduce the magnitude of the consequences

Fire is: Understandable Predictable Preventable

Potential Hazards in the residential setting Things that may ignite a fire or may contribute to greater fire spread, injury, or consequences if the fire occurs: –Cooking –Misuse of electricity –Heating –Open flame –Smoking –Housekeeping

Cooking Range –Gas = open flame –Electric = high heat; enough to be ignition source –Must be cleaned Never leave cooking unattended –Make sure individuals are supervised according to their plan –Take a reminder with you if you step away Keep combustibles away

Cooking Never wear loose-fitting clothing Unplug appliances when not in use Make sure appliances are cool before storing or covering Check oven before turning on / don’t use for storage

Cooking Special considerations for barbeque grills –Keep well away from residence –Maintain a combustible-free space around the grill –Never use under any building overhang or covering, in a garage or shed, etc. –Never leave unattended

Electrical Don’t overload receptacles or electrical supply –One plug per receptacle –Circuit breaker power strips (no piggy backing) –If the cord is warm its overloaded –Fuses blow, breakers break, lights dim = overload

Electrical Inspect for and do not use damaged wires (don’t attempt repairs unless qualified) Bulbs of only the recommended wattage

Electrical Portable generators –Engines are a heat source –Don’t overload – know the capacity –CO source –Fueling –Fuel storage

Heating Furnaces –Scheduled cleaning and maintenance –36 inch combustible-free space around unit –CO source Water heaters –Combustible-free space around –CO source (if gas or oil)

Heating Space heaters –Combustible-free space around –Manufacturers instructions –No-tip or shutoff

Open Flame Candles –Not allowed unless wick is removed Hobbies –Tools Hot glue Wood-burning –Materials and solutions

Smoking Not permitted in residences, on porches, on or around facility.

Smoking Designated areas – 30’-50’ from building Consumers must be supervised Provide proper receptacles Never smoke in bed or on upholstered furniture Make sure ashes are cold before dumping

Housekeeping Clothes dryers –Must be plugged into a proper receptacle and not overload the electrical system –Do not operate without the proper lint filter and clean filter after every use –Inspect filter for damage when cleaning and replace if necessary –Clean vent and vent hose at least annually or if dryer is taking longer than normal to dry clothes –Routinely confirm that outside vent is open while drying

When Vents are clogged…

Housekeeping Clothes dryers (continued) –Keep combustibles like boxes and clothing a safe distance from the dryer –Do not put synthetic materials like plastic, rubber, foam in the dryer –Never dry items that have come in contact with flammables like cooking oil, gasoline, paint thinner, or alcohol –Never leave the dryer running when away from the house or while sleeping

Housekeeping Exhaust fans and hoods must be cleaned, inspected, and maintained No trash or refuse buildup Minimize combustible/flammable items –Decorations and vegetation Exits must be kept clear “unobstructed travel”

Prevention Tips…NEVER Use extension cords Use space heaters Have open flames Overload electrical outlets Leave combustibles near stove Wear loose fitting clothing near stove Use real Christmas trees in programs

How to use a fire extinguisher: Think PASS

Fire Safety Practices

FIRE DRILLS

DRILLS

Any significant problematic drills will be re-done within 24 hours –Individual refuses to evacuate –Individual does not evacuate under 2.5 minutes The AOD should be notified immediately