Dangers of Fire AsphyxiationAsphyxiation HeatHeat SmokeSmoke F-2

Fire Statistics 85% of all fire deaths occur where people sleep, mostly during night85% of all fire deaths occur where people sleep, mostly during night Most are preventableMost are preventable 2006: 2,620 people died in reported home fires in the U.S.2006: 2,620 people died in reported home fires in the U.S. –Victims are disproportionately children or elderly F-3

Developing a Family Fire Plan Install smoke alarmsInstall smoke alarms Identify two escape routesIdentify two escape routes Practice escape planPractice escape plan Practice alerting family membersPractice alerting family members Learn fire department’s emergency numberLearn fire department’s emergency number F-4

If a Fire Starts… Yell “Fire!” several timesYell “Fire!” several times Get out quicklyGet out quickly Go to meeting placeGo to meeting place Call fire departmentCall fire department F-5

If You Can’t Escape Stuff wet cloth around doors and ventsStuff wet cloth around doors and vents Call fire departmentCall fire department Open windows slightly at top and bottomOpen windows slightly at top and bottom Stay low and by a windowStay low and by a window Hang or wave a bright-colored or white cloth at the windowHang or wave a bright-colored or white cloth at the window F-6

Preventing Fires Conduct home hazard huntConduct home hazard hunt Inspect wood stoves and chimneys annuallyInspect wood stoves and chimneys annually Purchase only “laboratory-tested” heatersPurchase only “laboratory-tested” heaters Keep heaters at least 3 feet from any flammable itemsKeep heaters at least 3 feet from any flammable items F-7

Preventing Fires (contd.) Keep matches and lighters away from childrenKeep matches and lighters away from children Check electrical wiringCheck electrical wiring Keep combustibles away from stoveKeep combustibles away from stove F-8

Wildfires F-9

CO Wildfires Many wildfires in CO are started by lightningMany wildfires in CO are started by lightning However, a significant number are also ignited by human actions (intentional or unintentional)However, a significant number are also ignited by human actions (intentional or unintentional) Be aware of your activities and avoid doing anything that sparksBe aware of your activities and avoid doing anything that sparks Check for red flag warnings and fire restrictions in your areaCheck for red flag warnings and fire restrictions in your area F-10

3 Classes of Wildfires Surface fireSurface fire Ground fireGround fire Crown fireCrown fire F-11

Wildfire Preparedness Keep wood and other flammable materials away from your homeKeep wood and other flammable materials away from your home Keep a garden hose long enough to reach any area of homeKeep a garden hose long enough to reach any area of home Get portable gasoline-powered water pump if pool, lake, or stream is availableGet portable gasoline-powered water pump if pool, lake, or stream is available Equip chimneys and stovepipes with spark arrestersEquip chimneys and stovepipes with spark arresters F-12

Wildfire Preparedness (contd.) Keep fire tools handyKeep fire tools handy Use proper building and landscape designUse proper building and landscape design –Create “defensible space” or “safety zone” –Mitigate 100’ around your home –Use fireproof or fire resistant roofing –Keep lawn and plants trimmed –Do not store fire wood or other flammable materials under a deck or next to a home F-13

Pre-evacuation Notice You should:You should: –Get your family and pets (including pet necessities) ready to leave at a moments notice –Get your go-kit ready –Move furniture to the center of the home –Remove flammable drapes and curtains –Close all doors and windows, lock everything other than your planned exit door F-14

Pre-evacuation Notice… Cont. Position the vehicle you will be evacuating in towards the evacuation route for easy escapePosition the vehicle you will be evacuating in towards the evacuation route for easy escape Back any other cars and vehicles into the garage and close itBack any other cars and vehicles into the garage and close it ●Wet down your roof with a hose ●Be ready to turn off utilities as soon as an evacuation is ordered F-15

During a Wildfire Keep listening to emergency information Keep listening to emergency information Follow all emergency and evacuation directions Follow all emergency and evacuation directions  If you are asked to evacuate DO NOT WAIT to leave, do so immediately and lock your exit door High Park Fire 2012 F-16

Air Quality in Nearby Areas Air quality is a concern as smoke spreadsAir quality is a concern as smoke spreads Keep tabs on the air quality in your area. If they are at dangerous levels -Keep tabs on the air quality in your area. If they are at dangerous levels - –Keep outdoor activity to a minimum –Keep those with respiratory illnesses, as well as children and the elderly indoors Smoke from the High Park Fire 2012 F-17

After a Wildfire Wait until authorities have OK’d reentryWait until authorities have OK’d reentry –Use caution when reentering Inspect the roof immediatelyInspect the roof immediately Have propane or heating oil tanks inspectedHave propane or heating oil tanks inspected Check the stability of trees around the homeCheck the stability of trees around the home If there is no power, check the main breakerIf there is no power, check the main breaker F-18