Every year, thousands of people lose their lives to fires, with the majority of these tragedies occurring in their own homes. Many of these incidents are preventable. By understanding the dangers of fire, learning how to prevent them, and knowing how to respond in the event of a fire, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Proper use of a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by controlling small fires until the fire department arrives. Home extinguishers are not designed for large or spreading fires and are effective only if:
- The operator knows how to use it.
- The extinguisher is easily accessible, in working order, and fully charged.
- It is suitable for the type of fire (e.g., grease or electrical).
Selecting an Extinguisher:
- Ensure it has an independent testing laboratory seal and is labeled for the intended fire type.
- It must be large enough to extinguish the fire, with most discharging in about eight seconds.
- Fire classes:
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper).
- Class B: Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil).
- Class C: Electrical equipment (wiring, appliances).
- Multipurpose A-B-C models are common for household use.
Installation and Maintenance:
- Install in plain view, above children's reach, near escape routes, and away from heat sources.
- Follow routine care instructions, check pressure monthly, and service or replace as needed.
Using the PASS Method:
- PULL the pin.
- AIM low at the fire's base.
- SQUEEZE the lever.
- SWEEP side to side.
Before Fighting a Fire:
- Ensure everyone is evacuating.
- Call 911.
- Confirm the fire is small and not spreading.
- Have a clear escape route.
- Know how to use the extinguisher.
If these conditions are not met, evacuate immediately and close doors and windows if possible.
- Heater Placement: Keep heaters away from drapes and furniture to prevent fires.
- Stove Installation: Install wood or coal stoves with proper clearances to avoid house fires.
- Furnace Flue Inspection: Regularly inspect furnace flues to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Creosote Cleaning: Clean chimneys and stovepipes regularly to prevent fires.
- Ventilation for Heaters: Ensure proper ventilation for gas heaters to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Furnace Maintenance: Professionally inspect furnaces before each heating season to prevent malfunctions.
- Insulation Installation: Check electrical systems before adding insulation and keep it away from heat sources.
Safety is no accident!
We all share the responsibility of practicing proper driving behaviors, especially when yielding to emergency vehicles.
What Drivers SHOULD Do:
- Stay calm and move appropriately.
- Pull to the right and stop.
- Slow down if there's no room to stop.
- Move to the right lane if in the left lane.
- Stop if you can't move due to an obstacle.
- Don't move at intersections unless you can pull to the right.
- On one-way streets, pull to the right or left curb if necessary.
What Drivers SHOULD NOT Do:
- Don't stop in the middle lane if you can pull to the right.
- Don't pull to the left in the center lane.
- Don't drive through red lights or stop signs.
- Don't turn left into driveways or streets.
- Don't race through green lights.
- Don't ignore emergency vehicles.
Emergency vehicle drivers are trained to drive safely and will try to move to the right. Respect their presence by moving out of the way and stopping. This ensures they can reach their destination safely.
When you or someone you care about needs help, you'll be thankful for drivers who didn't impede their arrival.
Do Smoke Detectors Really Save Lives? Most fatal home fires occur at night while people are asleep. Poisonous gases and smoke can quickly numb the senses. Every home needs a device to wake people up in time to escape. Smoke detectors are considered the most effective low-cost fire alarm devices.
How To Choose A Smoke Detector Buy detectors with the mark of a testing organization. Any labeled smoke detector offers protection, whether powered by batteries or household current, photoelectric or ionization. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation, testing, and maintenance.
How Many Do I Need? Minimum protection requires smoke detectors outside each bedroom and on each story of the house, including the basement. For additional protection, install detectors inside bedrooms, dining rooms, furnace rooms, utility rooms, hallways, kitchens, attics, and garages. Ensure detectors can be heard from each bedroom.
Where And How Should I Install My Smoke Detectors? Install detectors high on walls or ceilings to detect smoke. Wall-mounted units should be 4-12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling-mounted units at least 4 inches from any wall. Install detectors in living areas and near stairways. Avoid placing detectors near windows, doors, or air registers.
Maintaining Your Smoke Detectors Test and clean detectors regularly. Replace batteries annually or as recommended. Never paint detectors and vacuum them weekly to ensure sensitivity.
What Happens When The Fire Alarm Sounds? Plan your escape before an emergency. Ensure everyone knows the sound of the smoke detector. Plan two ways out from each room and agree on a meeting place outside. Rehearse the plan regularly. In case of a fire, get out immediately and call 911 from a neighbor's phone.
Fire Safety In Your Home Starts Immediately! Properly installed and maintained smoke detectors, combined with a family escape plan, can save lives.
Smoke detectors save lives!
Make sure you address is clearly marked. When you dial 911 for an ambulance, the Highlands Volunteer Fire Department is also dispatched. Many of our firefighters are trained First Responders who can handle medical emergencies until the ambulance arrives. They can respond faster than ambulances from Langford or Victoria General Hospital and know the area well, ensuring they find your home quickly.
However, can they find your home? Many residents do not have properly marked house numbers, causing stress for firefighters trying to locate you. Please ensure your house number is clearly visible, at least 4 inches in height, and mounted against a contrasting background as per the Emergency Service Bylaw No. 264. Reflective materials help meet visibility requirements.
Taking a moment to check your house number could save a life. Your volunteer firefighters will be grateful.
Insulation: Adding insulation can save energy but may lead to fires. Have your electrical system checked by a qualified electrician before installing insulation. Keep insulation away from ceiling light fixtures and heat sources.
Fuel-burning Furnace: Regularly inspect furnace flues to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, so ensure flues are clear and secure.
Wood Burning Appliances: Only use air-tight wood stoves with controlled airflow. Clean creosote buildup from chimneys and stovepipes regularly to prevent fires. Inspect fireplace chimneys annually and stovepipe chimneys monthly.
Furnace Maintenance: Properly maintain your furnace to prevent carbon monoxide leaks and fire hazards. Have it inspected regularly by a professional.
Smoke Detectors: Install approved smoke detectors in key areas of your home. Test batteries frequently and ensure detectors are operational.
Fire Drills: Practice fire safety with your family. Plan escape routes, hold regular fire drills, and designate a meeting place outside. Assign a family member to assist the elderly or young during an emergency.
Child Safety: Prevent fires by eliminating hazards. Store flammable materials safely, clean work areas, avoid overloading circuits, and check electrical wiring regularly. Keep trash in covered containers and dispose of it regularly.
Chimney Maintenance: Sweep chimneys of homes heated by solid fuels regularly to prevent creosote buildup. Annual inspections for oil or gas-heated homes should spot any issues.
Coal and Wood Burning Appliances: Ensure safe installation and use of wood or coal stoves. Follow expert advice and instructions carefully. Discuss changes to your heating system with your insurance provider.
For more information on fire safety, contact your fire department.
During Warmer Seasons, Think Fire Safety!
Outdoor Cooking Tips:
- Keep flammable liquids away from live coals to avoid explosions and burns.
- Keep children away from the barbecue fire.
- Use approved charcoal starters; never use gasoline or other flammable materials.
- Never add fire starter to an already lit barbecue; use dry kindling instead.
- Ensure the barbecue stand is level and steady; keep a water container nearby.
- Soak coals after cooking to prevent re-ignition.
- Do not store damp or wet charcoal in unventilated areas to avoid spontaneous combustion.
Camping Out Tips:
- Use flame-retardant tents; avoid paraffin-coated cotton tents.
- Use flashlights instead of candles or matches near tents.
- Keep heaters away from tent walls and contents; build fires downwind and far from tents.
- Ensure fires are out before sleeping; carry a fire extinguisher and portable smoke detector.
- Store fuel for stoves safely; ventilate the car trunk if carrying fuel.
- Never use liquid starters to freshen a fire; keep liquid fuel away from tents and children.
- Follow all fire laws and regulations.
A little extra caution can save lives!