Fire Prevention Information

Transcription

1 Fire Prevention Information 1. Biography 2. Mission 3. Home and Business Inspection Program 4. Tips for Home Fire Safety 5. Tips for Apartment Fire Safety 6. Cooking Safety 7. Carbon Monoxide information 8. Prevention checklist 9. Open Burning Policy 10. Question and Answer Biography Stephen Gallagher is the Fire Inspector for the Bethlehem Township Construction Division. He is a Certified Fire Code Official, Certified Fire Marshal, Fire Inspector II, Fire Plans Examiner, Certified Building Code Official, Commercial Building Inspector, Building Plans Examiner, Certified Housing Code Official, and Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector with the International Code Council. He is certified as a Fire Inspector, Building Inspector, and Building Plans Examiner with Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industries. Stephen is certified as Fire Fighter II, Fire Officer, I, Fire Inspector II, Fire Instructor I, Driver/Operator, Airport Fire Fighter, Hazmat Operations, Public Telecommunicator II, and Rescue Technician from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress. He has an Associates of Science Fire Science degree. Stephen started his Fire Service career with the Air Force eleven years ago as a Fire Protection Specialist and has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Southern Watch and Operation Northern Watch. He progressed through the ranks from fire fighter to fire company officer and served as District Chief during his eight years of service. Stephen also assisted in maintaining the Fire Inspection programs at Dover AFB, DE, Kunsan AB, Korea, Eglin AFB, Florida, and Tallil AB, Iraq. Stephen is a member of the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Marshal section, International Fire Marshals Association, and International Code Council. Stephen can be reached by at sgallagher@bethlehemtwp.com or by phone at Mission The Bethlehem Township Fire Inspector is dedicated to protecting the lives and property of the citizens, business owners and visitors of Township of Bethlehem from the hazards of fire, explosion and hazardous materials by fostering a safe environment through inspection, enforcement, regulation, investigation, hazardous material incident mitigation, data collection, and public education. All the efforts of this office are designed to reduce the deaths, injuries, and property losses of Bethlehem Township.

2 Home and Business Inspection Program Home Inspections The Fire Inspector will provide an advisory inspection of your home and assist you in the proper placement of smoke detectors, as well as provide a complete safety inspection free of charge. If you would like a home fire safety inspection please contact the Fire Inspector at Business Inspections and PrePlans Throughout the year, the Fire Inspector conducts pre-planning surveys and fire safety inspections of all commercial properties inside the Township limits. The pre-plans assist the responding emergency services crews in providing an efficient reponse decreasing property loss and personal injury. The fire safety inspections ensure compliance with the adopted fire codes. Fire inspections reduce damage and loss of life while reducing the demand for emergency responses in the city. Tips for Home Fire Safety Most fatal fires start in the home. You can help protect your family and your property by following these fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association. 1. Install and maintain working smoke detectors on every level of your home and in each sleeping room. Test your smoke detector monthly and change the battery annually. The smoke detector should be replaced routinely every ten (10) years. 2. Plan two escape routes from every room and arrange a meeting place outside your home (tree, mailbox, neighbor's front porch, etc.). Practice your escape plan with all members of your family. Check and make sure your windows are easy to operate even by your children. Once you leave your home never re-enter for any reason. 3. Never smoke in bed or when drowsy. 4. Cooking safety: Never leave food, especially grease, unattended on the stove. If a fire should start in a pan, carefully slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never put water on a grease fire. Never let your children play in the kitchen when you are cooking. Children under the age of five (5) are at the greatest risk of being burned. Also, turn the pot and pan handles to the inside so that they cannot be bumped or pulled over. Keep the stovetop and oven clean and clear. Always wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking. Never carry a child and hot food/liquids at the same time. 5. Electrical safety: Never use an extension cord smaller than the cord on the appliance or fixture. Never use an extension cord as permanent wiring. Use only one extension cord to one appliance. The extension cord should be as short as possible (i.e., don't use a fifty foot extension cord if a three foot one will reach).

3 Check fixtures for frayed or damaged wiring. Pets have been known to chew on wires. If a circuit in your home continues to trip the breaker or blows the fuse, have an electrician check it. Never place a penny or other metal object in a fuse box. Never place an electric radio or hair dryer near the bathtub while bathing. 6. Workshop and storage area safety: Always store gasoline in an approved container. Use gasoline as a motor fuel and never as a cleaning agent. Let motors of mowers and other gasoline equipment cool down before refueling. Always store paint and other flammable liquids far away from appliances, heaters, pilot lights, and other sources of flame or heat. Never smoke while using or close to flammable liquids. 7. Outdoor safety: Use outdoor cooking grills with caution. Never use gasoline to start a fire, and do not apply charcoal lighter fluid or gasoline once the fire is started. Use cooking grills outside only, not on porches or balconies, and away from vegetation and combustibles. Never store propane cylinders inside. Never pour gasoline onto the ground. 8. Heater safety: When buying portable heaters be sure that they are U.L. or F.M. Listed and approved for the type of use you desire. Follow all manufacturers instructions carefully. Kerosene portable heaters are prohibited. Electric Portable heaters need to be at least three (3) feet from all combustible items. Keep children away from heaters. Be sure that the heater has an automatic shut-off in case it is tipped over. 9. Fireplace safety: Chimneys and fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected annually by a chimney sweep service. Creosote can build up and ignite your chimney, roof, and/or house. Do not use flammable liquids to start your fire in the fireplace. Keep a screen in front of the fire to keep embers from popping into the house. Put hot ashes in metal containers outside of the home to cool. Make sure tree limbs are at least ten (10) feet away from the chimney. 10. Protecting your children from scald burns: In a matter of seconds, a child can get life-threatening burns. Here are some items to keep in mind: o Never leave children alone in the bathroom or kitchen. o Use the back burners on the stove and/or turn pot and pan handles to the back or sides when using the front burners of the stove. o Never carry a child and hot food/liquids at the same time. o Electrical cords should be kept away from the edge of the counter. o o Adjust water heaters to 120 degrees or less. Always test the water temperature before putting a child in the bathtub or shower. 11. Know how to use fireworks safely: Fireworks can be very dangerous when used improperly. Read and follow all directions. Small children should not play with fireworks. Parents should supervise all children when fireworks are involved. Ensure children using sparklers hold the top out and away from their body. DO NOT hold ignited sparklers in a horizontal (up and down) position from you. Burning embers may flake off and fall on your hands and feet. If a firework should misfire, leave it alone - there could be a delay in ignition. Never place any fireworks in your pockets. Never ignite fireworks while still holding it in your

4 hand. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. If your clothes should catch on fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll. Tips for Apartment Fire Safety You can help protect your family and your property by following these fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association. Before the Fire 1. If equipped, locate the nearest fire pull station and know how to operate it. 2. Have to plans of escape from your apartment and practice them. Never use an elevator 3. Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries annually. 4. Know the emergency phone number. In Bethlehem Township the emergency number is 911. When Fire or Smoke is Discovered 1. If you find fire or smoke, activate the fire alarm if available, no matter how small. Call the emergency number (911). Do not depend on anyone else to call. Evacuate the building. 2. If you are in your apartment and the fire alarm is activated, get your family together. Feel the door with the back of your hand to see if the door is hot. If it is not hot, open the door slightly to check for smoke and fire. If it is clear, leave the building quickly and calmly, closing your apartment door behind you. Bring your key with you. 3. If there is light smoke or it is dark, crawl to the exit. Remember smoke and toxic gases rise. 4. If you encounter heavy smoke and heat, try your second escape route. 5. If both routes are blocked, return to your apartment. What to do if you are trapped in your apartment by fire and smoke: 1. Stay calm and do not panic. 2. Keep your door closed. 3. Place wet towels and duct tape around the cracks of the doors. This will help keep out smoke and toxic gases. 4. Turn off heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC). 5. Go to a room with an outside window. 6. Open the top and bottom of the window slightly. This will let fresh air in the bottom and smoke out the top. 7. Place a sheet or towel out the window to signal the fire department. 8. If possible, call the emergency number (911) and let them know you are trapped.

5 Cooking Safety According to the National Fire Protection Association cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Most cooking equipment fires start with the ignition of common household items (food or grease, cabinets, wall coverings, paper or plastic bats, curtains, etc.). Her are some fire safety tips while cooking: 1. Always use equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility like U.L. 2. Never leave food cooking on the stovetop unattended. Always keep close eyes on food cooking in the oven. 3. Keep cooking surfaces and area clear of combustible materials. 4. Turn pot handles inward to prevent from being bumped or children from grabbing them. 5. Avoid wearing loose fitted clothing while cooking. Loose fit clothing can come in contact with a burner and ignite. 6. Never use a damp or wet oven mitt. The moist, when heated, turns to steam and presents a scald danger. 7. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don t remove the lid or move the pan until it is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire. 8. If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Call the emergency number (911). 9. Be careful when handling food after heated by a microwave. Foods can be dangerously hot and cause burns. Let the food sit for a minute or two before removing from the microwave. 10. If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Facts What is Carbon Monoxide? Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas created when fuel is burned - gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood, coal. When the amount of available air for combustion is limited, more carbon monoxide is produced. Serious problems can develop when combustion by-products are not properly vented outside the house. A byproduct of combustion, carbon monoxide can be a potential problem from a number of sources - automobiles, furnaces, fuel-fired appliances, fireplaces, wood stoves, charcoal grills, gas ranges, space heaters, generators.

6 How can Carbon Dioxide affect me? When you breathe carbon monoxide, it enters your bloodstream through your lungs and attaches to red blood. These red blood cells, called hemoglobin, carry oxygen throughout the body. Carbon monoxide molecules attach to the red blood cells 200 times faster than oxygen does, preventing the flow of oxygen rich blood to the bodies vital organs - heart, brain. As carbon dioxide accumulates in the bloodstream, the body becomes starved for oxygen. The early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to that for the flu and often mistake for the flu - headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleeping, and confusion. Breathing very high concentrations of carbon monoxide can be lethal in minutes. Breathing low concentrations over time can be lethal or cause permanent heart and brain damage. Could I be at risk for Carbon Monoxide poisoning? Yes, everyone is at risk. In fact, experts agree that unborn babies, small children, senior citizens and those with heart and/or respiratory problems are especially vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning. These groups are at greater risk for death or serious injury. Home appliances, such as fuel-fired water heaters, furnaces, fireplace factory inserts, wood stoves and fireplaces, gas stoves and cook tops, and gas washer/dryers are all sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles running in a garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. How can I protect myself from Carbon Monoxide poisoning? Purchase a carbon monoxide detector. Detectors are available for purchase at home improvement stores and hardware stores. Keep up with routine maintenance on your appliances. You should schedule annual inspections and maintenance with a licensed contractor. Be aware of the possible sources of carbon monoxide in your home. Visually inspect all chimneys and vents for those appliances and ensure they are in good working condition. Learn the early signs and symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect you are being exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, evacuate the home and go to a neighbor s house to and call the emergency number (911).

7 Fire Prevention Checklist A few simple steps you can take to protect your family and property from fire. You are the first line of defense. Living Space Is there a smoke detector on every floor? Do the smoke detectors work? Test smoke detectors monthly by simply pushing the test button on the unit. Are all electrical cords and extension cords in good condition? Check for open splices, damaged exterior, sharp bends, etc. Are extension cords used to supply portable appliances? Extension cords are not intended to be used as permanent power for household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, etc. Are extension cords rated for the appliance? Are extension cords plugged directly into an outlet? Are electric space heaters located three feet from any combustible materials? DO NOT use fuel-fired space heaters. Do you have an escape plan? Have you practiced your escape plan? Do you have a fire resistant safe? If so, do you have all important papers stored in it such as insurance papers, bank account numbers and other financial paperwork, birth certificates, etc. Have you updated your household goods inventory for your insurance claims? Kitchen Do you have a fire extinguisher within easy access? Do you know how to use a fire extinguisher? Is the cooking area clean and free from combustible materials? Do you remain in the kitchen while cooking? Do you turn off and unplug appliances when not in use? Do you clean all appliances after use to prevent grease build-up? Do you turn pot and pan handles in to prevent being knocked over or reached by small children? Do you have a pot or pan lid handy to smother grease fires? DO NOT throw water on grease fires. Bedroom Is there a smoke detector in every bedroom? Do the smoke detectors work? Test smoke detectors monthly by simply pushing the test button on the unit. Is there a flashlight near your bed?

8 Do the batteries work? Bathrooms Are the curling irons and/or hot rollers turned off and unplugged? Are they away from any combustible materials? Is the hairdryer unplugged? Are the outlets ground fault circuit interrupter protected (GFCI)? Garage Are combustible materials, paint cans, and gas cans stored away from sources of heat such as heaters and electrical outlets? Is gasoline stored in an approved container? Things To Do Before You Leave The House or Go To Bed Are all candles completely extinguished? Are all smoking materials completely extinguished? Are all cooking appliances turned off and unplugged, including the coffee pot? Are the lights turned out? If used, is the heating pad turned off and unplugged? Are the exterior doors locked? Are all bedroom doors closed? Are your keys readily accessible? Open Burning Ordinance Code of Ord. Chapter 7 Part Paper and yard wastes as defined herein and which are generated by residents of the Township of Bethlehem from the normal occupancy of a residential dwelling by two (2) families or less may be burned by said residents on their premises only during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, except if any such day is a legal holiday. Burning at any time is specifically prohibited on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and legal holidays. The burning of papers and yard waste shall take place in areas free of weeds and not closer than fifty (50) feet to any building, structure, wooden fence or piled combustible materials and shall be attended by an adult at all times until the fire is extinguished. At least one (1) portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, two (2) fire extinguishers with a 2-A rating each or other approved onsite fire extinguishing equipment such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck shall be available for immediate utilization.

9 Yard waste is defined as tree branches and tree and shrubbery trimmings but not including leaves and grass clippings. Paper is defined as a substance used for writing, printing, packaging, and wall covering, manufacturing principally from rag, wood, or other vegetable fiber reduced to pulp, but excluding newspaper and other paper which is designated from time to time as recyclable pursuant to the recycling provisions of the Township of Bethlehem Municipal Waste Ordinance [20, Part 1] and the Bethlehem Township recycling rules and regulations. Question and Answer What buildings are inspected? Commercial occupancies and high occupancy residential buildings such as apartments within Bethlehem Township. Why are businesses inspected? Fire inspections reduce damage and loss of life while reducing the demand for emergency responses in the city. Compliance with the fire code is required by state law. The fire code requires inspection and maintenance of properties within a jurisdiction as deemed necessary by the fire code official. What does the inspection include? The inspections cover business areas, public areas and exterior space of businesses and multi-family residential buildings. Business owners have direct contact with the fire inspector allowing for open dialog on fire related topics. What is the purpose of a fire inspection? The goal of inspections is to reduce the loss of life and property by fire. Fire inspections are an opportunity to educate business owners and the public about fire and life safety issues. Information collected during these inspections is used by fire personnel to make decisions in the event of emergencies. Fire code violations are prevented by providing information on fire code requirements during routine inspections. Is there a fee for regular fire inspections? Currently there is no fee for a regular fire inspections in Bethlehem Township

10 What version of fire code applies? The current fire code adopted by the State of Pennsylvania is The International Fire Code 2006 edition. The Fire Code applies to new construction and existing construction. The fire code is revised every 3 years. How often are fire inspections performed? Businesses and multi-family residential occupancy common areas are inspected annually and dwelling units of multi-family residential occupancies are inspected What happens if fire code violations are noted during an inspection? Businesses have 30 days to comply with the fire code as noted on the fire inspections. Call the fire inspector within 30 days to schedule a reinspection. Life threatening or repeat violations may need to be corrected immediately or within a shorter timeline. After satisfactory completion, a Certificate of Compliance will be mailed to the business. What happens if fire code violations do not get corrected within 30 days? Businesses are liable for problems noted during the fire inspections. A Fire Inspector will contact you in an effort to correct the items that are outstanding. You may be subject to penalties and fines due to noncompliance.