Chief’s Corner

Safety Tips

Campfire & Fire Pit Safety ( Open Burn)

  • Location is key: Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs, and other flammable materials. Fire pits and chimneys should be at least 10 feet from your home.
  • Material : Only dry clean seasoned wood should be used.
  • Size: A recreational fire's fuel load shall note be more than three (3) feet in diameter, and two (2) feet in height.
  • Duration: The fire shall not be permitted to burn longer than three (3) hours, and shall by extinguished by midnight.
  • Attendance: A fire shall be constantly attended by an adult until the fire is completely extinguished.
  • Skip the accelerants: Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start or maintain a campfire. Use dry kindling instead.
  • Have equipment ready: Keep a garden hose, bucket of water, or a shovel and dirt nearby in case of emergencies.
  • Put it fully out: Drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, and drown it again until the ashes are cool to the touch before leaving.

 

Grilling Safety

  • Use the grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Never use them indoors or in an enclosed area such as a garage.
  • Follow all of the manufacturer’s instruction
  • Place your barbecue well away from deck railings, siding, and overhanging branches.
  • Never leave the grill unattended.
  • When you have finished cooking turn off the burner controls and close the valve on the cylinder.
  • Make sure the grill is cool and all the valves are closed before covering the grill.
  • Store the cylinders outdoors away from any sources of ignition. Use and store the cylinders in an upright, vertical position.
  • After filling the cylinders take them home immediately, making sure that they are secured in the trunk and not rolling around. Keep your vehicle well ventilated making sure the cylinder valve is closed and capped or plugged and never leave the cylinder in you vehicle.
  • Before lighting your grill check for leaks at the connections using a leak detection solution such as soapy water or a solution supplied by your propane dealer. Never check for leaks with a lighter or matches.
  • Never smoke while handling propane cylinders.
  • Keep children away from the grills and never allow them to play with the grill or cylinder.
  • If you have a significant and uncontrollable release of gas or a fire, call the fire department immediately and move everyone way for the grill or cylinder.
  • Effective April 1, 2002 propane cylinders must be equipped with an OPD (overfilling prevention device) in order to be refilled.

 

Smoke Detectors

Replace all smoke detectors at least every 10 years. Sensors degrade over time from dust and humidity, making them unreliable.

    • Check the Expiration: Remove the detector and check the back for the date of manufacture or a "replace by" date.
    • Combination Alarms: Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) combination units often need replacement sooner, typically every 5 to 7 years.
    • Battery Maintenance: If using standard replaceable batteries, change them once a year (or twice a year, such as when changing clocks).
    • Immediate Replacement: Replace the detector immediately if it fails the monthly test button, starts giving end-of-life chirps, or has been damaged by heavy smoke or fire.

Heating & Fireplaces

Heating equipment is a major contributor to winter house fires.

  • Avoid Extension Cords: Plug large appliances (refrigerators, washers, and dryers) directly into wall outlets. Extension cords are meant for temporary use only
  • Create a 3-Foot Zone: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, curtains, and bedding.
  • Turn Heaters Off: Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
  • Maintain Fireplaces: Have your chimney and furnace inspected and cleaned annually by a professional.

Electrical & Appliance Safety

Electrical issues can cause hidden smoldering fires that quickly escalate.

  • Don't Overload Outlets: Only plug one heat-producing appliance into an outlet at a time.
  • Light Bulbs:  Avoiding using light bulbs hat exceed the manufacture's recommended wattage.
  • Inspect Cords: Discard and replace any appliance with frayed or cracked power cords.
  • Watch Your Devices: Charge laptops, phones, and batteries on hard, flat surfaces. Never leave devices charging on beds or sofas where heat can get trapped.
  • Ceiling Fans: Fans cool people, not rooms. Turn off fans when you leave the room. Keep your fan clean and dust free to prevent flammable build up.
  • Electrical Plugs: Verify plugs are compatible with the sockets and that they are fulling inserted.
  • Broken or Frayed Wires: Replace appliances with broken, exposed or frayed wires or broken plug prongs. Do not try to fix on your own.

Kitchen & Cooking Safety

Cooking is the leading cause of residential fires. Minimize your risk with these habits

  • Stay Present: Never leave cooking food unattended. If you are frying, boiling, or grilling, stay in the kitchen.
  • Keep a Lid Handy: Keep a metal lid nearby. If a grease fire starts, turn off the heat and slide the lid over the pan to smother it—never pour water on grease.
  • Clear the Area: Move anything that can burn (towels, oven mitts, or packaging) away from the stovetop.
  • Turn Handles In: Turn pot and pan handles inward so they aren't knocked over by children or pets.