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While it is common knowledge that every home and building should have fire extinguishers on hand, it’s reported that only a fraction of business or homeowners know how many they need and where they should be placed.

How many fire extinguishers do you need, and where should they be placed?

While the requirements for homeowners are more loose than business owners, it is still recommended that you follow these guides. Fire extinguishers vary in type based on the assumed fire risk, mainly by the material which could cause the fire, such as wood, oil, etc. In general, a fire extinguisher should be within 50-75 feet of any given place in the home, and that extinguisher should be rated for the fire source materials that are present. (You can read our article about the different types of fire extinguishers by clicking here!) With this in mind, the square footage and floor plan of your home or building plays a big role in determining how many extinguishers you need.

For a home, do a walk through and identify any areas that are at risk of fire, and find a spot nearby where you can mount a fire extinguisher, preferably in an area that is not isolated and can be safely accessed from many directions in case of a fire. Do this for each area of your home, making sure you mark a space for a fire extinguisher wherever one may be needed. Also, if an area of your home is isolated, it should have a fire extinguisher present, even if the risk of fire is low. Once you’ve marked all of these locations, that is the number of fire extinguishers you should get and keep on hand.

For a building, especially one in which a business operates, there are more requirements to ensure the safety of everybody inside. A properly rated fire extinguisher needs to be no more than 50-75 feet away from any given location, depending on the type of extinguisher needed. In areas with the risk of kitchen fires, type K fire extinguishers should be present at all cook sites and no more than 30 feet away. (These requirements may vary based on local regulations.) In areas that are harder to navigate, or in isolated/closed off areas, additional fire extinguishers are recommended. Remember, you should never have to run into a fire to grab an extinguisher. Keeping an extinguisher near your building’s exits can allow you to grab it in an emergency while still having a safe exit in case the fire can’t be controlled.

While fire extinguishers can help you stop fires before they become too large, never stick around to try and fight a fire that can’t be controlled. Fire extinguishers are useful for small fires, but if a fire has grown too large, or has possibly spread to areas you can’t access, your best bet is to get out of the area and call 911.

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Carbon Monoxide, “The Invisible Killer”

January 25, 2024 WaMedia

Carbon monoxide, also known as “the invisible killer”, has a sinister reputation among households. Many people are told to have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes alongside their smoke detectors, but they may not be told other important information, such as why we need these detectors, why carbon monoxide is dangerous, and where it comes from.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, and nearly odorless gas that can come from several sources, though often is a result of incomplete oxidation of carbon during combustion. Carbon monoxide can be dangerous at low levels, and lethal at higher concentrations.

How Dangerous is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is incredibly dangerous, largely due to the fact that it is nearly undetectable without the proper tools.

Low amounts of carbon monoxide can cause fatigue, chest pain, and other symptoms, while higher amounts can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and vision impairments. While most symptoms can clear up after leaving the home for a period of time, prolonged exposure or very high concentrations can cause serious illness and damage, and potentially event be fatal.

What Causes Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide can come from many sources, though usually is a byproduct of combustion sources, such as a faulty furnace, a running vehicle, or a gas stove.

Carbon monoxide can come from:

Improperly vented gas burners or heaters
Faulty chimneys or funaces
Gas stoves
Gasoline-powered equipment (such as generators)
Back-drafting from heat sources (furnace, wood stove, fireplace, etc.)
Exhaust from a vehicle

How Can We Protect Ourselves?

The best way to prevent illness or death from carbon monoxide is to be ready to detect it. Many smoke detectors nowadays also have a carbon monoxide detecting function, but not all do. Never assume that your smoke detectors are ready for carbon monoxide, always double check, and if they don’t (or even if they might, but you’re not certain) get a dedicated carbon monoxide detector for your home. It’s best to place these near potential sources of the gas, such as near the entrance from an attached garage, in the kitchen, etc.

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5 Easy Steps to Reduce the Risk of a House Fire

January 24, 2024 WaMedia

In this digital age, we tend to see hundreds, if not thousands of pages, articles, and graphics showing fire statistics, niche ways to prevent fires, and highly detailed emergency plans. There is no such thing as too much good information, but sometimes it helps to just return to the basics and make sure the public is still learning the essentials when it comes to preventing fires in the home. Here are 5 easy steps you can take at home to help reduce your risk of fire!

1. Keep open flames isolated and protected.

Whether it be a candle, gas stove, or fireplace, always make sure there is nothing flammable near an open flame and that nothing flammable can accidentally fall into or on the flame source. Candles should be kept far from the edges of tables and counters, and ideally in a holder with a heavy base to prevent tipping over. Fireplaces should have a metal screen in front of them to catch embers, and wood burning stoves should never be left with the door open. Gas stoves may be less common nowadays, but that means fewer people know how to safely operate them, so always make sure to inform anyone who may be using your gas stove of the safe methods of operation, such as to move all flammable items away from the stove during operation, never set a flammable object on the stove (even if it’s turned off), and always have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your kitchen.

2. Never leave an open flame unattended.

It’s the rule of the universe that the second you become comfortable leaving something alone, that’s when the worst can happen. When it comes to open flames, especially fireplaces or wood burning stoves, leaving them unattended can be catastrophic. You should never leave an active fire in your home for any amount of time, as simply driving to the store at the end of the street could be enough time for disaster to strike. Rogue embers, sudden flare ups, or even a cat knocking something over into the fireplace can become disastrous remarkably fast, so always either put your fires out before leaving or have someone stay and keep an eye on them.

3. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.

It takes very little time to go around your house once a month or so and test all of your smoke detectors. Most of them have a test button now, or an easy way to test them and make sure they will sound off if anything is detected. It may seem tedious and unimportant, but when you’re asleep or in another room, or if carbon monoxide is present, a functioning detector can not only be the difference between stopping a fire, but also saving your life.

4. Keep an adequate and non-expired fire extinguisher in your home.

Fire extinguishers can be what keeps a small fire flare up from turning into an entire house fire. Whether you have a fireplace, space heaters, or even if you have no sources of open flame in your house, you should always keep at least one fire extinguisher in a safe and easy to reach location. The type of fire extinguisher you get is important, too, as there are several different types for several different fires. Most fire extinguishers for home use will cover the majority of fire causes, but always make sure you have a fire extinguisher rated for kitchen use near your cook surfaces to be safe. Also, make sure your extinguisher isn’t expired. It may seem odd that a fire extinguisher can “expire”, but it’s true, and you don’t want to risk having a faulty extinguisher when you really need one.

5. Have an emergency plan, and always prioritize your life over your belongings.

Nobody wants to watch their belongings or home burn, but it’s never worth risking your life to save them. If a fire does start and it can’t be easily contained, don’t put your life on the line for it. Build an emergency escape plan with your family, do a couple test drills each year, and ensure that everybody knows that a house fire is an incredibly dangerous hazard that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you do ever experience a fire in your home, call 911 immediately and evacuate. Your escape plan should include getting everyone possible outside safely, then prioritize pets. Whatever you do, do not enter a burning building to try and save personal belongings.

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Severe Winter Weather Warning

January 16, 2024 WaMedia

Washington State has a severe weather warning in place from now, January 16th, until around 1 AM, January 17th, with heavy snow in some areas, as well as heavy rainfall and ice predictions. This weather will affect Thurston County, among other locations within the state. While Thurston County is not expected to get as much snow as other regions, it’s still important to be cautious and prepared for the possible snow accumulation, as well as the likely ice buildup.

If possible, it is best to avoid driving during the weather tonight and to exercise extreme caution on the roads tomorrow due to the ice. We’ve seen some intense lows in the last few days which has already caused some ice hazards intermittently, so expect more of the same in the days to come. Luckily, the temperature predictions for the coming days aren’t as low as the ones we’ve seen recently, so the ice and snow shouldn’t linger for long, though with the rain that is predicted to follow drivers should still be cautious of slick roads and possible refreezing.

Stay tuned to social media and weather pages, as these winter weather predictions can change suddenly, and you don’t want to become stranded because of an unexpected snow storm or freezing rain.

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Perform a Care Safety Check NOW to Stay Safe LATER

January 11, 2024 WaMedia

We just saw some of our first snow this winter in Thurston County, and with it came frigid temperatures and icy roads. As much as we’d like to assume we won’t face any conflicts while driving, being prepared for them can make the difference between an emergency and a controlled situation. If you take the time now to do a safety check on your vehicle, you could avoid being stranded or injured later while driving in severe winter conditions.

Check these five things to make sure your vehicle is ready for the worst:

Check your vehicle’s fluids

It’s recommended that you check fluids like oil, coolant, and others in your vehicle regularly, especially right before a long trip or severe weather. This is because it is harder to find and change these fluids if you end up stranded in rural areas or in bad weather. You should also get an oil change if your vehicle hasn’t had one in a while.

Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank full

Even if you’re only driving short distances the majority of the time, it’s best to keep your vehicle’s fuel tank above the 3/4 mark in case you need to make an emergency long-distance drive or can’t find access to fuel for an extended period of time.

Check your vehicle’s tire pressures

Make sure you’re familiar with the suggested pressure for your vehicle’s tires, and ensure they are always kept at that level. Under pressured or overpressured tires can reduce the control you have over your vehicle during hazardous weather, as well as increasing the risk of getting a flat.

Clean your windshields and windows

Every so often you should thoroughly clean your front and back windshields, as well as your vehicle’s windows in order to keep a clear field of view while in bad road conditions. Grimy or foggy windows can significantly reduce your vision, especially in fog or at night, so keeping them clean can help you see potential dangers before it’s too late. You should also check your windshield wipers while you’re at this step, and make sure they don’t leave streaks on the glass.

Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle

No matter where you live or what you drive, you should always have an emergency kit in your vehicle. This kit should have some emergency food and water, spare clothing, heat packs, navigation gear, and repair tools, in case you end up lost or break down.

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Electric Heater Safety Tips

January 5, 2024 WaMedia

Not every home is equipped with a sufficient heating system, and as we drift into colder weather, maintaining a safe and comfortable temperature at home has become a high priority for many. One of the most common secondary heating methods for houses and apartments are electric space heaters, and while they are generally a safe and effective way of controlling your home’s temperature, there are still some safety measures that need to be taken to ensure no problems arise.

Do Not Use Extension Cords, Plug Heaters Directly Into an Outlet

Extension cords may be tempting when it comes to moveable heaters, as they allow you more freedom in where they can be placed, however extension cords also increase the risk of a fire or electrical short with these devices. Electric heaters use a large and steady amount of electricity, and most extension cords can’t handle that pull. As high amounts of electricity move through the extension cord, it can generate heat, melt the insulation, and cause a short or fire. It is far safer to plug electric heaters directly into an outlet, which is generally much more suited for the higher electrical pull.

Position Them Carefully

The location of your electric heater is often what decides if it is safe or not. Even though there is no open flame, there is still a fire risk when flammable objects come into contact with the heater. In general, it’s best to keep a 3-foot safety zone around your heater, with no walls, items, and especially bedding within this zone.

Turn the Heater Down or Off When Leaving or Sleeping

In an ideal world, we’d all be able to shut our heaters off when we’re leaving the house or going to sleep. This would completely avoid the risk of a fire or short while we’re not around to take care of it. However, if you’re using an electric heater, you might not have another form of heat to keep your home comfortable during these times. As such, the second most safe thing to do is to turn the heaters down and pull them to a wide open space when you’re not around to watch them. This reduces the amount of energy they use and the heat they put out, which in turn reduces the risk of a fire. This does NOT completely remove the risk, though so other safety measures should still be taken.

Stay safe and warm this winter, and remember to check social media and the news for any urgent weather updates!

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New Year, New Safety Plans

January 3, 2024 WaMedia

As we enter the new year, it’s a great time to reevaluate old safety plans, both in commercial settings and at home. Take a look around your home or place of work and identify the best safe zones, escape routes, and hazardous areas, then build an emergency plan for fires, floods, and any other major dangers.

Here are a few things to look for:

Fire danger areas. Even areas with fire prevention, such as sprinklers, could still present risks if a person is trapped there during a fire or other emergency. Make sure all danger areas have a safe exit or marked escape route.
Electrical hazard areas. Make sure all electrical panels have the proper clearance around them, and ensure there are no water sources that could spray the panel should something go wrong. It’s also a good idea to have non-conductive floor mats in front of electrical panels in case of an arc.
Flood hazard areas. Areas that are below ground level, especially at the bottom of a hill or runoff area, should be properly sealed and have adequate escape routes. In addition, make sure your vehicles are not parked in or blocked by a potential flood zone, such as a dip in the driveway where a flash flood could potentially prevent a vehicle from leaving.

Here are a few things to make sure you have:

Proper fire prevention and solutions. Make sure you have adequate fire extinguishers and/or sprinklers in place in case of a fire.
Emergency exit routes marked. Especially in commercial buildings, make sure the emergency exits are clearly marked and have clear routes leading to them.
An emergency escape plan. Make sure you have a clear plan of where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. Go over this with your office team or family and make sure everyone is familiar with this plan.
Emergency supplies. Even if you don’t plan to stay in your home or place of work in case of an emergency, it’s always a good idea to have some emergency supplies. Make sure you have some backup food and water, as well as a decent first aid kit. It’s also worthwhile to have items like blankets, spare clothing, and other commodities stored away in case you end up staying in place.

A new year is a fantastic opportunity for setting goals and making changes, and the first goal that should be on everyone’s mind is safely making it through to next year.

Stay safe, and Happy New Year!

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Protect Your Home From Winter Fires

December 18, 2023 WaMedia

House fires are more common in winter than any other season, and that’s due largely to heating devices. While keeping warm is an important part of staying comfortable and healthy during these cold months, staying safe is just as essential. Follow these tips to minimize your chances of a safety emergency while using heaters and fireplaces this winter.

Keep flammable objects at least 3 feet from heat sources.

Flammable objects like bedding, clothes, curtains, and more can catch fire if they come into contact with a heat source or open flame. Radiator heaters, heating vents, fireplaces, and other similar things should have an at least 3 foot buffer zone around them in order to prevent fires.

Only plug 1 heater into an outlet at a time.

Heaters run hot, both in temperature and energy consumption. When you run multiple heaters off of one outlet, you risk overloading that power line and causing a malfunction. At best this could result in a tripped breaker, but at worst it could cause a fire in your home.

Clean your chimney and vents every year.

If you use a fireplace or wood burning stove, keeping your chimney clean is essential to keeping your family safe. Not only can a dirty chimney increase the risk of a house fire, it increases the risk of smoke and carbon monoxide coming into your home. Another big safety tip is to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home, and test it once a month.

There are other tips on a safety sheet from FEMA, which you can view by clicking here.

Happy Holidays!

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Christmas Tree Fire Risks

December 14, 2023 WaMedia

Christmas tree fires aren’t just a cautionary tale, they’re real and very dangerous. US Fire response teams put out around 200 Christmas tree fires per year, and while the odds may seem low that you’d be one of those 200, the severity of a Christmas tree fire makes the risk far more dangerous, despite them being largely avoidable if the proper safety measures are taken.

Approximately 1 out of every 50 house fires that begins with a Christmas tree result in at least one death.
25% of Christmas tree fires start due to electrical issues or heat sources near/on the tree, such as lights, fireplaces, heaters, candles, and more.
About 50% of all holiday decoration fires occur due to proximity to a heat source.

Following these simple safety tips can help prevent a catastrophe during your holiday season:

Check light strings before hanging them. Cords can degrade over time, whether naturally or from outside forces like rodents or weather.
Dispose of Christmas lights with damaged cords.
Do not exceed the maximum number of light strings attached to each other. This number should be in the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your lights.
Unplug or turn off your Christmas lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.
Do not place your Christmas tree near a heat source, such as a fireplace or heater.
Do not hang burning candles on your Christmas tree. Use LED candles instead.
Place a temporary smoke detector near your Christmas tree.

Real Tree vs Synthetic Tree

Real Christmas trees are significantly more likely to catch fire than synthetic trees. While this does not mean synthetic trees are 100% safe from this risk, it does mean that extra caution and steps should be taken when using a real tree. A real tree is nearly 3 times more likely to catch fire than a synthetic one.

Make or ask for a fresh cut on your real Christmas tree stump before putting it up.
Water your tree daily, as long as it continues to take in water.
Look for a tree that isn’t already shedding needles, and ideally has sap on the trunk.
Clean up fallen needles daily, and if possible gently brush your tree to get the dried needles off.

We obviously want everyone to have a fun and safe Christmas, and a tree fire is a real danger that can be easily avoided. Take these steps to ensure your safety, and have a wonderful holiday season!

Recent News

Fire Hazards for Portable Electric Heaters

December 12, 2023 WaMedia

Here are some safety tips for using electric heaters this winter:

Never operate a heater you suspect is damaged. Before use, inspect the heater, cord, and plug for damage. Follow all operation and maintenance instructions. Visit www.cpsc.gov or www.SaferProducts.gov to see if your electric heater has been recalled.
Never leave the heater operating while unattended, or while you are sleeping.
Keep combustible material such as beds, sofas, curtains, papers, and clothes at least 3 feet (0.9 m) from the front, sides, and rear of the heater.
Be sure the heater plug fits tightly into the wall outlet. If not, do not use the outlet to power the heater.
During use, check frequently to determine if the heater plug or cord, wall outlet, or faceplate is HOT! If the plug, outlet, or faceplate is hot, discontinue use of the heater, and have a qualified electrician check and/or replace the plug or faulty wall outlet(s). If the cord is hot, disconnect the heater, and have it inspected/repaired by an authorized repair person.
Never power the heater with an extension cord or power strip.
Insure that the heater is placed on a stable, level surface, and located where it will not be knocked over.
When purchasing a heater, ask the salesperson whether the heater has been safety-certified. A certified heater will have a safety certification mark.
Never run the heater’s cord under rugs or carpeting. This can damage the cord, causing it and nearby objects to burn.
To prevent electrical shocks and electrocutions, always keep electric heaters away from water, and NEVER touch an electric heater if you are wet.
SPREAD THE NEWS! Inform family, friends, and coworkers of the ways to use an electric heater more safely.

MONTH	FIRE/EMS CALLS
JANUARY	329
FEBRUARY	298
MARCH	361
APRIL	316