All posts by WaMedia

Heading to the River for Spring Break? Follow These Safety Tips!

March 26, 2024 WaMedia

People often like to go hang out by the river during Spring break, and sometimes that includes activities in or floating on the water. While this can be fun, it can also be incredibly dangerous, regardless of how safe you are. Following these safety tips can help reduce your risk of injury, and choosing a safe area for your activities can have a major impact on the danger.

Wear a Floatation Device

Even if you’re a strong swimmer, you should always wear a floatation device while in the river. River currents can quickly sweep people off their feet, and if the river has any nearby deep spots, you can suddenly be pulled underwater or carried downstream. A floatation device helps keep your head above the water and can prevent you from drowning.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Individuals under the effects of alcohol and drugs can have their awareness and decision-making abilities affected, causing a higher chance of injuries. If someone has been drinking or using drugs, they may decide to move further into the water than is safe, or unknowingly enter a hazardous situation.

Watch Children Closely and Keep Them Nearby

Children can very easily be swept away by a river, and scarily many people don’t even notice right away when it happens. The best ways to ensure the safety of your children are to keep them close and out of the water, especially deep water. Never let them out of your sight, and make sure they are always wearing floatation devices. It is also a good idea to give everyone, including kids, devices like whistles to blow if they end up in danger, as the sound of the whistle is louder and more recognizable over the sound of the river.

Stay safe this Spring break, and have fun!

Recent News

We Are Hiring!

March 21, 2024 WaMedia

SE Thurston Fire Authority and East Olympia Fire District #6 are hiring 2-3 positions between Entry-Level and Lateral Firefighters in 2024. If you are interested in testing and applying for one of these positions, please visit our careers page HERE or find the testing and application details at www.publicsafetyteseting.com

Thank you for your interest in serving your community!

Recent News

Getting Ready to Install an Air Conditioner? Read These Safety Tips!

March 19, 2024 WaMedia

Spring is here! Today marks the turning of the seasons, and with it we’re seeing changes in weather and temperature. As such, many people may be looking for ways to help cool their homes and buildings, and a common solution is with portable or window mounted air conditioners. These can help control the temperature of your home quite well, though some units pose often unseen dangers if not installed or utilized correctly. Here are 5 Safety Tips when it comes to installing and using a portable or window mounted air conditioning unit:

Avoid Using Extension Cords

Air conditioners can pull a lot of power, and extension cords are a common point of failure in these high-power circuits. Extension cords that are not meant for heavy duty draw can heat up unexpectedly, sometimes melting the insulation and exposing the wires inside, and in extreme cases catching the surrounding area on fire. Heavier duty cords can be safer, but it is still wise to avoid using extension cords all together when powering your air conditioner. Plug the unit directly into the wall, if at all possible, to best avoid unnecessary fire risk.

Be Cautious of Placement

Be cautious when deciding where to place your air conditioning unit. Portable air conditioners, such as ones that can roll around or be set on various surfaces, can pose tripping hazards if their cords are stretched along walkways. In business settings especially, this can be dangerous, not only due to the increased risk of a person falling and getting injured, but also because tripping over a cord can damage the outlet it is plugged into, which may create a fire risk. In addition, many of these portable units require a ventilation tube to be run to a window, and not doing so not only negates the effectiveness of the air conditioner, but can also cause pollutants and hot air to be expelled out of the unit. The exhaust from these units can cause issues for those with allergies or breathing difficulties, so making sure the exhaust tube is setup properly is essential.

Secure Window Mounted Units

If you’re using a window mounted air conditioner, take steps to ensure it doesn’t fall from the window it’s mounted in. Even on first story windows a falling air conditioner can be dangerous, but an air conditioner falling from higher levels can be lethal. Many apartments have rules against using window mounted air conditioners on non-ground floors because of this. Regardless of the height your air conditioner is mounted at, it is best to secure it with either a simple bracket or supporting shelf outside the window, and never open the window that the air conditioner is in unless you intend to remove it.

Beware of Increased Burglary Risk

Both window mounted and portable air conditioners can increase the risk of burglary in your home, as you have a fairly-permanent entrance into your home while they are installed. Portable units often let you keep the screen of your window in place, though usually still require the window to be open. In these cases, it is best to remove the vent tube from your window and close it when you are leaving your home, and install it again when you return. If this isn’t an option, try to vent your air conditioner out of a hard-to-reach window, ideally one that is elevated or has vegetation outsite of it.

In the case of window mounted units, the security risk is higher, as they almost always require the screen to be removed and the window permanently open. In these cases, it is best to try and secure the window so that it can’t be opened further from the outside. One good way to do this is to measure the gap from the top or side of the sliding part of the window (depending on if it’s a vertically or horizontally opening window) to the inside of the window frame on the opposite side while the air conditioner is in place. Then, cut a piece of wood (such as a 2×4) to this length and prop it in between the sliding portion of the window and the frame while installing the air conditioner. This prevents the window from being opened further while the bar is in place, and also reduces the risk of the window sliding open passively and dropping the air conditioner. You can also purchase security bars for this purpose online, just search for “window air conditioner security bar”.

Avoid Running the Air Conditioner Unsupervised

While air conditioners pose less fire risk than heating units, they still have the chance to cause electrical hazards if pulling too much power or if the electrical circuit is compromised. Leaving your air conditioner running when leaving the home risks a fire starting while you’re away, so if at all possible, turn off all air conditioners prior to leaving the house. In addition, running high-power consuming air conditioners while sleeping (especially multiple off of the same power circuit) can cause a fire that you may not notice, which can because dangerous very quickly. Check that your smoke detectors are working and placed properly in case a fire does start.

Recent News

Spring Cleaning for Fire Safety

March 12, 2024 WaMedia

We officially leave winter behind and enter spring next Tuesday, the 19th! With this change in season also often comes changes in weather and activities, and as such there are a few things you should check before diving into your spring endeavors! Add these simple tasks to your spring cleaning list and enjoy the new season!

Inside the Home:

Test your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Check the electrical cords of appliances you may be removing from storage.
Check for water/leaks before using electrical appliances.
Clean debris from your clothes dryer’s exhaust duct and lint trap.

Outside the Home:

Remove dead leaves and other debris from foundations, decks, porches, and stairs.
Check grills for rust, worn out parts, insects, grease, and other debris before use.
Ensure your grill is places at least 10 feet away from any part of your house prior to use.

Recent News

Planning for an Emergency? Keep Your Kids in Mind!

February 20, 2024 WaMedia

When we plan for emergencies or build emergency kits, it’s easy to overlook certain key components that are important for kids and young adults. Younger individuals may have needs that adults don’t share, and as such it is important to remember to pack, grab, or plan for them. Always go over your family’s emergency plan with your children, and detail their specific tasks and the steps needed to complete them, such as grabbing their emergency bag, using a specific door, or potentially showing them how to use a fire escape.

Depending on the age of the children, also remember to pack the following items in your emergency kit:

Child-safe medicine, such as pain and cold medicine.
Prescribed medication for the children.
Food that is appropriate for the child(s) age(s).
Extra clothing and blankets for the child.
Toiletries for the children.
One or two comforting items, such as a stuffed animal or toy.

Recent News

Natural Gas Safety Tips

February 8, 2024 WaMedia

Despite most homes now being built or refit with electric heating systems and appliances, many still utilize natural gas or other gas-fueled systems. Knowing how to safely operate a gas furnace, stove, or other appliance is crucial, as gas can become a problem both quickly and quietly.

1. Know The Dangers

Gas-powered heating and appliances pose a few additional risks than their electric counterparts. First, gas leaks can become a health risk through breathing and other forms of exposure, and are also a major fire hazard. If a furnace or stove has a loose connection or faulty valve, you may end up venting gas into your home without realizing it. Always make sure to turn off the gas to appliances when they’re not in use.

2. Protect Yourself With a CO Detector

Carbon Monoxide is a dangerous byproduct of combustion systems, particularly ones using gas as their fuel. Some Carbon Monoxide detectors can also detect other gasses or hazards, so it’s always a good idea to have them around your house. Make sure to have one near any potential source of gas, such as in your kitchen or near your furnace, and at least one on every floor, then test them regularly.

3. Know Where and How to Turn Off Your Gas

It is very important to know both where and how to turn off the gas to your house. In the event of a leak, turning the gas off at the source can help prevent fires and health risks, though you should always remain outside of your home after a leak is detected until all of the gas has vented outside of the structure. If you have a gas leak, no matter how small you may think it is, immediately go outside and call 911. Do not re-enter the structure until you are told it is safe to do so.

Gas is a silent killer, and can quickly get to dangerous or even lethal levels before you even notice an odd smell. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or are feeling drowsy with gas appliances in your home, ensure they are all shut off and leave the house for some fresh air.

Recent News

How Many Fire Extinguishers Do You Need in Your Home or Building?

February 1, 2024 WaMedia

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.

Recent News

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.

Recent News

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.

Recent News

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.

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