All posts by WaMedia

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.

Avoid Holiday Fires

December 4, 2023 WaMedia

Decorating for the winter holidays is fun, but can be dangerous when not done with caution. Lights, candles, and various other decorations can pose a serious fire risk when set up incorrectly. We shared this guide from FEMA last year, but the information it has is just as relevant this year as it was last! Make sure you stay safe and have fun this holiday season!

Click below to download the PDF:
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Freezing Fog Advisory

December 1, 2023 WaMedia

A freezing fog weather advisory was recently in effect in multiple places around Washington, such as Thurston and King counties. As it continues to get colder, conditions such as freezing fog may become more common, and it’s important to know what these conditions mean for road and general safety.

What is freezing fog?

Freezing fog is when tiny water droplets in fog are supercooled, causing them to freeze instantly on exposed surfaces if the surface temperature is at or below freezing. This presents a significant risk of ice on roads, sidewalks, etc., and can pose dangerous of falls or losing control of motor vehicles.

What should you do during freezing fog?

If at all possible, avoid travel, especially operating motorized vehicles. Rapidly developing ice can make driving quickly shift from safe to unsafe, so even if roads are in decent conditions when you begin driving they may become unsafe during your travel.

Recent News

The Danger of Downed Power Lines

November 27, 2023 WaMedia

With more rain and heavier winds in the Winter months, natural hazards such as tree fall become more common. When a natural hazard combines with an urban hazard, such as electricity, there can be disastrous results.

It is not uncommon for regions to lose power for short or long periods of time due to things such as downed power lines, but these events pose more danger than just a lack of electricity. When a tree is knocked over or has limbs broken loose by high winds, they can sometimes impact and even knock down power lines, which can create a severe electrical hazard. These power lines could still be charged after being knocked down, and contact with them could be lethal.

First, downed power lines can pose a serious electrocution and fire hazard. High amounts of power can arc from the lines to people or objects nearby, causing serious harm.
Second, downed power lines can sometimes be concealed by vegetation, sometimes even the very tree limbs that knocked them down in the first place. Especially at night, this makes the power lines very hard to see.
Third, if there is rain to accompany the harsh wind, a wet surface can conduct electricity from a downed power line. While many factors would have to line up perfectly for this to occur, the dangers of standing in electrified water are too great to take a chance on.

What should you do if you see a downed power line?

Do NOT approach the area. If there is standing water nearby, it could be electrified, and contacting it could be harmful or lethal.
Call 911 immediately and report the hazard.
Stay at least 30 feet away from the line, and warn others to do the same.
If you are in your vehicle, stay inside to avoid electrical contact.
Do not drive or walk over the downed power line.

What should you do if a power line falls on your vehicle?

As unlikely as this scenario is, it could happen in the right circumstances.

Call 911 right away.
If possible, slowly drive out from under the wire, but do not continue if the line is caught on your vehicle.
Stay inside your vehicle unless there is an immediate threat. If you must leave your vehicle, do so very carefully, by jumping from your vehicle to the ground. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time, as you may ground the wire if it is live.
Warn others to stay at least 30 feet away from the vehicle.
If you see a vehicle with a power line on it, do not approach it, as you may end up in danger of electrocution. Advise the person inside to follow these steps.

What should you do if you see a fire as a result of a downed power line?

Call 911 immediately to report the fire.
Do not approach to investigate or attempt to put out the fire, as the power line could still be live.
Stay far away from the power line and the fire.

While there are numerous safety measures taken to ensure the safety of everyone when it comes to power lines, they still pose a serious threat if electrified. Even a wire that looks inactive could be charged, so always treat every case with caution.

Recent News

Flash Flood Safety

November 15, 2023 WaMedia

With more rainfall coming as we near the end of the year, flash flooding becomes more of a risk. Flooded roads can cause vehicles to lose control, and flooded walkways risk sweeping people off their feet. Even as little as a few inches of rushing or standing water can be dangerous, so follow these simple tips to help stay safe!

1. Get to High Ground

Water flows from high ground to low ground, so when areas start to flood, it’s best to get to higher ground in order to avoid sudden surges of water.

2. Do Not Drive Into Water

If a section of the road is flooded, don’t drive into it. Water reduces the traction of your tires, and deeper pools can cause your vehicle to suddenly stop or veer out of control.

3. Do Not Walk Into Water

If you can, always try to walk around flooded areas. A few inches of standing water can affect your traction, but even worse, a few inches of rushing water can knock someone off their feet.

4. Stay Informed

Frequently check your local weather reports, television, radio, or social media for emergency updates. If you know there is risk, stay home or avoid dangerous areas.

Recent News

Congratulating Karl Barkley

November 13, 2023 WaMedia

At this week’s Board of Fire Commissioner meeting, we proudly acknowledged Firefighter Karl Barkley for completing his one-year probation on November 1. We’re beyond thrilled to have him as a valuable member of our team.

In the past year, Karl also successfully completed the South Sound Recruit Academy, showcasing his dedication and strive for the job. We take immense pride in his relentless work ethic and we look forward to witnessing his continued success.

Recent News

Prepare Your Pets for Disasters

November 9, 2023 WaMedia

In the event of a disaster, being prepared and having an emergency plan for your family can be life-saving. However, many people forget to include their pets in their emergency plans, and if disaster strikes, are left scrambling trying to get their pets and supplies out. This can put the lives of both the pets and their owners at risk. Building a quick emergency plan for your pets can help get everyone out safely, so here is a guide from FEMA about emergency preparedness and your pets!

These are the points covered in the article:

1. Make a plan.

2. Build an emergency kit.

3. Stay informed.

Click Here for the Pet Preparedness PDF

Recent News

Edgar Salazar Graduates F.T.A.

November 7, 2023 WaMedia

Join us in congratulating our very own Edgar Salazar, who graduated on Friday from the Washington State Fire Training Academy. He will now return to A-Shift to complete the remainder of his probation on shift, marking the beginning of a long and promising career. We take immense pride in the hard work and accomplishments he has achieved and eagerly anticipate what the future holds for him.

Recent News

Heating Fire Safety Tips

November 3, 2023 WaMedia

While it’s important to stay warm during the winter, it’s also important to avoid fires and stay safe. While most heating methods can be used safely, there are some essential tips for keeping fire risk down. This safety sheet from FEMA has some excellent advice for keeping your space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating devices safe!

FEMA Heater Safety Sheet PDF

Recent News

Stay Safe on Icy Roads

November 1, 2023 WaMedia

We’ve had several nights in the last couple of weeks that reached freezing temperatures, and thus ice on the roads is becoming a risk. When ice forms on roads, they get significantly more slippery and increase the risk of accidents. Staying safe is a top priority, and these tips can help you avoid injury while on the roads.

Drive at a Safe Speed

While sticking to the speed limit is always recommended, refraining from excessive speeds is especially important when ice is present. Even posted speed limits can be too fast when roads are slick, especially on curves or slopes. When driving, don’t drive your vehicle faster than you can control, and when curves and other vehicles are present it’s best to slow down.

Avoid Sudden Stops and Turns

As much as possible, give yourself plenty of time to slow down for stops and turns. Suddenly braking or turning your vehicle significantly increases your chances of losing control.

Check Your Tires

Tires need replaced over time, as they slowly wear down and lose their tread when driven on. Tires with low or compromised tread have reduced control and stopping power, and when ice is present this effect is amplified. Check your tires and ensure they have a safe amount of tread, and if not, replace them with tires suitable for driving in winter conditions.

Keep an Emergency Pack in Your Vehicle

While the hope is that you’ll never end up stranded in freezing weather, being prepared for such an event can significantly help you get out of that situation. Important items to have in your vehicle include a spare tire, a tire jack, jumper cables, and an automotive repair kit. In addition to the usual maintenance pack, put a bag of emergency supplies together in case you end up stranded for a long period of time. Things such as cold weather clothing, a blanket, non-perishable food, water, a phone charging bank, and handheld heat packs can keep you comfortable for longer times.

Refrain From Driving in Dangerous Conditions

While sometimes you can’t avoid driving in hazardous conditions, it’s best to stay where you are when roads are dangerous. After all, you can’t get into a car accident when you stay home. Even if you’re cautious and sure you won’t lose control of your vehicle, the presence of other drivers still poses a risk of accidents.

As the days and nights continue to get colder, staying safe should be everyone’s top priority. In the case of an automotive emergency, try to get out of the flow of traffic and call 911.

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