S.E. Thurston Fire Authority -
Serving the cities of Yelm, Rainier, and surrounding unincorporated areas. (360) 458-2799
Serving the cities of Yelm, Rainier, and surrounding unincorporated areas.
(360) 458-2799

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Recent News

Stay Safe on Icy Roads

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.

Recent News

Decorate Safely This Halloween

Halloween is this upcoming Tuesday, and as such many people will be decorating, hosting parties, and setting up Jack-o-Lanterns. While being festive can be a lot of fun, it can also be dangerous when precautions aren’t taken. Decorations and costumes can present fire hazards, though there are some easy steps you can take to minimize this risk!

Use Battery Operated Lights in Jack-o-Lanterns

Putting an open flame inside of a carved pumpkin can present a significant fire hazard. While the pumpkin itself could begin to burn, an even larger risk comes from decorations or costumes accidentally falling onto the jack-o-lantern. When lighting up your jack-o-lanterns, try to use battery operated lights such as LED tea lights or glow sticks. If you do use an open flame, make sure the pumpkins aren’t placed inside, near structures, or in walkways to minimize accidents.

Avoid Long Trailing Fabric

When putting together your costumes, avoid long trailing fabric as it can drift into candles or jack-o-lanterns and catch fire.

Keep All Decorations Away from Flame and Heat Sources

Dried vegetation, crepe paper, and more are common Halloween decorations, however they can very easily catch fire when they come in contact with open flame or heat sources. In addition to keeping your jack-o-lanterns in a safe place, avoid placing flammable decorations near candles, lights, heaters, and other potential heat sources.

Teach Children to Stay Away From Jack-o-Lanterns

Whether out trick-or-treating or at a party, teach your children to stay safe and keep their distance from jack-o-lanterns and other open flames. It’s better to keep at a safe distance than risk a costume catching on fire.

Keep Exits Clear of Decorations

When decorating your home, keep all exits clear of decorations. In case of an emergency, blocked exits can restrict escape routes and cause unwanted harm.

Make Sure All Smoke Alarms Are Working

Finally, ensure all of your home’s smoke alarms are working in case a fire does start. If you happen to be in another room when something catches fire, the smoke alarms can alert you before the fire spreads or significant harm is done.

Have Fun!

Safety and fun aren’t mutually exclusive. Whether you’re out trick-or-treating, hosting a party, or just decorating for your family, remember to have fun, stay safe, and enjoy your Halloween!

Recent News

Halloween Fire Safety Tips

As we near Halloween, many people are excitedly putting up decorations, making jack-o-lanterns, and getting into the Halloween spirit! As fun as this can be, some decorations can be fire hazards. Knowing how to safely get into the spirit could help avoid fires and other issues this Halloween. This tip sheet from the NFPA has some great advice on how to stay safe during the spooky season!

Recent News

Burn Ban Lifted

The burn ban affecting Thurston county has been lifted as of 10/1/23. While there has been significantly less rainfall than average, the increase in moisture has lowered the risk of fire enough to warrant the lifting of the ban. The risk is not gone, however, and the Washington Department of National Resources still holds the fire risk at “moderate”, and as such some state-protected lands and land clearing burns are still restricted. Please read this article from ORCAA for more information:

ORCAA Burn Ban Update – Oct. 2, 2023

Recent News

Stay Safe When Heating Your Home

Now that we’re fully within the season of fall, temperatures are starting to drop. While we may not be to freezing cold and sweater weather yet, it is just around the corner, and due to this many people will be firing up their heating systems or lighting up old fireplaces again. There are numerous fire safety concerns when it comes to heating devices and furnace systems, and the number one way to prevent fires is to be aware of the risks and know ways to stay safe. This quick read from the National Fire Protection Association has some great tips for staying safe and warm during these chilly months.

Recent News

Over 36 Acres Burned by Brushfires

In the face of extremely dry conditions, we bring your attention to a pressing concern: over the last few days, more than 36 acres have been burned by brushfires. The relentless heat and dryness have heightened the risk, making it imperative for each of us to be proactive in preventing fire incidents. Your commitment to fire safety matters immensely—exercise caution, remain vigilant, and join us in safeguarding our community.

Recent News

5 Ways to Stay Cool During Extreme Heat

Heat stroke symptoms and prevention infographic

As summer temperatures continue to rise, staying cool can become challenging. For many, heat is difficult to avoid. 

When heat becomes dangerous, here are some steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe. 

1) Find alternate places to cool down

If you are unable to keep your home cool, it’s important to find alternate places to cool down. Public places such as libraries, museums and shopping malls can offer relief. You can also contact your local office of emergency management or try entering your zip code at www.211.org to find a community cooling center near you.

If you are unable to get someplace cool, use cool cloths or even a T-shirt from the freezer to wear around your neck during extreme heat advisories or warnings.

2) Use low-cost methods to keep your house cooler

Windows alone can cause roughly 40% of unwanted heat buildup in our homes. There are some simple ways you can cool down your house. You can:

  • Add curtains to your windows.
  • Limit-heat producing appliances during the day. 
  • Cross-ventilate rooms by opening windows at night when temperatures drop.
  • Check the weather stripping on doors and windows to keep the cool air in.
  • Install ceiling fans to help circulate air. However, do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.

3) Cool off in water

When it’s hot out, you may want to find relief in a pool, lake, stream, ocean or even a cool bath. However, water present its own safety hazards, especially for children. Make sure you talk to children about water safety. You can visit redcross.org  for some video resources that help you explain water safety to different age groups. 

You should also designate a specific person to keep an eye on the water and supervise people during water activity. If you use a kiddie or inflatable pool, after each use make sure to drain the water and flip the pool over.

4) Check in with your neighbors, friends and family

Extreme heat can cause serious health problems, especially for those unable to access air conditioning, those who are unable to adjust their daily activities despite the heat, and older adults who are more suspectable to heat illnesses. 

If you are alone and in high heat, let someone know and set regular check in times.

If you are a caregiver to an older adult, make sure you have a plan for keeping the individual cool and comfortable during a heatwave or summer power outage.

Even if you are not responsible for your neighbors, family and friends, it’s a good idea to check in on them when you can. Not everyone has the same access to resources and information as you do. Your check-in can save a life.

5) Know the signs of heat-related illness

To stay safe, it’s important to know the signs of heat-related illnesses and how to respond if you suspect you or someone else is suffering.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

  • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally.
  • Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat.
  • Rapid, strong pulse.
  • Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness.

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Symptoms of heat cramps include:

  • Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: 

  • Heavy sweating.
  • Paleness.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Tiredness. 
  • Weakness.
  • Fast or weak pulse.
  • Nausea or vomiting.

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

To prevent dehydration, heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses, make sure you drink lots of water.

blog

Fire Extinguisher Guide and Why You Need One

It’s important to understand that with proper training and education, fire extinguishers can save lives and property. Many adults might not know how or when to use fire extinguishers. Fire departments can help with fire extinguisher training and answer questions that community members may have.

Fire extinguishers contain different extinguishing agents such as water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical or wet chemical, depending on the kind of fire the extinguisher is intended for.

Did you know:

There are 5 primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires.

Fire Extinguisher Type A

For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper.

Often found in homes and businesses

 

Fire Extinguisher Type B

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

 

Fire Extinguisher Type C

For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints.

Often found in homes and businesses

 

Fire Extinguisher Type D

For use with flammable metals.

Often found in factories

 

Fire Extinguisher Type K

For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances.

Often found in commercial kitchens (restaurants, cafeterias, catering businesses)

 

 

There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that might be labeled “B-C” or “A-B-C” that can be used on most types of home fires. Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose fire extinguishers that cover Class A through Class C.

 

Messages to share

  • Always look for the “UL Listed” or “ULC Listed” label on a fire extinguisher to ensure it is certified for use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
  • Fire extinguishers vary in size and weight, but it is recommended to select the largest fire extinguisher that a user can safely and comfortably operate.
  • How to read the classification label: The number before the “A” represents a multiple of 1.25 gallons of water whereas the number before the “B” represents a multiple of the area or size in square feet of fire to be extinguished. For example, a fire extinguisher classification of 1A:10B:C indicates that it provides the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of water applied on a Class A fire. The number 10 indicates it can extinguish Class B fires up to 10 square feet in size, and the C indicates that it can be used for Class C fires.

Encourage people to contact their fire department if they would like fire extinguisher training or have any questions. Help spread the word by sharing the following information and tips for using and maintaining fire extinguishers.

 

Help people decide when to use a fire extinguisher

Consider providing a checklist to help people prepare to use a fire extinguisher. For example:

  • Have I alerted others in the building that there is a fire?
  • Has someone called the fire department?
  • Am I physically able to use a fire extinguisher?
    Young children and older adults should not use fire extinguishers.
  • Is the fire small and contained in a single object or to a surface (like a pan or a wastebasket)?
  • Am I safe from the fire’s toxic smoke?
  • Do I have a clear escape route?

Use a fire extinguisher when all of these questions are answered “yes.” If you’re unsure about whether it is safe to use a fire extinguisher, and for all other situations, alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone.

 

Teach people how to use a fire extinguisher

When operating a fire extinguisher, tell residents to remember the word PASS:

  • Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.
  • Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
  • Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

how to use a fire extinguisher PASS

 

Educate on the importance of fire extinguisher maintenance

Remind community residents to check fire extinguishers for:

Easy access in an emergency
Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it.
The recommended pressure level
Many extinguishers have gauges that show when pressure is too high or too low.
Working parts
Make sure the can, hoses and nozzles are not damaged, dented or rusted.
Cleanliness
Remove any dust, oil or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.
Guidelines and instructions
Some extinguishers need to be shaken monthly; others need to be pressure tested every few years. You can recharge some fire extinguishers while others will need to be replaced if the pressure is too low.

 

Original Post from FEMA and Additional Information (Click Here)

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