Tag Archives: fire safety

Planning to Fire up your Grill? Follow These Safety Tips!

April 4, 2024 WaMedia

With the wonderful Spring weather we’ve been having (in between the rain, that is!) many people are starting to fire up their grills for the first time this year. Barbecues and outdoor parties are fun ways to interact with friends and family while soaking in the sun and fresh air. There are, however, some safety risks when operating a grill that sometimes are ignored and can cause serious injury or increase the risk of property fires. These grill safety tips can help you reduce the risk of fire and injury so your parties can stay fun and safe!

Turn the Gas Off After Cooking

If your grill is gas powered, make sure to only turn the gas on while cooking and that you turn it off immediately after you’re done. Even grills with adjustment knobs on them can (and often do) slowly leak gas, which not only causes you to spend more money replacing the gas tank more frequently, but also increases the risk of fire and injury. Leaking gas can flare up with the slightest spark, so always make sure to shut the gas off at the tank and keep it away from sources of fire.

Stay a Safe Distance Away from Structures

When grilling, always make sure you do it outside and a safe distance away from any structures. Houses, sheds, porches, etc can quickly catch fire if the grill has an issue, and simply staying 10 or more feet away from these structures significantly reduces the risk of a fire. Even if you store your grill right up on your porch or near the house, pull it out when using it for the best safety.

Clean Your Grill Regularly

This may not seem like a safety tip, but a dirty grill can definitely contribute to a higher risk of fire. Extremely dirty grills can have residue and material that, once exposed to enough flame, can catch on fire and be difficult to put out. Dirty grills can also cause clogs and flow issues for the fuel or gas, which can lead to other issues, and in the case of gas can lead to a buildup that can rapidly ignite once released.

Keep Children and Pets Away From the Grill While in Use

Grills, obviously, get very hot while operating. Children and pets can unknowingly come into contact with the hot grill, causing severe burns. In addition, children and pets can sometimes knock or pull a grill over, which can cause serious injuries to them and anyone else nearby, as well as potentially starting a fire. For their safety and yours, keep children and pets away from the grill as much as possible.

Don’t Be Afraid to Shut it Down

If your grill starts to flare up uncontrollably, you have to step away for a bit, or you notice a safety issue, don’t be afraid to shut the grill down for a bit. Trying to salvage the food when the cooktop is on fire only increases the risk of injury and structure fires, so if things get out of hand, shut off the gas at the tank, put out the charcoal, or unplug the grill if it’s not gas or charcoal powered. You can always cook more food, you can’t un-burn someone’s arm or home.

Grilling is a great way to get a new style of food during the warmer seasons, and we love it, too! Just stay safe while cooking out there, trust us, grill fires aren’t fun.

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Spring Cleaning! Should you Replace your Fire Extinguisher?

April 2, 2024 WaMedia

Engineer inspection Fire extinguisher and fire hose.

Fire extinguishers are essential pieces of safety equipment, and having one (or more!) around can greatly reduce your risk of a house fire. However, fire extinguishers can expire, and many people forget to check their extinguishers regularly to make sure they’re still functional and not expired. It’s a good idea to stay up on this, and there’s no easier time to check than while doing your Spring cleaning!

If you find your fire extinguisher is expired and does need replaced, we suggest getting a new one as soon as possible. You should also make sure the type of fire extinguisher you have is proper for the potential types of fire you may experience, as different types of fire extinguishers work best on different types of fires. You can follow this hand guide to see what type you should get!

Did you know:

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

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

Often found in homes and businesses

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

Often found in homes and businesses

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

Often found in homes and businesses

For use with flammable metals.

Often found in factories

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

Recent News

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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Decorate Safely This Halloween

October 27, 2023 WaMedia

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

October 16, 2023 WaMedia

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!

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Stay Safe When Heating Your Home

September 28, 2023 WaMedia

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.

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