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

Tag Archives: Safety

Recent News

Natural Gas Safety Tips

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

Perform a Care Safety Check NOW to Stay Safe LATER

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.

Recent News

New Year, New Safety Plans

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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Heat Safety for Excessive Temperature

Seattle has been issued an Excessive Heat Warning from the National Weather Service. Temperatures are predicted to be above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Starting on July 26th, temperatures will begin in the low to mid-90s and increase throughout the week. Here are some tips to avoid illness caused by extreme weather. 

Protecting Your Skin From the Sun

Clothes

When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and skirts. This can provide UV protection; darker clothes made from tightly woven fabric can offer more protection. Wet material can provide less protection along with light-colored fabrics. Some clothes also offer UV protection and are certified under international standards. 

Shade 

Staying in the shade can prevent sun damage and skin cancer. Shade can be provided by an umbrella, tree, or cover. However, protective clothing and sunscreen are the best protection even when in the shade. 

Hats

A hat with a brim covering your face, ears, and the back of your neck will provide the most protection for you—tightly woven fabrics such as canvas work the best to protect against UV rays. Avoid woven hats with holes that allow for sunlight to shine through. If you wear a baseball cap wearing clothing and sunscreen will help protect the areas that the hat does not cover. 

Sunscreen

SPF or sun protection factor is a number assigned to sunscreens rating how effective they are in blocking UV rays. The general recommendation for sunscreen is to use a broad spectrum with an SPF of 15 or higher. A broad spectrum sunscreen will block both UVA and UVB rays. For maximum protection, a thick layer of sunscreen needs to be applied to all exposed skin, including hard-to-reach areas. Make sure to check if the sunscreen has expired. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of three years, which can be shorter if the product is exposed to high temperatures.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are six months or younger. Instead, they should not be in the sun during midday and wear protective clothing when they are in the sun. 

Reapplication of sunscreen should happen every two hours when you are outside and after swimming, sweating, and toweling off. 

Learn more about sun exposure at Skin Cancer, CDC.

Heat Safety

Here is a list of things you can do to prevent heat-related illness. 

  • Stay hydrated and drink water before you feel thirsty.
  • Use air conditioners or shut blinds to keep your house cooler. 
  • Avoid outdoor activities during the hotter periods of the day. This is usually around 11 AM to 6 PM.
  • Never leave children and pets inside a vehicle as temperatures can rise quickly during hot weather. 
Recent News

Time to Check Your Batteries!

Every fall, like clock-work, the time change rushes upon us, bringing with it a reminder to change and test the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s almost daylight saving time. The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71% of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries. Please take the time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 

Daylight saving is nearly here. When you set your clock back on November 5th, remember to check the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. And be sure to remind your friends and family to check their alarms, as well!

Recent News

Fire Prevention Tips

Follow these tips for preventing fires around your property!

  • Clear any buildup of pine needles, leaves, and other flammable materials from your roof, gutters, porch, and under your deck.
  • Trim larger trees’ limbs to heights of at least 10 feet. Make sure there is about 5 feet between branches of other large trees.
  • Weed-whack or mow long grass around your home. Ideally, you want to have at least 30 feet of short, watered lawn around your home.
  • Move wood piles more than 30 feet from your home.
  • Remove propane tanks from within 30 feet of your home. In a wildfire, they can vent and shoot flame vertically.
  • Install visible house numbers on your home, driveway, and street.
  • Repair shingles, tiles, and other roofing material.
  • Use metal mesh (1/8-inch mesh is good) to prevent embers from landing in vents and eaves and under decks.
  • Know your family’s emergency plan if a wildfire comes quickly.
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