Tag Archives: se thurston fire

Electric Heater Safety Tips

January 5, 2024 WaMedia

Not every home is equipped with a sufficient heating system, and as we drift into colder weather, maintaining a safe and comfortable temperature at home has become a high priority for many. One of the most common secondary heating methods for houses and apartments are electric space heaters, and while they are generally a safe and effective way of controlling your home’s temperature, there are still some safety measures that need to be taken to ensure no problems arise.

Do Not Use Extension Cords, Plug Heaters Directly Into an Outlet

Extension cords may be tempting when it comes to moveable heaters, as they allow you more freedom in where they can be placed, however extension cords also increase the risk of a fire or electrical short with these devices. Electric heaters use a large and steady amount of electricity, and most extension cords can’t handle that pull. As high amounts of electricity move through the extension cord, it can generate heat, melt the insulation, and cause a short or fire. It is far safer to plug electric heaters directly into an outlet, which is generally much more suited for the higher electrical pull.

Position Them Carefully

The location of your electric heater is often what decides if it is safe or not. Even though there is no open flame, there is still a fire risk when flammable objects come into contact with the heater. In general, it’s best to keep a 3-foot safety zone around your heater, with no walls, items, and especially bedding within this zone.

Turn the Heater Down or Off When Leaving or Sleeping

In an ideal world, we’d all be able to shut our heaters off when we’re leaving the house or going to sleep. This would completely avoid the risk of a fire or short while we’re not around to take care of it. However, if you’re using an electric heater, you might not have another form of heat to keep your home comfortable during these times. As such, the second most safe thing to do is to turn the heaters down and pull them to a wide open space when you’re not around to watch them. This reduces the amount of energy they use and the heat they put out, which in turn reduces the risk of a fire. This does NOT completely remove the risk, though so other safety measures should still be taken.

Stay safe and warm this winter, and remember to check social media and the news for any urgent weather updates!

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

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

Uncategorized

Stopping for School Busses

September 7, 2023 WaMedia

Most students are returning back to school throughout this week. Yelm Community Schools and the Rainier School District students will have their first day tomorrow on Sept. 5. Please be patient and use extra caution driving in and around school zones and school buses, before and after school.

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Fire Extinguisher Guide and Why You Need One

July 21, 2023 WaMedia

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.

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.

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.

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)

Events, Recent News

Open House (and tacos) at Station 21 – July 15th 🌮

July 10, 2023 WaMedia

We’re excited to being having an Open House at Station 21 in Yelm!

It will run from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Join us at our headquarters Station 21 (709 Mill Rd SE., Yelm, WA). Bring the whole family, learn more about SE Thurston Fire Authority, kid’s activities, meet your local firefighters, and check out the fire engines. We hope to see you there!

Plus, we have an extra special treat for you! Grab some FREE tacos! They’re limited, so be early!

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