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: se thurston

Recent News

Remember to CALL Before You DIG! – 811

Now that Spring is in full swing (and Summer is visible on the distant horizon), many people may be planning or starting some pretty big projects outside, such as landscaping, construction, and more. While these projects can be exciting, there is one major step that you shouldn’t overlook: Calling Before You Dig!

The Washington State Dig Law requires individuals that are planning to dig for projects to call 811 or visit the Dig Safe WA website to get a free utility survey done to ensure you don’t hit any utility lines, such as internet, sewer, water, etc. while digging. Even for small projects, you should always call before you dig. Hitting a utility line can have moderate to severe risks depending on the utility, ranging from taking out internet for a few houses to hitting a gas line and causing a major safety hazard.

This rule especially applies to excavators and large projects, such as construction that requires digging, though everyone should make use of this free resource. Homeowners simply planting flowers or doing other jobs requiring less than 12 inches of digging are not required to call or submit a ticket, though any project larger than that must call by law. Given that the service is free and the utility companies conduct the survey themselves, there is no downside to calling or submitting a ticket online to ensure your safety!

A ticket must be submit either over the phone or online between 2 and 10 days before the expected digging date, weekends and holidays excluded. Submitting a ticket is quick and easy!

You can learn more about the Washington State Dig Law by clicking HERE!

Or click HERE to visit the Dig Safe WA Website and learn more about the process or submit a ticket!

Recent News

Heading to the River for Spring Break? Follow These Safety Tips!

People often like to go hang out by the river during Spring break, and sometimes that includes activities in or floating on the water. While this can be fun, it can also be incredibly dangerous, regardless of how safe you are. Following these safety tips can help reduce your risk of injury, and choosing a safe area for your activities can have a major impact on the danger.

Wear a Floatation Device

Even if you’re a strong swimmer, you should always wear a floatation device while in the river. River currents can quickly sweep people off their feet, and if the river has any nearby deep spots, you can suddenly be pulled underwater or carried downstream. A floatation device helps keep your head above the water and can prevent you from drowning.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Individuals under the effects of alcohol and drugs can have their awareness and decision-making abilities affected, causing a higher chance of injuries. If someone has been drinking or using drugs, they may decide to move further into the water than is safe, or unknowingly enter a hazardous situation.

Watch Children Closely and Keep Them Nearby

Children can very easily be swept away by a river, and scarily many people don’t even notice right away when it happens. The best ways to ensure the safety of your children are to keep them close and out of the water, especially deep water. Never let them out of your sight, and make sure they are always wearing floatation devices. It is also a good idea to give everyone, including kids, devices like whistles to blow if they end up in danger, as the sound of the whistle is louder and more recognizable over the sound of the river.

Stay safe this Spring break, and have fun!

Recent News

We Are Hiring!

SE Thurston Fire Authority and East Olympia Fire District #6 are hiring 2-3 positions between Entry-Level and Lateral Firefighters in 2024. If you are interested in testing and applying for one of these positions, please visit our careers page HERE or find the testing and application details at www.publicsafetyteseting.com

Thank you for your interest in serving your community!

Recent News

Spring Cleaning for Fire Safety

We officially leave winter behind and enter spring next Tuesday, the 19th! With this change in season also often comes changes in weather and activities, and as such there are a few things you should check before diving into your spring endeavors! Add these simple tasks to your spring cleaning list and enjoy the new season!

Inside the Home:

  • Test your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Check the electrical cords of appliances you may be removing from storage.
  • Check for water/leaks before using electrical appliances.
  • Clean debris from your clothes dryer’s exhaust duct and lint trap.

Outside the Home:

  • Remove dead leaves and other debris from foundations, decks, porches, and stairs.
  • Check grills for rust, worn out parts, insects, grease, and other debris before use.
  • Ensure your grill is places at least 10 feet away from any part of your house prior to use.
Recent News

Planning for an Emergency? Keep Your Kids in Mind!

When we plan for emergencies or build emergency kits, it’s easy to overlook certain key components that are important for kids and young adults. Younger individuals may have needs that adults don’t share, and as such it is important to remember to pack, grab, or plan for them. Always go over your family’s emergency plan with your children, and detail their specific tasks and the steps needed to complete them, such as grabbing their emergency bag, using a specific door, or potentially showing them how to use a fire escape.

Depending on the age of the children, also remember to pack the following items in your emergency kit:

  • Child-safe medicine, such as pain and cold medicine.
  • Prescribed medication for the children.
  • Food that is appropriate for the child(s) age(s).
  • Extra clothing and blankets for the child.
  • Toiletries for the children.
  • One or two comforting items, such as a stuffed animal or toy.
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

How Many Fire Extinguishers Do You Need in Your Home or Building?

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.

Recent News

Carbon Monoxide, “The Invisible Killer”

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.

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

Electric Heater Safety Tips

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!

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