Tis the season to be … SAFE! Deck the halls with boughs of Safety

Tis the season to be … SAFE! Deck the halls with boughs of Safety

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it may be tempting to take a few short cuts. The  Firefighters of the APFD asks that you make sure that safety isn’t one of them!   

Christmas trees require special attention. When selecting a tree, freshness is important. Check the needles to make sure they are green and difficult to pull back from the branches. If the tree has been freshly cut, the needles should not break. Tap the tree on the ground several times and notice if any needles fall off. If they do, the tree is probably dried out and could be a fire hazard.  Water your tree daily and do not place the tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace, radiator, space heater or heat vent. Make sure your tree is in a sturdy holder and can't be knocked over by pets or children.

Using extension cords? Overloaded extension cords and outlets can present a serious fire safety hazard. Make sure that the extension cord is suitable for the electrical “load” needed. Do not place cords under furniture or rugs and never plug two extension cords together to increase the total length. Demanding too much power from an extension cord risks overheating and fire. Be sure to read all packaging and instructions carefully when purchasing an extension cord and ensure it is UL listed.

Holiday lights. Indoors or out, only use lights that have been tested by an approved testing laboratory for safety such as UL. All lights should be inspected for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets or excessive wear before plugging them in and discard any damaged sets of lights. Avoid stringing more than three light strands together.

Firing up the fireplace?  Cool your ashes! Every year “cold” ashes result in house fires. Treat all ashes and coals as HOT ashes, even when you think they have had enough time to cool. Your garage, house or deck are unsafe locations for ashes to cool and have been the site of many recent and devastating fires both locally and nationally. Take extreme care when disposing ashes and follow these tips: 

-         Allow all ashes to cool in place for several days, when possible.

-       When it’s time to dispose of ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down. Only use an approved metal ash bucket that has a tight fitting metal lid.

-         Store the container outside, away from structures, decks, fences, wood piles or other combustible materials.

-        Never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes and don’t dispose of ashes outside on a windy day. The wind can whip up what may have seemed like cool embers, making them fiery hot, and igniting nearby combustibles.

Candle fires peak during the holiday season. Most holiday candle fires occur when people leave burning candles unattended or place candles too close to holiday decorations. Keep candles in sight, in a secure holder and on a safe surface away from children and pets. Consider using flameless, battery-operated candles making them much safer.

Give space heaters space and ensure at least a 3-foot clearance from anything that can burn. Do not overload the electrical circuit or use extension cords with space heaters. Always stay in the room while a space heater is operating and turn it off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Follow all manufacturer recommendations and make sure your space heater meets all safety standards.

Cooking is a top cause of holiday fires. Be alert, focused and stay in the kitchen when cooking. Keep things that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers and towels away from the cooking area. Make sure kids and pets stay at least three feet away from the stove and oven, hot food, and liquids to avoid serious burns.

Disposing of your tree – never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by having the City’s recycling service pick it up on the designated day(s).

Do you hear what I hear? Having working smoke alarms DOUBLE your chances of surviving a fire however smoke alarms do not last forever. If your alarms are 10 years old or older, they need to be replaced with new alarms.  Bottom line: don't wait for a fire to test your smoke alarm. 

Thanksgiving Wins FIRST Place - For Most Cooking Fires!

Thanksgiving Wins FIRST Place - For Most Cooking Fires!

 

More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Asbury Park Fire Inspector Tawheshia Gates is urging residents to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and to keep safety at the top of everyone’s “to do” list this holiday season. “Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a rookie cooking your first holiday feast, the strategies for serving up a safe meal are the same,” said Inspector Gates. “Unattended cooking is the leading cause of residential fires and we’re asking residents to follow these simple safety tips and to have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

 

Cooking Safety Tips:

• Be alert! Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop and use a timer. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a minute, turn off the stove.

  
• Keep anything that can catch fire at least 3 feet from the stove, toaster oven or other heat source. This includes pot holders, food packaging, dish towels, paper/plastic bags, etc.
• Do not pour water on a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire can cause the fire to spread. In the event of a range-top fire, turn off the burner, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding a lid or cookie sheet onto the pan. Leave the lid in place until the pot or pan has cooled.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
• Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking to prevent clothing from coming in contact with a burner and catching fire.
• Do not hold children while cooking or carrying hot foods or drinks. Keep children at a safe distance from hot surfaces, liquids and other kitchen hazards.
• Plug microwaves and other kitchen appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
• Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all other appliances are turned off and that any candles or smoking materials are safely extinguished.
• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, test alarms monthly and change batteries annually or as recommended by the manufacturer if your alarm features long-life batteries.

Turkey fryers are becoming an increasingly popular choice to cook the Thanksgiving turkey and can be extremely dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. If your plans include using a turkey fryer, fire department officials urge residents to follow all manufacturer directions closely and to review the following safety tips: 

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips:

• Never leave a fryer unattended.
• By design, turkey fryers are prone to tipping over. Fryers should always be used on a non-combustible, flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Fryers should always be used outdoors at least 10 feet from buildings and any flammable materials. Never use a fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, in a garage, porch or other enclosed space.
• Do not overfill the fryer. The oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is placed into the cooking pot. Oil may hit the burner/flames resulting in a potential fire hazard that could engulf the entire unit.
• Oil and water do not mix! Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it is placed in a fryer. Partially frozen turkeys can cause a spillover effect which may result in a fire.
• Some units do not have thermostat controls and, if not carefully watched, have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching the pot or lid handle. The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles get dangerously hot and can result in severe burns. If available, use safety goggles to protect your eyes from any oil splatter.
• Keep children and pets away from fryers. The oil can remain dangerously hot even hours after use.

Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates and reduce injuries dramatically.  For more information about our fire safety programs or to request a free home safety evaluation or smoke alarm check, call Fire Marshal Garrett M. Giberson at 732-502-0364 during business hours, or visit our website at CityofAsburyPark.com/APFD at any time.

What Time Is It?

What Time Is It?

Time to CHANGE your clocks & CHECK your smoke alarms this weekend 
   

Simple task can be a potentially life-saving one!

Daylight savings time ends November 4^th and the Asbury Park Fire Department is asking all residents to check their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working when they change their clocks this weekend.    

Home fires injure and kill thousands every year.  Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. We encourage everyone to test their smoke alarms, replace any alarms that are 10 years or older and conduct a home fire drill this weekend.

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when most families are sleeping. A working smoke alarm dramatically increases the chance for survival and provides advance warning of a fire resulting in more time to react and put a home escape plan into action.  

Help keep your family safe by following these fire safety tips:

1.      Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, and in all sleeping areas.

2.     Do you know if your smoke alarm is impacted by Maryland’s new law? Battery-only smoke alarms need to be replaced by 1/1/2018 with new smoke alarms that have sealed in, 10-year long life batteries.   

3.      Retire old smoke alarms and replace with new ones every 10 years. Like any electronic device, smoke alarms wear out over time and need to be replaced. The life expectancy of smoke alarms is 10 years. Smoke alarms work by sensing smoke particles and after 10 years, the smoke sensors lose their sensitivity. The test button only confirms that the battery, electronics and alerting system are working; not that the smoke sensor is working.

4.      Plan and practice home fire drills regularly. Decide in advance who will help family members that may need assistance escaping (young children, older adults or people with disabilities).        

6.      Make sure children recognize the sound of your smoke alarm and how to respond to its signal.

7.      Know your battery type. Sealed smoke alarms equipped with 10-year batteries are becoming more common and the batteries do not need to be replaced if they are sealed into the unit. Check your smoke alarms to see what type of battery it uses. While 10-year, long-life batteries do not need to be replaced annually, the entire smoke alarm unit does need to be replaced every ten years.Hard-wired smoke alarms, not affected by the new law, should have a battery backup and like all smoke alarm units need to be replaced every 10 years.

Got questions? The Asbury Park Fire Department conducts free home safety checks of smoke alarms for residents at no cost. Please call 732-774-7400 for information or visit our website for info as well as year-round safety information at CityofAsburyPark.com/APFD. 

FIRE PIT SAFETY

 

 

Home and business owners are increasingly adding fire pits to their outdoor spaces. Fire pits are gaining popularity as they can be used year round, in hot and cold weather, as a gathering space. If you

are considering adding a fire pit to your backyard or outdoor office space, there are several things that need to be considered including location, fuel type, and most importantly, safety.

 

Where should I place my Fire Pit?

Great question! Before deciding where to place your fire pit, you will need to determine whether you will be placing a permanent fire pit, or a portable fire pit. Once you have determined whether you will have a permanent or portable fire pit, you will need to decide where the best placement is. 

When deciding where to place your fire pit, the most important thing to consider is safety. Fire pits should be placed at a minimum of ten feet away from your house or building and also neighbors yards. In addition to placing the fire pit a safe distance away from your home or building, it should also be in a place where there are no overhanging branches, fences or other structures that could easily catch fire. It is important to check the requirements within your city or town as codes and laws regarding the use of fire pits can differ. Some communities do not allow open fires so check with city officials prior to making any plans to install a fire pit.

In addition to determining a location for your fire pit, you will need to figure out the best surface for it. Safe fire pit surfaces include brick, stone, gravel, concrete, or some type of fire resistant composite material. Fire pits should never be placed on wood decks as this is a serious fire hazard. 

What type of Fuel do I use?

Generally, gas and wood, are the most common types of fuel for outdoor fire pits. If you opt to use wood, be sure to stay aware and alert incase an emergency arises. Besides real wood, the other fuel option for fire pits is gas. The use of gas or propane means that the fire will start instantly, but you don’t get the traditional smoke and crackling noises of a wood fire. There are some fire pits that can be purchased that allow for switching between wood and gas. Gas and propane should only be used in devices that are built for them. Flammable fluids such as gas or lighter fluid should never be used to light wood fires.

Fire Pit Safety Tips

Fire pits can be great for gathering friends and family however the use of a fire pit requires serious attention to safety. Prior to using your fire pit, you should check with your insurance company as disclosure of your fire pit may be a requirement of your policy. Before lighting the fire, check the direction of the wind. You should also avoid wearing loose fitting clothing around the fire in addition to flammable clothing such as nylon, that could easily catch fire. Soft woods such as cedar and pine, have a tendency to throw sparks, and pop, so avoiding these woods can cut down on the risk of injury and the spread of fire. It is also important to have a working fire extinguisher and to know how to properly extinguish your fire as well as how to safely dispose of ashes.

 

Fire Pit Safety PSA



Preventing a Home Electrical Fire

 

Electrical failure or malfunctions account for almost 34,000 home fires, on average, per year and result in roughly 440 deaths and $1.3 billion in direct property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This is a particular threat to homes built before the 1950s when electrical wiring standards were less stringent than today. However, even newer homes are at risk for an electrical fire. While older homes were built to handle 30 amps of power, most newer homes demand 100 to 200 amps. This demand places a significant strain on a home’s wiring and electrical system.

 

Understanding the common causes, warning signs and appropriate safety measures can help prevent an electrical fire in your home. The most common causes for electrical fires are:

 

• Incorrectly installed wiring
• Overloaded circuits and extension cords
• Defective or improper plugs, switches and outlets
• Misuse and poor maintenance of lighting
   

Warning Signs of Faulty Wiring or Electrical Systems

To prevent an electrical fire, learn to recognize the warning signs that indicate a possible wiring or electrical problem. Contact a licensed electrician immediately to examine and repair electrical problems if you experience any of the following issues in your home:

 

• Flickering or dimming lights
• Switches or outlets that are hot to touch and/or emit an acrid odor
• Discolored cords, outlets and switch plates
• Repeatedly blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers
   

Keep Home Wiring Systems Safe

Every homeowner should be acquainted with at least one licensed electrician who can help keep their home wiring system safe. Licensed electricians can help:

 

• Ensure any electrical modifications meet existing codes
• Inspect and repair outlets and switches
• Inspect a home and make any necessary repairs before you purchase and move in
• Replace outdated or malfunctioning fuses and circuit breakers and instruct you on proper usage.
   

If your home was built between 1965 and 1973, consider having the aluminum wiring inspected. The wall sockets, switches and cable connections installed during this era are frequently problematic because aluminum wiring oxidizes and degrades more quickly than copper wiring. If a complete household rewiring is not an option, copper connector “pigtails” can help mitigate some of the dangers and problems of aluminum wiring.

 

The Dangers of DIY

When a wire is punctured, but not completely severed, the electric current can move away from its path and result in an incredible amount of heat. This leaking of the current is called an arc fault. The heat from an arc fault can eventually cause a fire, which may quickly spread to surrounding wood and other combustibles, as well as other wiring. Take extra care when doing home renovations to ensure you do not damage any wires when hammering or drilling into walls.

 

You can help prevent an arc fault from causing a fire by installing an arc-fault circuit interrupter to your circuit breakers.  When arc fault circuit interrupters detect irregular current flow, they shut down the circuit to prevent overheating and combustion.

 

Using a stud finder to locate framing studs behind drywall can also prevent arc faults from occurring. By nailing only into studs you can avoid hitting and damaging concealed wiring. Stud finders are usually priced under $20.

 

Cords, Outlets and Plug Safety

Electric currents carried by wiring, switches, plugs and appliances generate heat.  Excessive or uncontrolled heat can start fires. To help prevent electrical fires, know how to use and store plugs and electrical cords and take these precautions:

 

• Don’t run cords under carpeting, bedding, or other combustible materials; also avoid placing cords across doorways or frequently traveled areas
• Discard frayed or broken cords and never splice two cords together.
• Don’t overload outlets or use extension cords in place of outlets. Call an electrician to install additional outlets as necessary.
• Ensure plugs fit snugly in outlets to prevent shock and excess heat.
   

Lighting Safety

Combustible materials such as drapery, bedding and upholstered furniture may ignite when exposed to hot bulbs. Follow these safety tips to help prevent light bulbs from causing electrical fires:

 

• Purchase lamps and fixtures certified by underwriter’s laboratories (UL), an independent and not-for-profit safety testing and certification organization.
• Use the right light bulb wattage for all lamps and fixtures.
• Position lamps away from open windows where strong breezes may blow draperies onto hot light bulbs. Lampshades can also prevent combustible materials from direct contact with a hot bulb.

Electrical fires are among the most dangerous forms of combustion due to how quickly they can spread and grow out of control. By following the information above, you can help reduce the chances of an electrical fire occurring in your home.

 

 

NFPA's New Electrical Safety PSA

 

 

 

Fire Extinguishers - Types, Basics, Techniques

Types, basics, techniques: The Asbury Park Fire Department provides FREE fire extinguisher use training to your group or place of business. Contact us and we will arrange for an extinguisher prop, a device which gets lit on fire that allows trainees to use an extinguisher to put out a real fire. The hands-on instruction is very valuable in providing a real scenario for people to learn from. Depending on the circumstance, we may ask that the requesting party contribute to the cost of the extinguishing material. The basics of fire extinguisher use focus on a few important details to remember:

Fire Extinguishers at Work or Home

If there is a fire, follow your business fire emergency plan or your home fire plan. Designated trained employees should evaluate the fire and decide if it is safe to fight it. If at home, talk to family members in advance about how to use extinguishers to put out small fires.

The Five Classes of Fire

To be effective portable fire extinguishers must match the fire you're fighting. There are five classes of fires. Extinguishers are labeled with standard letters and symbols for the classes of fires they can put out.

• Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper.
• Class B fires involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and some paints and solvents.
• Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as power tools, wiring, fuse boxes, computers, TVs, and electric motors.
• Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium or sodium. Fighting Class D fires requires specialized training.
• Class K fires involve cooking oils used in commercial cooking equipment.

A red slash through any of the fire-class symbols on an extinguisher's label means you must not use the extinguisher on that class of fire.

Things you should know:

• It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled only for Class A fires on a fire involving flammable liquids or energized electrical equipment.
• Extinguishers for Class D fires must match the type of metal that is burning. The metals will be listed on the label.
• Use only extinguishers labeled for Class K fires for fighting a fire in a commercial grease fryer. Multipurpose extinguishers - labeled for Class A, B, and C fires - aren't appropriate.

Before fighting a fire, be sure that . . .

• You have been trained to operate the extinguisher.
• Everyone not designated to use extinguishers is leaving the area and someone has sounded the alarm and called 9-1-1.
• You have an unobstructed escape route in case you can't put out the fire.
• The fire is small, confined, and not spreading.
• You know what's burning and your extinguisher is right for the fire.

PASS: Using portable extinguishers

• Keep your back to a clear exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire, and remember the acronym PASS.

       P  Pull the pin that unlocks the operating lever.

       A  Aim Low - Point the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the  fire.

       S  Squeeze the lever above the handle to discharge the extinguishing                    agent. To stop the discharge, release the lever.

       S  Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side. Keep the extinguisher aimed            at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear            to be out.

• Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
• Have the fire department inspect the fire site, even if you think you've extinguished the fire.
• If the fire does not go out, get to a safe area.
• Extinguishers should be installed within easy reach, so they can be accessed quickly while the fire is still small, and near doors, so anyone using them will have a safe escape route.

For additional information, please contact the Asbury Park Fire Department by calling 732-774-7400. 

Countdown to Halloween - Tips for a Safe and Fun Night

Countdown to Halloween - Tips for a Safe and Fun Night

With Halloween quickly approaching, the Asbury Park Fire Department offers some important tips for a safe Halloween. Recent nationwide research shows that children are four times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other night of the year. Fatal collisions between motor vehicles and young pedestrians occur most frequently between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. It’s a dangerous night because so many kids are on the streets, many without their parents or an adult, and in their excitement often forget important pedestrian safety rules.

Plan a safe route.

1. Accompany children and remind them to stop at all street corners, cross only at intersections and crosswalks. Teach them to look left, right and left before crossing the street and to continue looking both ways as they cross. If you’re a motorist, please slow down and be prepared to give trick or treaters a brake.

2. Stay in familiar neighborhoods and have a parent or responsible adult accompany trick or treaters. Visit only those houses where the lights are on. Accept treats only in the doorway and NEVER go inside a house or apartment.

3. Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

4. Safety in numbers. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, designate a route before the kids go trick or treating, tell your kids to stay in a group, avoid taking short cuts through backyards and alleys and ask them to check in regularly.

5. Ensure trick-or-treaters stay away from open flames or jack-o-lanterns with candles burning.

6. Children should avoid busy streets, always use sidewalks, and follow all traffic rules and regulations. Motorists should drive slowly and be alert to small children crossing streets. Many accidents occur when motorists are backing vehicles out of driveways, unaware of the presence of small children.

Be a good neighbor. 

1. Keep your porch lights on and eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway.  Remove outdoor safety hazards such as toys, bicycles, garden hoses and lawn ornaments. Make sure the driveway and steps are cleared of leaves, which can be a slipping and falling hazard. Make sure that the driveway and walks are well lit for incoming trick-or-treaters. Replace burned-out or broken light bulbs.

2. Pets get frightened on Halloween. Confine your pets for their safety and for that of trick or treaters.

Be Safe – Be Seen.

1. Don't assume the right-of-way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters in the dark. Just because one car stops doesn't mean others will. 

2. Encourage kids to follow all the rules for pedestrian safety. That includes obeying all traffic laws, looking both ways before crossing, using crosswalks, crossing at intersections and corners and never darting between parked cars.

All Dressed Up.

1. Plan costumes that are bright and have reflective qualities. Consider adding reflective tape or decals to costumes and trick or treat bags. Be sure kids carry a flashlight and use glow sticks for extra visibility.

2. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.

3. Have an adult inspect treats BEFORE eating anything. Do not eat any unwrapped, partially wrapped, or homemade-looking treats.

4. Shorter IS safer. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

5. Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup as a safer alternative.

6. If a sword, cane or stick is part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if they trip or fall.

Decorate Safely.

1. Illuminate your jack-o’-lanterns with flashlights or battery-operated candles instead of real ones. You won’t have the worries of an open flame coming in contact with anything or anyone.

2. If you do use candles, keep them well away from where trick or treaters will be walking or standing. Review with your children the principle of “stop, drop and roll” should their clothing catch fire.

Lastly, teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.