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.

Safety Tips for Home Heating

Safety Tips for Home Heating

With cold weather upon us, it is a good time to remind everyone of some simple steps to help prevent a heating related fire in your home.

 

The high cost of home heating fuels and utilities have caused many Americans to search for alternate sources of home heating. The use of woodburning stoves is growing and space heaters are selling rapidly, or coming out of storage. Fireplaces are burning wood and manmade logs.

 

All these methods of heating may be acceptable. They are, however, a major contributing factor in residential fires. Many of these fires can be prevented. The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire safe home this winter.

 

Kerosene Heaters

• Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Inspect exhaust parts for carbon buildup. Be sure the heater has an emergency shut off in the event the heater is tipped over.
• Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. Burning fuel (coal, kerosene, or propane, for example) can produce deadly fumes.
• Use ONLY the fuel recommended by the heater manufacturer. NEVER introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel.
• Keep kerosene, or other flammable liquids stored in approved metal containers, in well ventilated storage areas, outside of the house.
• NEVER fill the heater while it is operating or hot. When refueling an oil or kerosene unit, avoid overfilling. DO NOT use cold fuel for it may expand in the tank as it warms up.
• Refueling should be done outside of the home (or outdoors). Keep children, pets and clothing away from heaters.
• When using a fuel burning appliance in the bedroom, be sure there is proper ventilation to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide.

 

Wood Stove and Fireplaces

 

Wood stoves and fireplaces are becoming a very common heat source in homes. Careful attention to safety can minimize fire hazards.

To use them safely:

• Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly. Wood stoves should have adequate clearance (36 inches) from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.
• Wood stoves should be of good quality, solid construction and design, and should be UL listed.
• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire.
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening, to prevent embers or sparks from escaping, unwanted material from going in, and to help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants.
• The stove should be burned hot twice a day for 15-30 minutes to reduce the amount of creosote buildup.
• Don't use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. It is possible to ignite creosote in the chimney by overbuilding the fire.
• Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide.
• Keep flammable materials away from your fireplace mantel. A spark from the fireplace could easily ignite theses materials.
• Before you go to sleep, be sure your fireplace fire is out. NEVER close your damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. A closed damper will help the fire to heat up again and will force toxic carbon monoxide into the house.
• If synthetic logs are used, follow the directions on the package. NEVER break a synthetic log apart to quicken the fire or use more than one log at a time. They often burn unevenly, releasing higher levels of carbon monoxide.

 

Furnace Heating

 

It is important that you have your furnace inspected annually to ensure that it is in good working condition.

• Be sure all furnace controls and emergency shutoffs are in proper working condition.
• Leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. Do not attempt repairs yourself unless you are qualified.
• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, additional pipe insulation or clearance may be required.
• Check the flue pipe and pipe seams. Are they well supported and free of holes and cracks? Soot along or around seams may be an indicator of a leak.
• All unused flue openings should be sealed with solid masonry.
• Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system.

Other Fire Saftey Tips

• Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
• Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.
• If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry an amp load.
  TIP: Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.
• Place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture and drapes. Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Do not place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and start a fire.
• Be certain that your heater is placed on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, not on rugs or carpets.
• Use heaters on the floor. Never place heaters on furniture, since they may fall, dislodging or breaking parts in the heater, which could result in a fire or shock hazard.
• Keep all heaters in safe working conditions. Never operate a defective heater.
• Avoid using electrical space heaters in bathrooms or other areas where they may come in contact with water.
• Frozen water pipes? Never try to thaw them with a blow torch or other open flame, otherwise the pipe could conduct the heat and ignite the wall structure inside the wall space. Use hot water or a UL-labeled device such as a hand held dryer for thawing and it is recommended that you consult with a qualified professional.
• If windows are used as emergency exits in your home, practice using them in the event fire should strike. Be sure that all the windows open easily. Home escape ladders are recommended.
• If there is a fire hydrant near your home you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow so in the event it is needed, it can be located.
• Do not run cords under rugs or carpets. Placing anything on top of the cord could cause the cord to overheat and result in a fire.

Finally...

• Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and check and clean it on a monthly basis. In addition, have a carbon monoxide alarm outside each sleeping area.
• Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family.
• Contact the Asbury Park Fire Department for advice if you have a question on home fire safety or to schedule for a free home safety inspection.