Fire Safety Tips

ARE YOUR ASHES BEING DISPOSED OF PROPERLY? Each year many homes burn because of improperly disposed of ashes, will your home be next? If you follow some simple steps you can help keep you and your family safe. 1. Clean the ashes from your stove or fireplace on a regular basis and place them in a metal container with a metal lid. Ashes can stay hot for days even if they feel cool to touch on the outside. 2. Never place ashes in bags or any other combustible container. 3. Never place ashes near your home, deck or combustible vegetation. 4. If you dispose of ashes in your yard always saturate them with water to make sure they are thoroughly cooled and keep them away from combustibles. 5. Never place ashes in your trash.

Bicycling is fun, healthy, and a great family activity. But a bicycle isn’t a toy; it’s a vehicle! Some bike crashes can cause serious injuries and most are related to the behavior of you (the bicyclist) or the motorist. There are a number of things you can do to prevent a crash, and protect your brain if a crash occurs SAFE RIDING TIPS: Before riding, make sure you, your family, and the bicycles are ready to ride. Be a “Roll Model” for other adults and children. Remember to: 1) WEAR A BICYCLE HELMET: Everyone – at every age – should wear bicycle helmets. For more guidance on fitting a helmet, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fitting Your Bike Helmet. 2) ADJUST YOUR BICYCLE TO FIT: Stand over your bicycle. There should be 1 to 2 inches between the rider and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if using a mountain bike. The seat should be level front to back, and the height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be level with the seat. 3) CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT: Before riding, inflate tires properly and check that the brakes work. 4) SEE AND BE SEEN: Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, bad weather, or at night, make yourself visible to others. Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors when riding, to be most easily seen. Wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you. 5) CONTROL THE BICYCLE: Ride with two hands on the handlebars, except when signaling a turn. Place books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack. 6) WATCH FOR AND AVOID ROAD HAZARDS: Look for hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. All these hazards can cause a crash. 7) USE VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION: This includes eye contact with drivers, turn signals, pointing to road hazards for bicyclists behind you, and stating “passing on your left,” or “on your left.” 8) AVOID RIDING AT NIGHT: It’s hard for road users to see bicyclists at dusk, dawn, and nighttime. Use reflectors on the front and rear of your bicycle. White lights and red rear reflectors or lights are required by law in all States. RULES OF THE ROAD - BICYCLING ON THE ROAD In all States, bicycles on the roadway are considered vehicles, and bicyclists are the drivers, with the same rights and responsibilities as motorists to follow the rules of the road. When riding, always: 1) GO WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW: Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it. 2) OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS: A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re the driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. 3) YIELD TO TRAFFIC: Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. Yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. 4) BE PREDICTABLE: Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others. 5) STAY ALERT AT ALL TIMES: Use your eyes and ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. Listen for traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t use personal electronics when you ride. 6) LOOK BEFORE TURNING: When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, and then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic. 7) WATCH FOR PARKED CARS: Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out) WHERE TO RIDE SAFELY: 1) Use bike lanes or bike paths, if available. a) While bicycles are allowed on many roads, riders may feel safer being separated from traffic. A lane or path is a safer choice than riding on a sidewalk. b) Riding on sidewalks puts you in a place where cars do not look for or expect to see moving traffic. c) Sidewalk riding puts you at risk for crashes at driveways and intersections. 2) Children younger than 10 years old are not consistently able to make the decisions necessary to safely ride unsupervised in the street. Therefore, they are safer riding away from traffic. 3) For anyone riding on a sidewalk: a) Check the law in your State or jurisdiction to make sure sidewalk riding is allowed. b) Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways. c) Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets to look for cars and to make sure the drivers see you before crossing. d) Enter a street at a corner and not between parked cars. Alert pedestrians that you are nearby, saying, “Passing on your left,” or use a bell or horn.

IS YOUR CHILD SAFE WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING? Why Should I Use A Car Seat? The law in all 50 states, DC, PR and the US Territories says that babies and children must ride in child safety seats until they are old enough to wear safety belts. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1-5 in the United States and correct use of car seats could save many children's lives. In a crash or sudden stop, an unbuckled adult holding a baby can crush the child into the windshield or dashboard. In a 30-MPH crash, a 10-pound baby could be ripped from a belted adult's arms with a force of almost 200 pounds, and hurled into the dashboard or windshield. No one is strong enough to hold onto a child in a crash like that. When Should I Use A Car Seat? Use a car seat EVERY TIME, on EVERY TRIP! Do not make the deadly mistake of using a car seat only on freeways or for long trips. Most car crashes happen within 25 miles of home. If a child rides with friends, relatives, or babysitters, be sure they have a correctly installed safety seat and that they use it every time the child is in the car. What Kind of Car Seat Should I Use? Infants up to 20 pounds should ride facing the rear of the vehicle in infant-only or convertible safety seats (seats that convert from rear-facing for infants to forward-facing for toddlers). Children weighing about 20 to 40 pounds should ride facing forward in convertible safety seats or harness systems. Children who have outgrown their convertible seats for harness should ride in booster seats until adult belts fit them properly. Never allow children to place the shoulder part of the belt under their arms. Booster seats may be either the small shield or belt-positioning type. Older children may wear vehicle safety belts when the lap belt stays low and snug across the hips without riding up over the stomach, and the shoulder belt does not cross the face or front of the neck. Children with special needs, such as those who are physically challenged, may need special child safety restraints. Check with your child's doctor, therapist, or local Easter Seal Society "KARS/Special KARS" program to find out where you can get special restraints. An approved child safety seat has a label that says: "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards." This label is usually on the back of the seat. If you plan to use the safety seat on airplanes, the label should also read, "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft." Where Should I Put the Car Seat? Do Not place any rear-facing safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side airbag. A passenger-side airbag could strike the back of the safety seat with a force that could seriously injure your baby. The back seat is the safest place for any child safety seat. Never let children ride in the bed of a truck, or sleep or play in the rear of a station wagon without proper restraint. In a crash, they can be thrown out of the vehicle. How Should I Install The Car Seat? Install your car seat very carefully. Read your car seat instructions an your vehicle owner's manual, and follow the directions word for word. You may need a special locking clip to hold your vehicle safety belts in place so you can anchor your safety seat properly. Check your vehicle owner's manual to find out if you need a locking clip, which should be available from your car dealer or child seat manufacturer. Note: A larger locking clip (also known as a "heavy-duty" locking clip) with a special part number may be required for you to install a safety seat correctly in some vehicles. Check your vehicle owner's manual to make sure you are using the correct locking clip. If your car has door-mounted safety belts, you will need to have your car dealer install a special adapter belt to use with your child's safety seat. Again, check your vehicle owner's manual to be sure. Other Precautions Make sure you position the car seat harness straps and clips correctly for the size of your child. Many seats offer a choice of strap positions. Never use a household baby carrier in place of a safety seat. Never use a household booster seat, pillows, or telephone books to boost a child in a vehicle. In an emergency, any kind of restraint is better than no restraint. If your child safety seat has been involved in a crash, you must replace it, even if it looks like it is in good condition. Hidden crash damage can severely weaken a car seat. Be sure you get a copy of the instructions for the exact seat you own. Your State Highway Safety Office or local public library can help you get the manufacturer's address if you can't find it anywhere else. Complete and return the registration card that comes with your new car seat. This will allow the manufacturer to contact you in the case of a safety recall. Provided by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety

Approximately 250 people in the United States died last year from the "Silent Killer" -- carbon monoxide (CO). This deadly gas is hard to detect because it is odorless, colorless and tasteless. UL recommends that consumers follow these steps to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Have a qualified technician inspect fuel-burning appliances at least once each year. Fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, hot water heaters and stoves require yearly maintenance. Over time, components can become damaged or deteriorate. A qualified technician can identify and repair problems with your fuel-burning appliances. Be alert to the danger signs that signal a CO problem: streaks of carbon or soot around the service door of your fuel-burning appliances; the absence of a draft in your chimney; excessive rusting on flue pipes or appliance jackets; moisture collecting on the windows and walls of furnace rooms; fallen soot from the fireplace; small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent or flue pipe; damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney and rust on the portion of the vent pipe visible from outside your home. Be aware that CO poisoning may be the cause of flu-like symptoms such as headaches, tightness of chest, dizziness, fatigue, confusion and breathing difficulties. Because CO poisoning often causes a victim's blood pressure to rise, the victim's skin may take on a pink or red cast. Install a UL Listed CO detector outside sleeping areas. A UL Listed CO detector will sound an alarm before dangerous levels of CO accumulate. CO indicator cards and other devices are also intended to detect elevated levels of CO, but most are not equipped with an audible alarm, and cannot wake you at night, when most CO poisonings occur. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before installing a CO detector. Do not place the detector within five feet of household chemicals. If your detector is wired directly into your home's electrical system, you should test it monthly. If your unit operates off of a battery, test the detector weekly and replace the battery at least once a year. Avoid placing your detector directly on top of or directly across from fuel-burning appliances. These appliances will emit some CO when initially turned-on. Never use charcoal grills inside a home, tent, camper or unventilated garage. Don't leave vehicles running in an enclosed garage, even to "warm up" your car on a cold morning. Know how to respond to a CO detector alarm. If your alarm sounds, immediately open windows and doors for ventilation. If anyone in the home is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning -- headache, dizziness or other flu-like symptoms -- immediately evacuate the house and call the fire department. If no one is experiencing these symptoms, continue to ventilate, turn off fuel-burning appliances and call a qualified technician to inspect your heating system and appliances as soon as possible. Because you have provided ventilation, the CO buildup may have dissipated by the time help responds and your problem may appear to be temporarily solved. Do not operate any fuel-burning appliances until you have clearly identified the source of the problem. A CO detector alarm indicates elevated levels of CO in the home. Never ignore the alarm. The Coatesville Volunteer Fire Department urges you to recognize the danger signs of CO before any harm can come to you or your family.

REMEMBER ABOUT SAFETY DURING THE HOLIDAYS Following the following Christmas Tree safety tips when using a live tree during the holidays. Doing so will help ensure a happy and safe holiday season for you and your family. 1) Select the location for your Christmas tree carefully, keeping it away from fireplaces, heating vents, and other heat-producing appliances that may dry out the tree. 2) Saw at least an inch off the trunk bottom. 3) Mount the tree in a stand that holds water. Keep the water level above the cut. This will keep the tree fresh and green while reducing the risk of fire. 4) Do not use lighted candles or other flaming devices on or near your Christmas tree or near other decorations. 5) Use tree lights that bear the Underwriters' Laboratory (U.L.) label, and check the strings for signs of wear and tear. Do not use lights that are frayed or operate with missing or broken bulbs. 6) Exercise care with extension cords. Use no more than three sets of lights per extension cord. Do not place the cords under rugs or in paths of travel. 7) Check your smoke detectors. If battery powered, the batteries should be changed twice each year. We suggest that you change the batteries twice a year. 8) Do not attempt to burn branches from the tree in your fireplace. Dry trees throw off a tremendous amount of heat and and can create a dangerous fire. 9) If you prefer more peace of mind, go with an artificial tree as an option. Additional Safety Tips: 1) Get a fresh tree whose needles don't easily fall off or a UL-Listed artificial tree that is "Flame resistant/retardant". 2) Place the tree away from heat sources. 3) Use UL-Listed Christmas lights. Pay attention to indoor/outdoor use. 4) Check your decor for damage and replace as needed. 5) Don't overload your sockets - no more than three light strands in a row for non-LED lights. 6) Turn off your lights before bed or while your away from the house. 7) Dispose of your live tree soon, less than four weeks after putting it up. Also remember to recycle your tree, don't light it on fire or burn it. 8) Take down decorations outside sooner to help them last longer. Replace decorations thqat didn't make it by hitting up the after-Christmas sales.

REMEMBER ABOUT SAFETY DURING THE HOLIDAYS Following the following Christmas Tree safety tips when using a live tree during the holidays. Doing so will help ensure a happy and safe holiday season for you and your family. 1) Select the location for your Christmas tree carefully, keeping it away from fireplaces, heating vents, and other heat-producing appliances that may dry out the tree. 2) Saw at least an inch off the trunk bottom. 3) Mount the tree in a stand that holds water. Keep the water level above the cut. This will keep the tree fresh and green while reducing the risk of fire. 4) Do not use lighted candles or other flaming devices on or near your Christmas tree or near other decorations. 5) Use tree lights that bear the Underwriters' Laboratory (U.L.) label, and check the strings for signs of wear and tear. Do not use lights that are frayed or operate with missing or broken bulbs. 6) Exercise care with extension cords. Use no more than three sets of lights per extension cord. Do not place the cords under rugs or in paths of travel. 7) Check your smoke detectors. If battery powered, the batteries should be changed twice each year. We suggest that you change the batteries twice a year. 8) Do not attempt to burn branches from the tree in your fireplace. Dry trees throw off a tremendous amount of heat and and can create a dangerous fire. 9) If you prefer more peace of mind, go with an artificial tree as an option.

PROPER USE: Fire extinguishers have limits, but when used properly they can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives. Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires, they are useful only under certain conditions. 1) The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read directions during an emergency. 2) The extinguisher must be within easy reach, fully charged, and in good working order. 3) The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked 4) The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought. Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires. 5) The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Many portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as 8 to 10 seconds. PASS PROCEDURE: When using a fire extinguisher keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand 6 to 8 feet away from the fire. Follow the four-step PASS procedure: 1) Pull the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. 2) Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. 3) Squeeze the lever above the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. 4) Sweep from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, 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 reignites, repeat the process. Always be sure the Fire Department inspects the fire site, even if you think you have extinguished the fire completely! CHOOSING YOUR EXTINGUSHER: EXTINGUISHER TYPES: Choosing Your Extinguisher depends on knowing the 3 basic classes of fires. There are other classes of fire, however these basic 3 are the most common. All fire extinguishers are labeled using standard symbols for the classes of fire they can put out (see illustration at right). A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. A missing symbol tells you that the extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire. 1) CLASS A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper. 2) CLASS B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and oil-based paint. 3) CLASS C: Energized electrical equipment -- Including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, and appliances. The extinguisher must be appropriate for the type of fire being fought. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse. Multipurpose fire extinguishers marked ABC may be used on all three classes of fires. EXTINGUISHER SIZES: Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of fire they can handle. This rating will appear on the label -- for example, 2A:10B:C. The larger the numbers, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out, but higher-rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate an extinguisher before you buy it. INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE: e Extinguishers should be installed in plain view, above the reach of children, near an escape route, and away from stoves or other heating appliances. Extinguishers require routine care. Read your owners manual to learn how to inspect your extinguisher. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on maintenance. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use (Service companies are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Fire Extinguishers"). Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once and must be replaced after use.

There's nothing quite as cozy as a warm, crackling fire in the fireplace. But if you don't take some simple safety precautions, that fire could turn deadly. More than 6,000 people end up in emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireplaces and fireplace equipment, and most of those injuries occurred with children under five years old. Approximately 14,000 house fires each year are started by fireplaces. Most of these fires escalated beyond the fireplace because of an overloaded fire, damage to the fireplace such as missing bricks, obstructed flues, ignition of nearby combustibles, and flying sparks. Keep your family safe and warm by following these fireplace safety tips: 1) Inspect the fireplace. Make sure it has adequate protective linings and smoke ducts. Check to see that the chimney is clear and in good repair. 2) If you are installing a factory-made fireplace, it should not be located near any combustible materials. It should also have adequate flame and heat barriers. 3) Have chimneys inspected annually, and cleaned as necessary, by a CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America) Certified Chimney Sweep. This reduces the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisonings due to creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimneys. To locate a certified sweep, visit the CSIA Web site at www.csia.org or call 1-800-536-0118. A certified sweep can also perform maintenance on your wood stove or help remove gas logs from a fireplace. 4) Keep the top of chimneys clear of tree limbs or debris. 5) Install a chimney cap to keep debris and animals out of the chimney. 6) Always open the damper before lighting the fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. This will avert the build-up of poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide. 7) Fuel the fire safely. For burning firewood in wood stoves or fireplaces, choose well-seasoned wood that has been dried for a minimum of six months to a year and stored properly. 8) Build it right. Place firewood or fire logs at the rear of the fireplace on a supporting grate. To start the fire, use a firelighter. 9) Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire because the vapors can explode. Never keep flammable fuels near a fire. Vapors can travel the length of a room and explode. 10) Do not use coal or charcoal in a fireplace because because of the danger of carbon monoxide build-up. Do not burn trash or gift wrap in the fireplace because polystyrene foam and other coated materials can generate deadly fumes. Flying paper embers could also ignite the roof. 11) Do not treat artificial logs like real logs. Artificial logs are usually made of sawdust and wax and have special burning properties. Be sure to read the instructions on the logs and follow them carefully. Use just one log at a time and do not add another log until the fire is completely out. Never add an artificial log to a natural wood fire that is already burning. Wait at least two hours before adding an artificial log to a natural log fire because it could cause a flare-up. 12) Do not poke artificial logs because the flaming wax could stick to the poker and drop onto the floor or carpet. Poking a log could also cause a flare-up 13) Home rolled newspaper logs should never be soaked in flammable fuels of any kind because of the severe danger of explosion. Soaking the newspaper in water either before rolling or during rolling removes the clay content and will provide a better burning log. Then, stack the logs on end and let them dry for two weeks in the basement. When lighting the newspaper logs, use kindling just as you would for a regular fire. 14) Do not overload the fireplace. Large fires can lead to overheating of wall or roof materials, particularly if the fireplace is constructed of metal. 15) Always use a screen around the fireplace to keep sparks from flying out and to protect children and adults from accidental clothing ignition. 16) Warn children about the danger of fire. Do not let them play with fire. 17) Keep flammable materials such as carpets, pillows, furniture or papers away from the fireplace area. 18) At holiday time, make sure the Christmas tree is not close enough to be ignited by a spark. Be especially careful of accidentally igniting holiday wrapping papers. 19) Always make sure that the fire is completely extinguished before going to bed for the night or when leaving the house.

SAFETY TIPS: 1) Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks without adult supervision. 2) Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. 3) Use a clear, open area and keep the audience a safe distance from the shooting site. 4) Do not attempt to make or alter any fireworks device. 5) Only purchase and light 1.4G consumer fireworks. Examples include bottle rockets, Roman candles and fire crackers. 6) Only light one firework item at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework. 7) Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby. 8) Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowing away from them. 9) Never smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while handling fireworks. 10) Never aim, point, or throw fireworks at another person. 11) Sparklers burn at extremely hot temperatures from 1200 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Glow sticks make an excellent, safer alternative to sparklers, especially for young children. FIREWORKS LAWS: 1) Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older. 2) Fireworks may be used: a) on the user's property; b) on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks on that property; c) at a special discharge location. 3) Consumer fireworks may be used only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on most days that are not holidays. On holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and New Year's Eve), fireworks may be used between 9 a.m. and midnight. On June 29-30, July 1-3 and 5-9, fireworks can be discharged until two hours past sunset. Check with local officials to see when fireworks can be discharged as local ordinances may further restrict usage. AVERAGE ANNUAL FACTS AND FIGURES: INJURIES BY AGE: a) 40% of injuries: ages 25-44 b) 14% of injuries: ages 45-64 c) 10% of injuries: ages 10-14 d) 10% of injuries: ages 15-19 e) 9% of injuries: ages 20-24 f) 9% of injuries: ages 5-9 g) 7% of injuries: ages 0-4 b) 1% of injuries: ages 65+ MOST INJURED BODY PARTS: a) Heads and Fingers: 36% b) Heads, Faces, and Ears: 22% c) Eyes: 16% d) Legs: 14% e) Trunks and Other: 7% f) Arms: 5% NOTE: 62% of the injuries were burns.

As summer arrives and folks begin to cook outside, that poses an entirely different set of risks than when in the kitchen. Therefore, be safe and mindful while doing so. In order to prevent grilling fires and to keep you safe while cooking outdoors, please folow these recommended tips. SAFETY FIRST 1) Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors. 2) Place grills away from the house, deck railings and out from under eaves of overhanging branches. 3) Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area. Children should never play near grills or propane cylinders. 4) Never leave a burning grill unattended. GAS GRILL SAFETY: 1) Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off. 2) Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas. 3) Clean the grease trap every time you grill. 4) If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill. 5) Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures. CHARCOAL GRILL SAFETY: 1) Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never used gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals. 2) Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. 3) Properly dispose of grill ashes. Allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

HOW PREPARED IS YOUR FAMILY IN THE CASE OF A MAJOR EVENT? Your ability to get out depends on advance warning from smoke alarms and advance planning. In 2012, there were an estimated 365,000 reported home structure fires and 2,380 associated civilian deaths in the United States. Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds. Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm. For easy planning, download NFPA's escape planning grid (PDF, 1.1 MB). This is a great way to get children involved in fire safety in a non-threatening way. BASIC FIRE ESCAPE PLANNING 1) Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm. This is a great way to get children involved in fire safety in a non-threatening way. 2) Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code® requires interconnected smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. Everyone in the household must understand the escape plan. When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily. 3) Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a backyard swingset) a safe distance away from your home out of the way from arriving fire crews where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan. 4) Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home. The CVFD can also come out and install a 3M reflective double sided address for your mail post. Refer to the "Is Your Address Visible" page under Services/Fire. 5) Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. That way any member of the household can call from a neighbor's home or a cellular phone once safely outside. 6) If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency. 7) If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire. 8) Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes. 9) Be fully prepared for a real fire: when a smoke alarm sounds, get out immediately. Residents of high-rise and apartment buildings may be safer "defending in place." 10) Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues. PUTTING YOUR PLAN TO THE TEST: 1) Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year, making the drill as realistic as possible. 2) Make arrangements in your plan for anyone in your home who has a disability. 3) Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. The objective is to practice, not to frighten, so telling children there will be a drill before they go to bed can be as effective as a surprise drill. 4) It's important to determine during the drill whether children and others can readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm. If they fail to awaken, make sure that someone is assigned to wake them up as part of the drill and in a real emergency situation. 5) If your home has two floors, every family member (including children) must be able to escape from the second floor rooms. Escape ladders can be placed in or near windows to provide an additional escape route. Review the manufacturer's instructions carefully so you'll be able to use a safety ladder in an emergency. Practice setting up the ladder from a first floor window to make sure you can do it correctly and quickly. Children should only practice with a grown-up, and only from a first-story window. Store the ladder near the window, in an easily accessible location. You don't want to have to search for it during a fire. 6) Always choose the escape route that is safest – the one with the least amount of smoke and heat – but be prepared to escape under toxic smoke if necessary. When you do your fire drill, everyone in the family should practice getting low and going under the smoke to your exit. 7) Closing doors on your way out slows the spread of fire, giving you more time to safely escape. In some cases, smoke or fire may prevent you from exiting your home or apartment building. To prepare for an emergency like this, practice "sealing yourself in for safety" as part of your home fire escape plan. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use duct tape or towels to seal the door cracks and cover air vents to keep smoke from coming in. If possible, open your windows at the top and bottom so fresh air can get in. Call the fire department to report your exact location. Wave a flashlight or light-colored cloth at the window to let the fire department know where you are located.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AROUND THE HOME: Hazardous materials around the home are probably more common than you may think. Many of which could be very dangerous if you have a fire or that could cause a fire if they are improperly stored or used. For example: IN THE BEDROOM: The bedroom might be the last place you expect to fire hazardous materials, but do you have any aerosol cans of hair spray, deodorant, or other personal care products? Hair spray is highly flammable, and all aerosol cans explode if exposed to high heat. Dispose of any aerosol cans properly. Nail polish is also flammable, as are many other products that give off strong fumes. Nail polish and nail polish remover, as well as cotton balls or tissues used to apply them, burn easily if exposed to flame or high heat. The fumes given off by mothballs are flammable. Mothball containers should be sealed tightly. IN THE BATHROOM: Some disinfectants, such as toilet bowl cleaners, are also flammable. Drain-cleaning fluids and powders are extremely caustic and can cause severe burns on contact with the skin. Follow the instructions for use printed on the labels of these products carefully. IN THE KITCHEN : Cleaning products should be stored and used with care. Floor and furniture polishes, spot removers, and oven cleaners are flammable liquids that can ignite if exposed to high heat or flame. If you unsure if a product is flammable, read the label. If the listed ingredients include petroleum products or methylated spirits, treat the substance as if it could catch fire. FLAMMABLE GASSES: Flammable gases such as containers of butane (for refilling lighters) and all aerosol cans should be stored in a cool place. When filling a lighter, be sure there is no flame or heat source nearby that could ignite leaking gas. Natural gas and propane piped into your home are extremely flammable and should be used with care. If you suspect a leak, call the gas company, propane supplier, or fire department immediately. Propane cylinders for cooking or heating should always be installed or stored out of doors. Plug cylinder outlets when tanks are not connected for use. WORKSHOPS, BASEMENTS, AND HOBBY AREAS: Your workshop, basement, or hobby area is likely to contain many flammable liquids such as turpentine, mineral spirits, and other solvents; oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes; and camping stove fuels and charcoal lighter fluid. Your basement is also likely to contain a furnace and hot-water heater -- sources of heat and flame that could ignite vapors from such flammable liquids. It is best to store all flammable liquids outside your home, in the garage or in a shed. Always store flammable liquids in approved, labeled safety containers with tight-fitting lids. Never store flammable liquids in glass jars, which can break easily. Rags soaked in oils or paint thinners will burn if exposed to flame. Dispose of such rags after use, or store them in a tightly closed metal container. NEVER STORE GASOLINE IN YOUR HOME: Treat gasoline with extreme caution, since gasoline vapors can be ignited by even a tiny spark. Store gasoline only in containers designed and approved for the purpose. Refuel gasoline powered machines in the open, well away from buildings and foliage. Never refuel hot machinery. The heat can produce explosive gasoline fumes. Never use gasoline as a substitute for charcoal lighter or cleaning solution. The results can be lethal. And never smoke near gasoline. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OUTDOORS: The charcoal lighter and propane commonly used for cooking outdoors are familiar hazardous materials whose use requires caution. When starting a charcoal fire, apply starter fluid only to cold charcoal briquettes. Allow the fluid to soak in for 10 minutes before lighting. Never add starter fluids to warm or flaming briquettes. If you use an outdoor propane grill, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and never leave a hot grill unattended. Other flammable or otherwise hazardous household materials include some weed killers, pesticides, garden fungicides and fertilizers, and pool chemicals. Read and follow product instructions carefully.

Drowning is a quick and silent killer. In the time it takes to answer the phone, tragedy can occur. Multiple layers of protection are the key to a water safety plan. Protect your family with the following safety tips. 1) Supervise children wherever they could find water. Children can drown in as little as an inch of water. 2) No one should swim alone. This includes grown-ups! 3) Designate an adult to be responsible for watching children in pools during parties, and rotate shifts. Have them wear a special shirt, hat or badge so that others know not to interrupt this person while on duty. 4) Install a pool fence or other approved barrier around the pool perimeter. Solar covers are NOT considered a barrier. Learn what's required in Indiana and/or your city or county. 5) Ensure pool access gates are self-closing and self-latching. Check regularly to keep in good working order. 6) Secure doors, gates and pet doors that lead to pool area. Secure spas with childproof covers. 7) Keep a phone by the pool to call 911 in case of an emergency. 8) Take CPR classes at least every two years, and practice in between to keep your skills sharp. Babysitters, grandparents and friends should all know safety rules and CPR. 9) Children and adults should learn how to swim. (Remember this does not “drown-proof” anyone!) 10) Keep toys and objects away from pool or spa area to make it less inviting. 11) Move furniture inside of the fenced area and away from fences so children can’t use them for climbing. 12) Empty inflatable pools, ice chests and buckets when not in use. 13) Keep bathroom doors closed. Consider using a toilet latch during toddler years 14) If an accident happens, act immediately. If a child is missing, always check the pool or spa first. 1) Yell for help. 2) Dial 911. 3) Start CPR. 4) Teach your children to be water safe! 5) Tell children to yell for an adult and throw a flotation device if they find someone in trouble in the water. They should NEVER jump into a pool to save someone else. 6) Encourage children to tell an adult right away if the pool gate is left open or the cover is left off the spa. 7) Teach them to dial 911 in case of an emergency.

SMOKE ALARM SAFETY: DON'T DISARM THE MESSENGER There are many causes of home fire related deaths including electrical fires, ignition of upholstered furniture, or unattended cooking. The common denominator underlying the majority of these tragedies is the lack of smoke alarms or smoke alarms that don’t work. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms, or non-functional smoke alarms. NFPA notes that when home fires occur, people in homes without smoke alarms are more than twice as likely to die as those in homes with working smoke alarms. In house fires where the smoke alarms did not sound, it was discovered that half of them had missing or disconnected batteries. Learning how smoke alarms work, how to properly install and maintain them can help save lives. HOW SMOKLE ALARMS WORK Smoke alarms fall into two categories: ionization detectors and photoelectric detectors. When smoke enters the chambers of an ionization detecting smoke alarm, it disrupts the ionization process and triggers the alarm. Although perfectly safe when installed in your home, the nature of some components inside an ionic smoke detector require appropriate disposal. Never throw an ionic detector directly into the trash. Instead, call the waste management service or the manufacturer of the ionic smoke alarm for proper disposal instructions in your area. Photoelectric smoke alarms are simpler in design. When smoke enters the chamber, components within the device send an electric current, triggering the alarm. Of the two types of smoke detectors, ionic alarms are far more sensitive. Even something as mundane as steam from boiling water can trigger an ionic smoke alarm. Ionic smoke detectors also detect fast spreading, low smoke fires more easily. You can find out if your home has ionic smoke alarms by checking the back of the alarm for an engraving that says “I” or “ionic.” CHOSING A SMOKE DETECTOR: Look for smoke alarms listed with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and if a member of your household has difficulty hearing, consider purchasing a smoke detector that produces flashing lights or vibrations in addition to a loud noise to signal an emergency. INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS IN THE RIGHT PLACES: Everyone in your home should recognize the sound of your smoke alarm and hear it from their bedrooms. This is especially important because according to NFPA, half of home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are sleeping and more likely to be overcome by smoke before they can escape. Where you install your smoke detectors is equally important. Installation guidelines include: 1) Place smoke alarms outside each sleeping area, inside any bedroom where the door is typically shut (recommended) and on every story of the house, including the basement. 2) Install wall-mounted smoke alarms 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling, and ceiling-mounted models at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. PROPERLY MAINTAIN SMOKE ALARMS: Smoke alarm safety only works when alarms are properly maintained. The following tips will help ensure your smoke alarms remain in proper working order: 1) Test units monthly 2) Install new batteries immediately when the low-battery warning alarm sounds or at least once a year. It's a good idea to replace the batteries on all of your smoke detectors when one starts sounding the battery alarm. 3) Clean smoke alarms regularly by vacuuming them with a brush attachment. 4) Replace smoke alarms every 10 years to achieve optimum performance. Smoke alarms are essential to protecting the people in your house from home fires. No matter the cause of the fire or its location, properly functioning smoke alarms are there to help alert everyone to the presence of fire in time to evacuate safely. These life-saving devices are affordable, easily purchased online or in most local retail stores, and only require a few minutes of maintenance each month. Take a few minutes today to ensure your home has the appropriate number of smoke alarms and that they are properly located and regularly tested and maintained.

Space heaters are an effective way to stay warm. They're incredibly energy efficient. They distribute heat evenly and operate quietly. A space heating system can effectively warm an area at a rapid rate, providing enough heat to keep you and your family comfortable. On average these heaters warm spaces as large as 300 sq. ft. They spread warmth around the room and keep you feeling exceptionally comfortable. Using a space heating unit is a great way to reduce winter chill. They offer a variety of amenities like: heat settings, temperature adjustments, multiple fan speeds, easy to use controls, and a remote control that make them an ideal winter option. There are a variety of reasons to consider a space heater as a source of warmth this winter. It can make up for inconsistent heat - as is often the case in apartment living - eliminate the need for central heating, keep a dorm room warm for the college student, or provide extra warmth when built-in versions aren't enough. Ideally, it's a superior winter companion; however, there are safety facts you must remember. If used improperly, they can be dangerous. So if you plan on using one to keep warm this season, bear in mind a few essential safety tips to keep you and others safe this winter. AVOIDING ACCIDENTS: Electric heating systems are a terrific way to stay warm, but it should be used with caution. First, consider the type of heater you plan to use. There are many varieties to choose from. These options contain a heating element that warms spaces at a rapid rate. Your unit might contain a hot coil, oil, bulb, or fan. This heating element gets hot so where you set up your space heater is important. Keep yours in a clear, accessible space, away from combustibles. Because they are freestanding, placement is important. So when deciding where to set one up, you need to remember that it's going to get very hot. The heating element is what spreads warmth around the room. Even if your unit offers a cool touch exterior, it's important to keep in mind your surroundings. Making a conscious effort to put your heater in a safe place - away from pets and children who can accidentally knock it over - will help eliminate potential accidents. Keep the area around your heating system free of debris. Picking up clothes, papers, and other household items will prevent accidental fires. Spaces around your unit should be neat. SPACE HEATER SAFETY: CONSIDER THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR SAFE USE: Listed below are a few safety conditions to consider as suggested by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: 1) Don't operate a damaged heater 2) Keep it away from furniture, drapes, bedding, clothes, or papers 3) Keep clear a 3 ft. circumference around the heater 4) Never leave the heater unattended 5) Make sure the plug is secure in the wall outlet 6) Don't overload the plug 7) Place the heater on a stable, level surface Moreover, don't use the same circuit as other high wattage appliances to prevent overheating. Plugging too many high wattage appliances into one circuit outlet can cause overheating, a fire hazard that can be avoided. In addition to observing the safety tips above, choose an option with built-in safety features. Many offer numerous safety features designed to eradicate potential accidents. ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES: Most units offer advanced multi-level safety protection. Select one with features that are sure to meet all of your needs. Everyone's needs are different, but there are so many varieties to choose from, it's easy to find a match. Some safety features include: 1) Tip over safety switch 2) Overheat protection 3) Cool-touch cabinet and grille 4) Auto- Shut-Off 5) Stable base This heating method can be used in a safe effective manner. They're an ideal option, eliminating the need for central heating and combating the cold. For those who don't have a regular, accessible source of heat this winter, using a space heating unit is an ideal option. Using a heating system in a responsible manner, following a few safety tips, you can have a positive experience. Accidents can be avoided, and you can enjoy a comfortable living environment. DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that space heaters are responsible for 32% of all home heating fires and 82% of home heating fire deaths? Studies show that 20% of these fires are caused by combustibles like bedding, magazines, newspapers, clothing, or furniture. 7% were caused by rugs, carpets, or mats. These accidents can be avoided. A Harvard University study indicates that "space heaters present the greatest potential for human errors such as leaving them too close to combustible materials or failing to install, fuel, operate and maintain them properly." As in all electrical appliances, safety must be a top priority. The CPSC or the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that more than 25,000 residential fires are caused by these units. Misusing heating equipment results in life threatening accidents that had safety directions been observed could have been avoided. So what should you do? Read manufacturer installation instructions thoroughly and abide by manufacturer guidelines. Choose one with safety features. Consider the CPSC safety guidelines and create a safe environment to use the space heating unit. Remember, these are high wattage appliances. They require access to a wall outlet, one that's secure. A FEW FINAL WORDS: A space heater will keep you warm and comfortable this winter. They provide superior heat in a quick, efficient manner. Many options are easy to setup and easy to use. They offer user friendly controls and heating options that make them ideal for anyone. Observing a few safety tips and choosing an option that offers safety features, makes using a one a worry-free experience. Get ready for winter and enjoy the warmth a space heating unit can provide.

A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE AND THE LIFE OF OTHERS! To keep those emergency rooms less busy this winter, follow these 10 tips for safe winter driving. 1. Respect the winter weather. "Plan extra time for a trip in the winter," says AAA spokesman Mitch Fuqua. "A trip that might take 30 minutes in May might take you 45 minutes or an hour in the winter." 2. Wear your safety belts. "You have to be protected, no matter what season it is," says Carole Guzzetta of the National Safety Council's Safety Belt Coalition. Make it a rule: Everyone must be buckled up before the vehicle moves. 3. Don't drink and drive. At least 30 percent of those winter-driving crashes that lead to visits to the local hospital involve alcohol, Heegaard says. Remember that you have less reaction time in hazardous conditions. 4. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit. The kit should include some special additions, such as a blanket, a small shovel to dig out snow, sand to help get traction if needed, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, ice scraper/brush and lock deicer. 5. Conduct a pre-trip inspection. Check the antifreeze. Make sure you have proper tires to handle the weather. Be sure you have enough gas for each trip. Wipers must be in good shape to handle snow and ice. Remember to first unstick them from the frozen glass. 6. Be ready for changing conditions. Make sure you have good all-season tires that can handle different types of weather. Check with your auto mechanic or a professional at a tire store to discuss your options. In high snow and ice areas, you may need more than all-season tires. 7. Don't get SUV overconfidence. "The bigger the vehicle, the tougher it is to stop," says Liz Neblett of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While a sport-utility vehicle might get through some tough conditions more easily, it won't stop more quickly, and it may roll over if you make a turn too fast. 8. Know how to react to trouble. If you have antilock brakes, don't pump them. Press them down as hard as you can. If you go into a skid, turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the car to go; that will keep the vehicle from skidding out of control. Then prepare to counter steer 2 or 3 times. 9. Leave some space. Follow the 3-second rule. After the vehicle in front of you passes a stationary object, you should be able to count for 3 seconds before your vehicle passes the same object. Add 1 more second for each driving condition that deteriorates. 10. Defuse road rage. One-fourth of drivers in a recent AAA survey admitted they have expressed anger at other drivers. To avoid becoming a road-rage statistic, leave more room between yourself and other drivers. Stay out of the left lane if you're going slow. And don't play games on the road. BEFORE WINTER STARTS - MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THESE IN YOUR TRUNK: 1) Snow scraper/brush 2) Collapsible Shovel 3) Windshield-Washer Fluid 4) De-Icing Sand, Salt or Kitty litter 5) Jumper Cables 6) Tow Rope 7) Flares 8) Flashlight with extra batteries 9) Candles and matches in a waterproof container or bag 10) First Aid Kit 11) Blanket 12) Bottled Water and Snacks WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREAKDOWN IN BAD WEATHER 1) Know where you are! Are there notable landmarks, a major intersection or highway markers? Knowing your location gets help to you faster! 2) If safely out of traffic, wait inside your vehicle and call for help. Heavy snow and rain can make you less visible to other drivers. 3) Switch on your safety/emergency flasher to make your vehicle more visible. 4) Assess your situation and condition of your vehicle. Ventilate the vehicle as necessary and run the engine as little as possible until help arrives. BE PREPARED! HAVE A TECHNICIAN CHECK YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE WINTER. GET SNOW TIRES AND BE SURE YOUR VEHICLE'S FLUIDS HAVE BEEN TOPPED OFF! WHAT DO DO WHEN YOU ARE IN AN ACCIDENT 1) Call the Police or 911 immediately 2) Stay at the scene in a safe location and exchange any necessary information with those involved (names, phone numbers, location of accident, witness names and phone numbers, etc.) 3) Contact your insurance company. If you can take photos al all vehicles and/or property, the accident scene, insurance cards, license plates, etc.