Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs Offers Summer Grilling Safety Tips: Don’t let your barbeque plans go up in flames!
PROVIDENCE – May 4, 2015 – The Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs (RIAFC) is urging Rhode Islanders to take precautions during the summer grilling season.
“For many households, the return of warm weather signals the beginning of the outdoor cooking season,” said RIAFC President Michael Frink, fire chief of the Dunn’s Corners Fire District. “Before people fire up the grill, we ask them to take a few moments to think about grilling safety. Doing this at the start of summer can go a long way toward limiting grill accidents.”
According to Frink, a key concern with gas or charcoal grills is inappropriate placement: he explained that more than one-third of all gas and charcoal grill home fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch.
U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 8,800 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year, including an average of 3,800 structure fires and 5,000 outside fires. These 8,800 fires caused annual average of 10 civilian deaths, 140 reported injuries and $96 million in direct property damage.
“We can’t stress enough the importance of safety while grilling,” said Frink. “It’s easy to become preoccupied while grilling as we visit with family and friends but just that few seconds of neglect can lead to a serious fire.”
Frink provided the following safety tips for reference when grilling:
Make Fire Safety a Priority
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
Charcoal grills
- There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
- If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
- There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Also, said Frink, gas grills should be thoroughly inspected before using for the first time each year. Check for propane cylinder hose leaks by using a light soap and water solution applied to the hose as it will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.
If you find bubbles (or if there is an odor and no flame) immediately turn off the propane tank and grill. If the leak stops after taking this step, get the grill professionally serviced. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. Also, if you smell gas while cooking, immediately step away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
“I encourage people to share these tips with family and friends and speak up if they see someone grilling unsafely,” said Frink. “We can significantly reduce the risk of serious and potentially fatal grilling injuries, but we need the public’s help.”
For more grilling safety tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s web site atwww.nfpa.org
The Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs is a professional organization dedicated to improving efficiency, preparedness and emergency response time, to educating the public about fire safety and to providing a support system for Rhode Island fire chiefs, firefighters and emergency medical technicians in times of crisis.
Recent fires in Rhode Island: FIRE SAFETY Tips to follow!
Recent fires in Rhode Island:
There have been several recent tragic fires in Rhode Island over the last few weeks. Please take the time to be FIRE SAFE! Some tips to keep in mind are as follows.
About Fire Safety & Prevention
Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?
The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.
Fire Safety Tips
- If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help.
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
- Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
- Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.
RI Emergency Management Agency Urges Rhode Islanders to Prepare for Upcoming Winter Storm & Severe Cold Temperatures
Cranston, RI- The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for all of Rhode Island to be in effect Saturday afternoon, February 14, through Sunday evening, February 15. A Winter Storm Watch is issued for the potential accumulation of 6 or more inches of snow in a 12 hour period, or 8 or more inches of snow in a 24 hour period. Some areas of Rhode Island may receive up to a foot of snow.
Strong northerly winds of 25-30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph in some areas, are projected to sweep through the region Sunday afternoon into the evening. These strong winds, combined with snow accumulations, could create blizzard-like conditions and reduce visibility. Anyone traveling in the next 24-36 hours should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to modify travel plans. Power outages could also pose as a potential issue throughout the duration of this winter storm event.
“We are New Englanders and we will continue to do everything we can to be prepared as more winter weather comes our way, but I urge you to please take caution on the roads this weekend,” Governor Gina Raimondo said. “We are expecting potentially dangerous conditions outside, and Rhode Islanders should stay inside and off the roads if possible. Please check on your neighbors and loved ones and make sure they have everything they need to stay safe and warm.”
Base temperatures will be in the teens Saturday into Sunday, and are expected to drop below zero Sunday night into Monday. Wind chill factors will cause the temperatures to fall 10 to 20 degrees below zero from Sunday into Monday.
“Rhode Islanders are urged to remain inside during periods of extreme cold,” said Peter Gaynor, Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. “If you must venture outside during periods of severe cold weather, dress for the conditions by limiting the exposure of bare skin to the cold. Wear proper hats and gloves, cover your face and neck, and dress in warm layers.”
It is important to remember that house fires occur more frequently in the winter due to a lack of proper safety precautions when using alternate heating sources, such as unattended fires and space heaters. To prevent a dangerous fire from occurring this winter, consider the following precautionary tips:
• Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible (i.e. wallpaper, bedding, clothing, etc.)
• Never leave space heaters operating when you are not in the room or when you go to bed. Do not leave children unattended near space heaters.
• Refrain from drying wet clothing over a space heater.
• Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly and replace batteries as necessary.
• Use a fireplace screen when burning fires and burn only wood. NEVER burn paper or plastic.
“Make sure that you have sufficient heating fuel as these next few days are going to be very cold,” Said Director Gaynor. “If you experience a loss of your heating source and need emergency heating, contact your local municipalities or dial 2-1-1. If your power goes out, call National Grid at 1-800-465-1212. For all other emergencies, such as a house fire or an injury, dial 9-1-1.” For more information and for tips on preparing for the extreme cold follow RIEMA on Twitter @RhodeIslandEMA and visit the RIEMA website at www.riema.ri.gov.
(Printed from RIEMA News Release)
SFD Honor Guard appear at Boston Bruin’s Game
On Saturday, February 7, 2015, the Smithfield Fire Department Honor Guard appeared at the Boston Bruin’s game, on the ice!
The Honor Guard was featured in the opening ceremony of the game. Several other members of the Smithfield Fire Department were in the crowd cheering on their brother firefighters and enjoying the game that followed.
Great job to the members of the Honor Guard!
Press Release from Governor Raimondo Regarding Blizzard of 2015
Governor Raimondo Reminds Rhode Islanders to Prepare for Severe Weather |
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Governor Gina M. Raimondo today released the following statement reminding Rhode Islanders to prepare for severe winter weather.
“The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for all of Rhode Island forMonday night through Wednesday morning. We are hard at work tracking the path of the storm, positioning our assets, and preparing to respond. I will remain in regular communication with all of the appropriate agencies, as well as with our municipal and federal partners. Rhode Island will be as ready as possible, but make no mistake: this could be a very severe and dangerous weather event. We will continue to keep you updated before, during, and after the storm.
“I urge all Rhode Islanders to also take the steps necessary now, ahead of the storm, to be prepared. This includes making sure to have sufficient food, water, and fuel for the next few days. You can find more information on this below, and please continue to follow the news for new updates.”
Important Information and Preparedness Tips
Everyone should have supplies for at least three days:
Safety & Travel Preparedness: · Snow will be very heavy and wet in some areas. When shoveling, remember to take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. Keep fire hydrants clear of snow. · Make sure that generators are operated away from the home and in a well ventilated area to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. · Plan long trips carefully, listening to the news/media for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions. · Make an emergency supply kit for your vehicle, in addition to the emergency supply kit for your home. Include a shovel, jumper cables, and a bag of sand · Travel during the day, and if possible, try to take someone along with you · Keep your gas tank full · Install good winter tires with adequate tread · Check your windshield wiper fluid · National Weather Service recommends that all boats should be in port by Noon on Monday. Winter storm may cause isolated power outages. Remember: Do NOT call 911 to report a power outage. Contact National Grid at 1-800-465-1212.
Please monitor social media and the news media for continued updates:
Announcement from Serve Rhode Island: Serve Rhode Island is seeking volunteers to help remove one to two feet of snow after the storm of blizzard conditions forecasted for Monday and Tuesday.
Volunteers will be needed after the storm through Thursday to help elderly and disabled residents with snow removal. Serve Rhode Island will coordinate requests from elderly and disabled residents and assign snow removal jobs as volunteers become available.
Volunteers can sign up online by going to Serve Rhode Island’s website or clicking this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SRI_SAFE-D
Residents who are elderly or disabled and who need snow removal assistance should call Serve Rhode Island at 401-331-2298 beginning Monday morning at 9:00 AM. For all other needs, people should call United Way-2-1-1.
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Facts About Home Holiday Fires – Tips for Safety!
Facts about home holiday fires
- One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
- Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 40 reported home structure Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home structure fires.
- A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every six of Christmas tree fires.
- More than half (56 percent) of home candle fires occur when something that can catch on fire is too close to the candle.
- December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11 percent of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4 percent the rest of the year.
Source: National Fire Protection Association
Tips for holiday safety
It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.
• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots and
excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
• Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders, and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily
Smithfield Fire Department Open House – Saturday, October 18th
Smithfield Fire Department Open House
Saturday, October 18th, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Smithfield Fire Station 1 – 607 Putnam Pike
Pizza & Soda
Sponsored by the Smithfield Fire Department, Home Depot and Papa Gino’s
Safety Tip of the Week: Answers to Common Questions about Smoke Alarms
Answers to common questions about smoke alarms
See below for answers to common questions that community residents ask us about home smoke alarms.
- What types of smoke alarms can I buy?
- There are many brands of smoke alarms on the market, but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.
- Ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms detect different types of fires. Since no one can predict what type of fire might start in their home, the USFA recommends that every home and place where people sleep have:
- Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms. OR
- Dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
- There are also alarms for people with hearing loss. These alarms may have strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to alert those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.
- What powers a smoke alarm?
- Smoke alarms are powered by battery or by your home’s electrical system. If the smoke alarm is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable nine-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. Alarms that get power from your home’s electrical system, or “hardwired,” usually have a back-up battery that will need to be replaced once a year.
- Are smoke alarms expensive?
- Smoke alarms are not expensive and are worth the lives they can help save.
- Alarm type and cost
- Ionization and photoelectric: $6 and up
- Dual sensor: $24 and up
- Smoke alarms with a microprocessor (faster to alert, fewer false alarms): $30 and up
- Radio frequency/wireless (communicate from one to the next without wires: $40 and up)
- Your city, county or state may require a specific type of alarm. Please check with your local fire marshal for information on what type of alarm you need.
- Where do I put smoke alarms in my home?
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- Put smoke alarms on every floor of your home. Also, in every bedroom and in the hallway outside of each sleeping area.
- Choose smoke alarms that communicate with each other, so that if one alarm sounds they all will.
- Place smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on the wall. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best place for your alarm.
- Only qualified electricians should install hardwired smoke alarms.
- How do I take care of my smoke alarm?
- Is your smoke alarm still working? A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all. A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and regularly tested. Take care of your smoke alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Below are some general maintenance tips.
- Smoke alarm powered by a nine-volt battery
- Test the alarm monthly.
- Replace the batteries at least once every year.
- Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.
- Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long-life”) battery
- Test the alarm monthly.
- Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, replace the entire smoke alarm according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Smoke alarm that is hardwired into your home’s electrical system
- Test the alarm monthly.
- Replace the backup battery at least once every year.
- Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.
- What do I do if my smoke alarm sounds while I’m cooking?
- Never take the battery out of your smoke alarm while cooking! If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:
- Open a window or door and press the “hush” button.
- Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air.
- Move the entire alarm several feet away from the kitchen or bathroom.
- Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.
Home Fire Escape Planning – have two ways out!
Plan and practice home fire drills at least twice a year. Make sure you know two ways out of each room.
If you have children and want to make this a family activity:
• Make a map of your home. Mark a door and a window that can be used to get out of every room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped and where firefighters can see you and know you are out. Draw a picture of your outside meeting place on your escape plan.
• Write the emergency telephone number for the fire department on your escape plan.
• Sound the smoke alarm, and practice your escape drill with everyone in your home.
• Keep your escape plan on the refrigerator, and practice the drill twice a year or whenever anyone in your home celebrates a birthday.
If your family is all adults:
• Walk through your home, and identify two ways out of each room.
• Choose a meeting place outside in front of your home. This is where everyone can meet once they’ve escaped and where firefighters can see you and know you are out.
• Make sure everyone knows the emergency number for your local fire department.
• Practice your escape drill twice a year.
[CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR A COPY OF AN ESCAPE PLAN GRID]
Safety Tip of the Week: Smokey Bear’s Campfire Safety Guide
Smokey Bear’s Campfire Safety Guide Sections
How to Pick Your Spot
Here are steps for picking your burning site to promote wildfire safety.
More
How to Build and/or Prepare Your Campfire Pit
Before you start your campfire, you need to prepare and arrange an appropriate pit.
More
How to Build Your Campfire
If you find a good pit at your campsite, it’s time to safely build your campfire!
More
How to Maintain and Extinguish Your Campfire
Safety doesn’t end when the fire’s lit. Learn how to safely maintain and put out your campfire here.
More
Safety Tip of the Week: Grilling
GRILLING SAFETY TIPS
Download these NFPA safety tips on grilling. (PDF, 427 KB)
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
Charcoal grills
- There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
- If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
- Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
- There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
- When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Propane grills
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill
Safety Tip of the Week: BE INFORMED
BE INFORMED
Learn what protective measures to take before, during, and after an emergency
MYTH: I DON’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT DISASTERS WHERE I LIVE.
Emergency preparedness is not only for Californians, Midwesterners and Gulf Coast residents. Most communities may be impacted by several types of hazards during a lifetime. Americans also travel more than ever before to areas with different hazard risks than at home.
Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. Use this site to learn about potential emergencies that can happen and how to prepare for and respond to them.
BASIC PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR ALL HAZARDS
Some basic protective actions are similar across many different hazards:
- Physical safety is a concern for all hazards and may involve sheltering or evacuating.
- Develop a family communications plan
- Make an emergency supply kit to be prepared for any type of disaster.
- Learn about receiving emergency alerts and local emergency plans for shelter and evacuation, local emergency contacts, and local advance alerts and warnings.
- When recovering from a disaster, safety as well as mental and physical well-being must be considered.
Safety Tip of the Week: Summer Safety Rules
Thinking About Yourself
- Avoid the Heat. Stay out of the heat and indoors as much as possible. Spend time in an air conditioned space. Only two hours a day in an air-conditioned space can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Shopping malls offer relief if your home is not air-conditioned. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember, electric fans do not cool, they just blow hot air around.
- Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
- Drink FOR the Heat. Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Even under moderately strenuous outdoor activity, the rate your body can absorb fluids is less than the rate it loses water due to perspiration. However, if you have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- Do not drink IN the Heat. Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and cola. Alcohol and caffeine constrict blood vessels near the skin reducing the amount of heat the body can release. Although beer and alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.
- Eat for the Heat. Eat small meals more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein because they increase metabolic heat. Avoid using salt tablets, unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Living in the Heat. Slow down. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities such as running, biking and lawn care work when it heats up. The best times for such activities are during early morning and late evening hours. Take cool baths or showers and use cool, wet towels.
- Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.
Thinking About Others
- Do not leave children in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. This is a “No-Brainer”. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140°F-190°F degrees within 30 minutes on a hot, sunny day. However, despite this common sense rule, deaths from heat occur almost every Summer when someone leaves their child in a closed vehicle.
- When outdoors, protect small children from the sun, their skin is sensitive.
- Help your pets keep their cool. It will “feel” as hot for them as it will for you. As with children, do not leave your pets in a closed vehicle. Be sure your animals have access to shade and a water bowl full of cold, clean water. Dogs don’t tolerate heat well because they don’t sweat. Their bodies get hot and stay hot. During summer heat, avoid outdoor games or jogging with your pet. If you would not walk across hot, sunbaked asphalt barefoot, don’t make your dog walk on it either. (Dogs can also get blisters on their paws from hot pavement.)
- Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.
Thinking About Your Environment
- Protect windows. Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80%.
- Conserve electricity. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air conditioning which can lead to a power shortage or outage. Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use.
- Keep lights turned down or turned off.
- Avoid using the oven.
- Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.
Fireworks Safety from the United States Fire Administration
Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor cooking.
The best way to protect their families is to not use fireworks at home – period. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends attending public fireworks displays and leaving the lighting to the professionals.
A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that over 200 people on average go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. Fireworks are dangerous!
Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.