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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Intentionally set fires in Rainier Ave. S. and Beacon Hill vicinity

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The Seattle Fire Department and Police Department have recently seen an uptick in intentionally set fires in the Rainier Ave. S. and Beacon Hill vicinity. Most of the fires have occurred in dumpster receptacles and recycling bins, at construction sites, at businesses and sometimes residences. On Aug 20, the fire department responded to a large 3-alarm fire on Sturgus Ave. S. and a structure fire at a fruit stand on Rainier Ave. S., both of which were intentionally set. It is unknown at this time if the fires are related. Most of the fires have occurred between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.

The Seattle Fire Department’s fire investigators continue to work closely with the Seattle Police Department’s Arson and Bomb Squad to share information regarding the ongoing investigations.

In light of these recent events, SFD and SPD are urging the public to immediately call 911 if you see someone setting an illegal fire, and to take steps to reduce the chance of a fire occurring at your home or business.

The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering an award from its annual $10,000 award fund to anyone with information that leads to the arrest or conviction of those responsible for setting recent fires in the vicinity. Call 1-800-55-ARSON or email SFD_FIU@seattle.gov with any information about these fires – you can choose to remain anonymous.

General information on new fires that occur in the Rainier Ave. S. and Beacon Hill vicinity will be posted to this blog on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This blog includes fires as far back as Aug. 20 (though many set fires occurred before this date). Further details regarding recent fires are kept confidential to maintain the integrity of the investigative process. Note: fires that occur the same day as an update may not be included immediately, as final reports by fire investigators are typically released the following day.

Updated on Oct. 23:

  • Aug. 20: 1000 Block of Sturgus Ave. – 3-alarm fire at a construction site
  • Aug. 20: 2000 Block of Rainier Ave. S. – structure fire at fruit market
  • Aug. 21: 3800 Block of Cortland Pl. S. – vehicle fire
  • Aug. 23: 3800 Block of Rainier Ave. S. – dumpster fire
  • Sept. 1: 23rd Ave. S. and S. Plum St. – small fire at a construction site
  • Sept. 12: 1000 Block of Sturgus Ave. S. – small fire at previously burned construction site
  • Sept. 16: 4900 Block of 28th Ave. S. – small fire at a construction site
  • Oct. 5: Rainier Ave. S. and S. Dakota St. – debris fire
  • Oct. 5: 4000 Block of Rainier Ave. S. – fire to shopping cart and recycling bins
  • Oct. 5: 3600 Block of 33rd Ave. S. – dumpster fire
  • Oct. 5: 3400 Block of S. Horton St. – dumpster fire
  • Oct. 5: S. Walde St. and S. Della St. – couch fire
  • Oct. 5: 23rd Ave. S. and S. Massachusetts St. – fire in porta pottys
  • Oct. 6: 2500 Blk. of Lake Park Dr. S. – debris fire in a bathroom facility at Mt. Baker Park
  • Oct. 13: 3000 Blk. of Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. – vehicle fire
  • Oct. 23: 2500 Blk. of 29th Ave. S. – dumpster fire
  • Oct. 30: S. Dakota St. and Rainier Ave So. – vehicle fire

Thanksgiving is a little different this year but safety remains on the table

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While Thanksgiving gatherings will be smaller this year, being safe in the kitchen will be just as important. Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking-related fires in the U.S.

How to be safe in the kitchen

  • Check on food regularly while cooking – unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires.
  • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the stove.
  • Remove flammables such as towels, oven mitts and food packaging away from the stove top.
  • If a fire starts on the stove top, cover it with a lid or metal cookie sheet and turn the stove off. Do not throw water on a grease fire.
  • If you experience a fire beyond the pan that has spread, get outside of the home or apartment and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Keep the stove top clean and clear of anything that can burn

A word about turkey frying

If you are considering frying a turkey, be very careful. Large quantities of hot cooking oil can pose a significant fire and serious burn risk. The US Fire Administration has some recommendations if you decide to fry a turkey this year.

Thanksgiving safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Do you know how to respond to someone choking?

If someone appears to have food lodged in their throat and is coughing, encourage them to continue coughing. Do not try to help by slapping their back.  If they are coughing, that means that air is getting through.

However, if the person shows signs of choking such as not being able to breathe, cough, or speak, is making high pitched sounds when breathing or they are doing the universal sign of holding the throat with one or both hands, choking rescue abdominal thrusts will be necessary.

If displaying any of the above signs, ask person if they can speak. If they can speak, allow them to continue coughing, unassisted

If they are unable to speak or breathe, proceed with abdominal thrusts to help them.            

  • Position your leg between person’s legs, to better catch them if they become unconscious and fall.
  • Make a fist with one hand
  • Put the thumb side a little above the bellybutton
  • Take free hand and grasp fist and push hard and quick upward into abdomen area
  • Continue thrusts until object is expelled, or when person is able to breathe, cough, or talk. If person becomes unconscious, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR
  • Always follow up with a medical professional

When the Weather Outside is Frightful …

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The ambiance of a warm fire is so delightful. With fall weather in full swing and holidays just around the corner, a fire in the fireplace can do wonders for your soul and lessen the chill of a cold, damp evening.

Whether you use a gas or wood-burning fireplace, keep these tips in mind to ensure safety around your hearth and home.

Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires.

Before using:

  • Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector installed on the same level as the fireplace.
  • Have a qualified professional clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year. Repair any cracks to your chimney or fireplace.

For wood-burning fireplaces:

  • Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen to prevent sparks from landing on combustible materials in the room.
  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from the hearth.
  • If possible, allow ashes and coals to cool in the area where you had the fire for several days. Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to contain heat safely.
  • When it is time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down. Do not add other combustibles to the container.
  • Store cooled ashes in a tightly covered metal container. Keep it outside at least 10 feet from your home and any nearby buildings.
  • Make sure ashes have cooled completely before disposing them in the dumpster or garbage.

For gas fireplaces:

  • Have a technician do an annual check-up to make sure connections are tight and clean, the log insert is clear of debris, and the fireplace itself is free of residue and other materials that can build up during normal burning.
  • Use your fireplace for short periods of time – hours, not full days.
  • Do not leave your fireplace unattended and talk to your professional about leaving the pilot light on.
  • Turn the fireplace off when not in use.
  • Keep pets and young children at least three feet away, and place barriers around the fireplace.
  • Stay attentive! Glass panels heat can up to 500 degrees F., hot enough to cause a severe burn in less than a second from contact. See diagram below for more:
Keep your young child safe when using a gas fireplaces.

As with any heat-producing device, setting up fire safe practices within your household can go a long way toward preventing home fires throughout the season.

Electrical fire safety: keep an eye on extension cords and wall outlets

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Overloaded electrical outlet

Did you know that over half of all home electrical fires involve lighting equipment or home electrical wiring? Overloaded outlets and the misuse of extension cords are common electrical issues that can cause a home fire. Fortunately, there are some basic steps to take to prevent such fires.

Safety tips:

  • Use as few cord adapters and extension cords as possible. Instead use a power strip that has a surge protector.
  • Extension cords should only used for temporary use. They should not be tacked to walls or run under rugs.
  • Small appliances, like the toaster should be unplugged when not in use.
  • Check your electrical cords. If they are cracked or damaged, replace them. Don’t try to repair them.
  • Don’t overload extension cords or wall outlets.
  • Never use extension cords with appliances. Plug them directly into wall outlets.

Call a qualified electrician or the landlord if you experience any of the following:

  • Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
  • A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
  • Discolored or warm wall outlets
  • A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Sparks from an outlet
Check your electrical cords. If they are cracked or damaged, replace them. Don’t try to repair them.

National First Responders Day

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Collage of Seattle Firefighters and paramedics.

U.S. Congress designated Oct. 28, as National First Responders Day to honor the firefighters, paramedics, police officers, EMTs and all those who are first on the scene in emergency situations. We thank all of our firefighters and paramedics along with the partnering agencies we work with to help people in emergencies. #NationalFirstRespondersDay #HereToServe

Fire Prevention Month: Heating Fire Safety

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give heaters space to prevent a fire

This week for Fire Prevention Month we are highlighting the fire risks related to heating which is the second main cause of home fires in the U.S.

Consider taking these precautions to prevent heating-related fires in your home.

  • Give your heaters space. Do not put anything close to any type of heater.
  • Never use an extension cord with a portable heater. Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.
  • Make sure your portable heater is tested by an independent testing laboratory and has an automatic shut off feature if it tips over.
  • Turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or before going to bed.
  • Never permit any item to drape across heaters.
  • Clean or replace furnace filters regularly.
  • Inspect all heating equipment yearly and always hire an experienced electrician to do any necessary repair work on your baseboard heaters.
Never use an extension cord with a space heater. Always plug the space heater directly into an outlet.

Learn more:

Heating Fire Safety Handout

NFPA Heating Safety Tip Sheet

City of Seattle Extends Free Street Use Permits for Businesses Through October 31, 2021

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This information was shared from the City of Seattle.

City Will Provide Free Tent and Heating Permits to Help Businesses Maintain Outdoor Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic

SEATTLE (October 21, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today that the Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) temporary street use permits are extended through October 31, 2021. These free permits allow small businesses to expand their operations outside to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while remaining in compliance with local and statewide public health guidance and requirements. This extension impacts free sidewalk café and curb space permits as well as free street closure permits. In addition, the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) will immediately begin issuing free tent permits and heating permits to help businesses maintain operations during the colder, rainier months ahead.

“The COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic devastation has caused so many of our small businesses to face the potential of closing their doors forever,” said Mayor Durkan. “For many of our small businesses, the ability to operate outside – even at a limited capacity – provides a much-needed lifeline during these challenging times. At the City, we’re committed to helping our small businesses safely and feasibly reopen and sustain operations even as it gets rainy and cold. That’s why we’re extending our free street use permits for over a year, and reducing barriers to access so small businesses can stay open outside in a way that’s safe and comfortable for their customers.”

“This is an important step – we need to continue using our rights-of-way to promote and sustain economic activity amidst this pandemic. Businesses need predictability to weather the winter using Street Cafés, and these permits provide that ability. I thank the Mayor’s team for creating these new guidelines quickly. Café Streets should be a permanent feature in Seattle. Today’s extension is another step in that direction – to test what works and what doesn’t work for businesses, neighborhoods, and people over the next year,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6, Northwest Seattle). “Even before COVID-19 I wanted to see places like Ballard Avenue and streets throughout Seattle pedestrianized so that we can utilize and enjoy the public space we already have in our neighborhoods. Café Streets and Street Cafés have important economic value in our neighborhoods and city. We will get through this pandemic together and Café Streets are one way we thrive during this time.”

To date, SDOT has issued 151 free street use permits, including 11 blocks that have been opened for small businesses in neighborhoods across Seattle.

The free sidewalk café and curb space permits allow restaurants, retail stores, vending trucks and carts to operate in the sidewalk or curb space while the free street closure permits allow businesses to operate in one or more blocks in front of their business. As part of the permitting process for a street closure, applicants need to notify and demonstrate support from neighboring businesses and residents of proposed open streets for businesses. While typical permit costs are waived, applicants are responsible for any expenses related to the street closure proposal – such as barricades, temporary no parking signs, and tables and chairs. Applicants will be required to adhere to all relevant state and local public health guidance. For more information, including how to schedule an applicant coaching session, please visit SDOT’s website or e-mail publicspace@seattle.gov.

“Extending street permits for dining until next fall will help us by accommodating more diners through the winter months and into next spring and summer. The Mayor has continued to listen to small business owners and implement much needed changes to help Seattle restaurants keep employees and customers safe, and financially survive the pandemic,” said Linda Morton, President, Seattle Restaurant Alliance.

“The street eatery permits have been a huge help in staying afloat for us and fellow restauranteurs,” said Charlie Anthe & Rumi Ohnui, owners of Moshi Moshi in Ballard. “Even with colder weather arriving, knowing that these permits will be available to us without interruption relieves a lot of anxiety about planning, and gives us the ability to adapt to customer seating preferences through the next year.”

“This is great news, now we can really put our energy and resources into making our outside dining space a true extension of our interior dining room. I am so excited to be able to treat our guests to the safety and peace of mind that comes with dining in the open air while enjoying the classic mamnoon experience,” said Jen Kligerman, General Manager, mamnoon on Capitol Hill.

“Being able to dine at an outdoor café or browse merchandise displays on the sidewalk is great for residents and businesses alike“ said Marci Carpenter of the National Federation of the Blind of Washington. “These programs can only be successful, however, if businesses provide a safe, straightforward pathway for all pedestrians to continue to access sidewalks.“

In addition, the Seattle Fire Department will immediately begin issuing free, 90-day tent permits to help small businesses continue their operations outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. All free tent permits must align with SFD regulations, including complying with the fire code. Refunds will be provided for tent permits issued since July 1, 2020, when the purpose was to move a business or service outside given public health restrictions on indoor use. 

SFD will also issue free heating permits to businesses operating outdoors due to COVID-19, effective immediately and continuing through October 31, 2021. Permittees who already paid for a heating permit since July 1, 2020 will be refunded. Outdoor dining equipment can now remain outside 24/7, however the City recommends that a business owner bring their equipment inside during a severe weather event (propane must remain outside).

Refunds may take up to six-eight weeks to be issued by the City. Interested applicants can review this flyer and contact permits@seattle.gov for more information or questions about a refund.

SDOT has also created winter weather guidelines for all equipment a small business owner may need to operate outside during the coming months. Business owners can review this flyer with more information.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, we’ve reimagined how to use the public right-of-way to create opportunities and tools to support our City’s small businesses,” said Seattle Department of Transportation Director Sam Zimbabwe. “We got an overwhelmingly positive response from both residents and businesses for our temporary street café and retail permit options. By extending the duration of the permits and publishing winter weather guidance for permit holders, we’re providing certainty for our small businesses so they can rely on these tools year round.” 

The City continues to develop creative new policies to help small business owners operate outside in a way that’s comfortable, safe, and healthy for their customers. The City will have more information on new initiatives in the coming weeks.

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Fire Prevention Month: Calling 9-1-1 for Emergencies

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  • call 911 and know your address
Call 9-1-1 for an emergency. Know your location. A clear address on your home makes it easier for firefighters to locate you.

October is Fire Prevention Month in Seattle and this week the Seattle Fire Department is highlighting calling 9-1-1 for emergencies. 9-1-1 is a critical part of our emergency response system.

When someone calls 9-1-1 for a medical or fire emergency in Seattle, the call is dispatched to the Fire Alarm Center where firefighters are ready to get some critical information from the caller so that they can send help right away.

Below is some basic information on calling 9-1-1 in several languages.

English

CALL 9-1-1 or send someone else to call 9-1-1 for fire, medical or police emergencies.

  1. If there is a fire, call 9-1-1 after you are outside and away from the fire and smoke.
  2. Know your address or location
  • Say your language, if it is not English and stay on the phone. Do not hang up.

Spanish

LLAME AL 9-1-1 o pídale a alguien que llame al 9-1-1 en caso de incendio, emergencias médicas o policiales.

  1. Si hay un incendio, llame al 9-1-1 luego de haber salido y estar lejos del fuego y el humo.
  2. Tiene que saber dónde se encuentra.
  • Diga qué idioma habla si no es inglés y quédese al teléfono. No cuelgue.

Chinese

如遇火災、醫療或治安緊急事件，請致電 9-1-1 或派其他人致電 9-1-1。

  1. 如果發生火災，請在您逃離現場，遠離火災和煙霧後，致電 9-1-1。
  2. 瞭解您的地址或位置
  • 說出您的語言，如果不是英語，請保持通話。不要掛線。

Vietnamese

GỌI 9-1-1 hoặc nhờ ai đó gọi 9-1-1 trong trường hợp hỏa hoạn, cấp cứu y tế hoặc trường hợp khẩn cấp cần cảnh sát.

  1. Nếu xảy ra hỏa hoạn, hãy gọi 9-1-1 sau khi quý vị đã ở bên ngoài và tránh xa đám cháy và khói.
  2. Biết địa chỉ hoặc vị trí của quý vị
  • Nói ngôn ngữ của quý vị, nếu không phải là Tiếng Anh và giữ máy. Không tắt máy.

Korean

화재, 의료진 또는 경찰의 도움이 필요한 비상사태의 경우에는 9-1-1로 직접 신고하거나 주변 사람에게 9-1-1로 신고해 달라고 부탁하세요.

  1. 화재가 발생한 경우에는 화재 및 연기를 피해 건물 밖으로 나와 9-1-1로 신고하세요.
  2. 주소나 현재 위치를 알고 있어야 합니다.
  • 영어를 못하더라도 전화를 끊지 말고 자신의 언어로 말하세요. 전화를 절대 끊지 마세요.

Cambodian/Khmer

ទូរសព្ទទៅលេខ 9-1-1 ឬឱ្យនរណាម្នាក់ទូរសព្ទទៅលេខ 9-1-1 សម្រាប់​គ្រាមានអាសន្ន​ពាក់ព័ន្ធ​អគ្គិភ័យ វេជ្ជសាស្ត្រ ឬត្រូវការប៉ូលីស។

  1. ប្រសិនបើមានអគ្គិភ័យ សូមទូរសព្ទទៅលេខ 9-1-1 បន្ទាប់ពីអ្នក​ចេញ​មក​ក្រៅ និងនៅឆ្ងាយពីភ្លើងនិងផ្សែង។
  2. ស្គាល់​អាសយដ្ឋាន ឬទីតាំងរបស់អ្នក
  • និយាយភាសារបស់អ្នក ប្រសិនបើមិនមែនជាភាសាអង់គ្លេស ហើយនៅបន្ត​ស្ដាប់ទូរសព្ទ កុំដាក់ទូរសព្ទចុះ។

Amharic

ለእሳት፣ ለህክምና፣ ወይም ለፖሊስ ድንገተኛ ጥሪዎች ወደ 9-1-1 ይደውሉ ወይም ሌላ ሰው ወደ 9-1-1 እንዲደውል ይላኩ።

  1. እሳት ካለ፣ ወደ ውጪ ከወጡ እና ከእሳቱ እና ከጭሱ ከራቁ በኋላ ወደ 9-1-1 ይደውሉ።
  2. አድራሻዎን ወይም ያሉበትን ስፍራ ይወቁ
  • እንግሊዝኛ ካልሆነ፣ ቋንቋዎ ምን እንደሆነ ይናገሩና በመስመር ላይ ይቆዩ። ስልኩን አይዝጉት።

Tigrinya

ባርዕ፣ ናይ ጥዕና ወይ ናይ ፖሊስ ሃንደበታዊ ሓደጋታት እንተበጺሖም ናብ 9-1-1 ደውሉ ወይ ካልእ ሰብ ናብ 9-1-1 ክድውል ስደዱ።

  1. ሓዊ ቃጸሎ እንተልዩ፣ ካብቲ ሓዊን ትኪን ርሒቕኩም ናብ 9-1-1 ደውሉ።
  2. ኣድራሻኹም ወይ ቦታኹም ፍለጡ
  • ቋንቋኹም ነጊርኩም፡ እንግሊዝ እንተዘይኮይኑ ኣብቲ ተሌፎን ጽንሑ። ነቲ ተሌፎን ኣይትዕጸውዎ።

Oromo

9-1-1 tti BILBILAA yookin balaa abiddaaf, waldhaansa yaaalaf yookin poolisa hatattamaaf 9-1-1 tti akka bilbilaniif nama ergaa.

  1. Balaan abiddaa yoo mudate, bakka balaa ibiddaa yookin aara isaa irraa gara alaatti erga baatanii booda 9-1-1 tti bilbilaa.
  2. Teesso fi iddoo argama keessanii beekuu qabdu
  • Yoo Ingiliffaa hin taane, afaan keessan itti himaa. Bilbila hin cufinaa.

Somali

WAC 9-1-1 ama qof udir inuu waco 9-1-1 marka uu dab kaco, ay jiraan xaalado degdeg ah oo dhanka caafimaadka ama booliiska.

  1. Haddii dab kaco, wac 9-1-1 markaad banaanka u baxdo kana fogaato dabka iyo qiiqa.
  2. Baro ciwaankaaga iyo meesha aad joogto
  • Sheeg luuqada aad kuhadasho, hadaysan Ingiriis ahayn hana ka bixin khadka taleefanka. Ha jarin wicitaanka.

Arabic

اتصل بالرقم 1-1-9 أو أرسل شخصًا آخر للاتصال بالرقم 1-1-9 في حالات الحرائق، أو الطوارئ الطبية أو طوارئ الشرطة.

  1. إذا اندلع حريق، فاتصل بالرقم 1-1-9 بعد خروجك وابتعادك عن الحريق والدخان.
  2. اعرف عنوانك ومكانك
  • اذكر لغتك، إذا لم تكن الإنجليزية وابقَ على الخط. لا تغلق الهاتف.

Russian

ПОЗВОНИТЕ сами или отправьте кого-нибудь позвонить 9-1-1 в случае пожара, угрожающих жизни ситуаций со здоровьем или при необходимости вмешательства полиции.

  1. В случае пожара звоните 9-1-1 после того, как вы выбрались наружу и находитесь на безопасном расстоянии от огня и дыма.
  2. Узнайте свой адрес или местонахождение.
  • Назовите свой язык, если это не английский, и оставайтесь на связи. Не прекращайте звонок.

Ukrainian

ЗАТЕЛЕФОНУЙТЕ самі або попросіть кого-небудь зателефонувати 9-1-1 у разі пожежі, загрози здоров’ю або у випадку необхідності втручання поліції.

  1. У разі пожежі телефонуйте 9-1-1 після того, як ви вибралися назовні та перебуваєте на безпечній відстані від вогню та диму.
  2. Дізнайтеся свою адресу або де ви перебуваєте.
  • Якщо ви не володієте англійською мовою, повідомте, якою мовою ви володієте, та залишайтеся на лінії. Не кладіть слухавку.

Don’t Get Spooked this Halloween – It Can Still Be Safe and Fun for All

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As with so many things this year, celebrating a holiday like Halloween during a global pandemic can still be done. It just takes on a different look and feel to keep everyone safe.

In addition to our Fire Safety tips above, consider these 2020 tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to keep your ghouls, goblins, sports stars and superheroes from getting unnecessarily exposed to COVID-19, which would be the scariest fright of all.

Virtual Costume Parties & Parades
Host a video chat for an online party where friends and family can show off their costumes and play games.

Spooky Movie Night
Celebrate with a movie night and dress as your favorite characters. Do this as a family at home or watch with friends while video chatting, with everyone starting the movie at the same time.

Pumpkins
Have your child draw a face on a pumpkin with markers, then have an adult do the cutting. Take care to take small strokes and direct the blade away from yourself and others. Consider using a pumpkin saw and avoid large blades that can become lodged in the pumpkin. Place a battery-operated candle or glow stick inside.

Check out Sparky’s Halloween pumpkin template to learn other carving tips.

Halloween-themed Treats

  • Bake and decorate Halloween cupcakes as a family.
  • Decorate a pizza with toppings in the shape of a jack-o’-lantern.
  • Make tangerine pumpkins by peeling a tangerine and sticking a thin slice of celery on top as a stem.

If You Do Go Trick-or-Treating …

Make sure decorated cloth face masks are breathable and non-toxic.
  • Look for an outdoor venue or event, but stay away from crowds and avoid clusters of people.
  • Keep a supply of hand sanitizer with you.
  • Use a cloth face mask as part of your costume, but avoid paint as that can be toxic.

At Home

  • Sweep wet leaves from sidewalks and steps.
  • Check outdoor lights and replace burnt-out bulbs.
  • Remove any trip hazards such as garden hoses, toys, bikes or other lawn decorations on the front porch or yard.
  • Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump or bite an unsuspecting trick-or-treater.

Have a Safe and Happy Howl-a-Ween Everyone!

World Restart a Heart Day 2020

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The 16th of October is World Restart a Heart Day

October 16 is World Restart a Heart Day. A day to build awareness about the importance of learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Even though the Seattle Fire Department is not offering in-person CPR classes during this stage of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to review the simple and effective steps to perform hands-only CPR. Most out of hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. Bystander CPR can make a big difference.

If you see someone collapse, follow these steps:

  1. Call 911 – Give specific information to the dispatcher, starting with the location. Is an AED available? If so, send someone to retrieve it and use it as soon as you can.
  2. Make sure the scene is safe
  3. Quickly determine if the person needs CPR – If the person is not responsive or not breathing normally – tap them on the shoulder and shout, “Are you ok. Are you ok?” If the person doesn’t move, speak, blink, or otherwise react, then he or she is not responding.
  4. Begin Chest Compressions – Use two hands, with straight arms, and push down hard and fast in the center of the chest. Make sure compressions are at least 2-inches deep, and are at the rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. (list of songs with beats at this rate)
  5. Don’t stop compressions until help arrives or take turns with someone if you get tired

Hands-only CPR Resources:

CPR/AED Video in English

Hands-only CPR handout in 15 languages

Hands-only CPR video from the American Heart Association in English (in Spanish)

For a fun CPR video/dance party check out this video

Learn about and download the PulsePoint app and how it alerts community members when CPR is needed in real-time

Need a song that is between 100-120 beats per minute? Check out this playlist.

Fire Prevention Month: The Home Protection System You Can’t Afford to Be Without

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Pop quiz: You’re home sleeping in bed at night. Suddenly, the smoke alarm sounds, abruptly waking you from a sound sleep. What do you do?

a. Put the pillow over your head to drown out the noise.
b. Roll over and go back to sleep.
c. Curse and mutter about yet another disrupted night’s sleep
d. Get up, check your home or apartment for fire, alert others of the problem, and get everyone out quickly if you discover fire.

Don’t be a pillow head when the alarm sounds!

The answer is obvious, no?

Early warning of impending danger makes all the difference in saving the lives of your family should fire erupt in the middle of the night. With fire known to spread and double in size in just minutes, time is of the essence. A smoke alarm, better yet, a hardwired, integrated system of combo smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms throughout your home or apartment, is something you can’t afford to be without.

During these pandemic days, with many of us spending more time at home, maintaining a working smoke alarm has never been more important. Even the most vigilant among us cannot stay awake 24 hours a day. We need something we can depend on.

A smoke alarm is your “nose at night.”

Check your home for the following:
• We have smoke or smoke/CO alarms installed on every level of the house.
• Our smoke alarms are hardwired and inter-connected; if one goes off, they all do.
• Our smoke alarms are placed at or near ceiling-level, in hallways, bedrooms and other main living areas.
• We test our alarms regularly and change the batteries at least annually.
• We keep our alarms clear of dust, spider webs and insects by vacuuming them.
• Everyone in our household recognizes the sound of the alarms and knows how to escape quickly in the event of fire.

Think of a smoke alarm as your “nose at night,” staying on guard while you sleep. That should bring peace of mind and help ensure a restful night, knowing your home is protected.