SEATTLE – Ahead of planned protests this weekend, the Seattle Fire Department recommends residents and businesses in Capitol Hill and the downtown core take steps to keep their property safe. The largest event is planned for Saturday, June 14, which will begin at Cal Anderson Park and will likely have a march that follows through the downtown core to the Seattle Center. Follow these tips to stay fire safe:
- Secure business and garage area by locking doors and windows.
- Clean up wastepaper, grasses, weeds, litter or any combustibles from around buildings.
- Do not allow dumpsters to become overfilled.
- Locate commercial dumpsters and containers at least five feet away from combustible walls and roof eave lines. Use only metal or metal-lined receptacles.
- Place locks on commercial dumpsters or keep in secured area.
- Install or activate motion-sensor lights.
- Test fire and life safety systems, including fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, to ensure they are working.
- Develop and practice a fire escape plan.
- Keep exit ways clear of boxes and other debris which could hamper evacuation.
Additional tips for construction sites:
- Secure security fencing at construction sites.
- Store solvents, fuels and tools in a locked storage container or remove them from the job site when you are not using them.
- Remove trash and debris from the job site and try not to store excess materials.
- Secure doors and windows on structures when crews are not actively working on the property.
If a fire occurs:
- If inside a structure, implement your fire evacuation plan and exit the building.
- Call 911 to report the location of the fire, and do not assume someone else has already called.
- Report to 911 and responding crews if anyone could still be inside.
- Remember that devices powered by lithium-ion batteries (electric bikes, electric scooters, etc.) can explode if they catch on fire. Read more on SFD’s website for fire safety hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries.
Follow x.com/seattlefire for updates on significant incidents, and sign-up for AlertSeattle at alert.seattle.gov to receive emergency notifications from the City of Seattle.