In case you did not test and replace your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm batteries this past weekend for the the start of Daylight Saving Time, now is the time to do so.

Changing smoke and CO alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce home fire deaths and CO poisoning. In fact, working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly one-half  by providing an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape. Consider installing a long-life battery powered smoke/CO alarm to avoid yearly battery replacements.

Every home in Seattle should have the protection of smoke/CO alarms. The Seattle Fire Department can install 10 year long-life combination smoke/CO alarms free of charge in homes where the homeowner is either an older adult, living on a low income, or has a disability. If you live outside the city of Seattle, please contact your local Fire Department to request assistance. To request a free smoke/CO alarm from the Seattle Fire Department fill out an online form or call (206) 386-1337 or email fireinfo@seattle.gov.

Learn more about smoke/CO alarms.

 

 

Every year thousands of firefighters from around the world come to Seattle to compete in the world’s largest firefighter fundraising event.   Money raised will go towards fighting Leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease and myeloma which are blood cancers that affect firefighters at a higher rate than the general population.

Firefighters representing 341 fire departments wore their full firefighting protective gear including their breathing apparatus and climbed 69 floors (788 vertical feet) using only the air available in the bottles on their backs. Even though the event is run like a race to the top, the real competition is how much money each fire department collects.

Seattle Fire – Team Tristan Smith with about 80 members strong are working hard to try and take the lead on this important fund raising competition. On race day the Seattle Firefighter Team was in 3rd place for fund raising capabilities (behind Everett and Boise).  Please support your home team and donate to Seattle Fire – Team Tristan Smith, it is just a click away.  The deadline is April 11, 2019 so keep pushing this valuable fundraising event and make Seattle #1!

http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/LLSWA/llswaFF?team_id=67832&pg=team&fr_id=1620

Did you know that it takes only two seconds of exposure to 148°F (64°C) water to cause a burn serious enough to require surgery! Coffee is often served at 175°F (79°C), making it high-risk for causing immediate severe scald burns. For National Burn Awareness Week (February 3-9, 2019), the theme is scalds and how to prevent them.

Most common rooms for burn injuries are the kitchen and bathroom. Babies and small children are especially vulnerable to scalds from hot water or steam.

How to prevent scalds at home:

• Never leave a child alone in the bathroom or kitchen. If you must leave the room, take the child with you.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
• Consider installing water faucets and showerheads containing anti-scald technology.
• Keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges. Never carry or hold children and hot foods and/or liquids at the same time.
• Use back burners, and turn pot handles to the back of the stove when cooking.
• Keep appliance cords out of children’s reach, especially if the appliances contain hot foods or liquids.

More information from the American Burn Association.

During times of celebration, there are common fire safety issues that all communities experience. Keep these safety considerations in mind this Chinese New Year and Vietnamese New Year (February 5).

Celebrations mean cooking and sharing food. Cooking related fires remain the main cause of fires during holidays and celebrations.

When cooking:

• Most fires start from cooking left unattended – use a timer, never leave when cooking, especially when cooking with oil.
• If a pot is on fire, cover it with a lid or flat metal pan.

If using incense and candles:

• Use battery powered candles instead of wax candles to be extra safe.
• Keep incense and candles away from drapes, pillows, bedding and anything that can burn!
• Burn incense or candles in a sturdy, heat resistant container.
• Put incense and candles out before leaving the room or before going to bed.

Smoke/Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms:

• Install smoke and CO alarms on every level of your home
• Smoke alarms should never be disabled. Use a dish towel to stop the alarm from beeping if cooking smoke sets it off.
• Test the smoke alarm by pushing the test button every 2 months. Replace battery yearly.
• When the smoke alarm goes off, that is the signal to follow the escape plan. Get out and call 9-1-1 from a safe location.

The Seattle area has seen a few windstorms already this winter that have knocked out power to thousands of homes. One danger we have during power outages is the increased possibility of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is produced any time fossil fuels are burned. During a power outage, the use of gas generators, outdoor grills, in carports or too close to the home can trap CO in the home and cause CO poisoning. Other possible sources of CO include small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.

Carbon monoxide is a gas that can cause severe illness or death. What makes it so difficult to detect is that it is odorless and colorless. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 430 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the United States every year. And each year, around 50,000 people go to the emergency department from CO poisoning.

Here are ways to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.

1. Do not use items that produce carbon monoxide inside your home or garage or outside an open window.
2. Never use gas ovens to heat your home, even for a short time.
3. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.
4. Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.
5. Make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed on every level of your home and outside every sleeping area. Test your CO alarms along with your smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

If the CO alarm sounds, turn off any heating appliance and open windows to get fresh air. Call 911 if you experience CO poisoning symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, or headaches and move to fresh air immediately. If you suspect an appliance is the source, call a qualified technician to fix the problem before restarting the appliance.

Learn more about CO poisoning and prevention in several languages from Public Health Seattle & King County and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Seattle Fire Department Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Handout

The National Weather Service is predicting strong winds in western Washington this weekend which could cause some local power outages.

Remember, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a dangerous, odorless, poisonous gas. Heating and cooking devices that burn fuel can be sources of CO. Follow these tips to help keep your house fire and carbon monoxide safe:

• Only use a charcoal grill, hibachi, or portable camping stove outdoors and never use them to heat your home.
• Before lighting a fire, ensure chimneys and flues are in good condition and not blocked.
• Always run a generator and any gas-powered equipment outdoors.

CO can cause severe illness and death. If you experience symptoms of headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and mental confusion; get outside and call 911.

If your power goes out, make sure you turn off your stoves to prevent a fire when the power comes back.

Every home should have working smoke alarms. If the alarm sounds you may have less than a minute to get outside or to a safe place to call 911.

Test your smoke alarms monthly and if your smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, replace them.

Install smoke alarms:

• In every bedroom
• Outside each sleeping area
• On every level of the home
• including the basement

The Seattle Fire Department can provide and install free smoke alarms for owner-occupied homes in the city, when the home-owner is a senior or is living on a low income or has a disability. Call 206-386-1337 or email fireinfo@seattle.gov or online for more information.

May and July are the peak months for outdoor grill fires. A recent grilling fire in Seattle provides another reminder to the potential fire hazard associated with outdoor grilling.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps to take to ensure safe outdoor grilling this summer.

Setting up:

• Barbecue grills are designed for outdoor use only. Never barbecue in an enclosed area – dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) can accumulate and be deadly. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 911.
• Set-up your grill in an open area at least 10 feet away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves and brush.
• Make sure all of the grilling parts are firmly in place and the grill is on a flat surface.
• The Seattle Fire Department recommends the use of one-pound propane cylinders as the least hazardous fuel source for outdoor grills.
• For propane grills, make sure the hose connection is tight and check the hoses for leaks.

During use:

• Never leave grills unattended while cooking.
• Keep a three-foot zone around the grill where children and pets aren’t allowed.
  

  Keep a three-foot zone around the grill  where children are not allowed.

• Do not leave starter fluid, lighters or matches within the reach of children.
• Use the proper tools. Long handled barbecue utensils and flame retardant mitts will prevent burns from heat and flame.
• For charcoal grills, avoid adding lighter fluid after the coals are lit.

Cleaning up:

• For propane grills, turn the grill and fuel cylinder off immediately after grilling.
• For charcoal grills, allow coals to cool for 48 hours before disposing. If you are not able to wait, douse coals with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers; place in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.

The use of barbecues in single-family homes, apartments and condominiums is not regulated by current Washington State law. However, apartment building owners and condominium associations, through lease agreements and owner’s association rules, may still prohibit or restrict use of barbecues.

Outdoor grilling safety tips