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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Celebrating Chinese and Vietnamese New Year Safely

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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 (January 25).

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. Always use a timer when cooking and never leave the kitchen area, especially when cooking with oil.
  • If a pot or pan is on fire, cover it with a lid or flat metal pan. Do not throw water on a grease fire.

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.

Fireworks & Firecrackers:

  • Firecrackers are loud. Use earmuffs or earplugs, especially for children.
  • Leave all fireworks activities to the professionals. Fireworks are not allowed in Seattle except for certain ceremonial purposes with a permit from the Seattle Fire Department .

Tips for surviving winter’s grip on Seattle

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What a week of wintry weather we’ve seen, and it’s just one month into Winter 2020. It’s always a good idea to prepare before the next storm system arrives. With that in mind, here’s a list of practical tips for staying safe regardless of what comes next.

Giving Seattle Fire apparatus plenty of clearance as they travel snow and ice-covered streets helps us respond quickly and safely. Move to the right when you see/hear lights and sirens. If you park on the street, please be within 12″ of the curb.

Keeping toasty at home

Give heaters plenty of space and power them properly. Keep flammable items one-foot from baseboard heaters and three-feet from portable space heaters and wood and gas fireplaces.

Plug portable heaters directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord.

Turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or going to bed.

If the power goes out, layer clothes and blankets.

Use flameless candles and battery-operated flashlights. If you must use an open-flame candle, place in sturdy holders (metal, glass or ceramic) and extinguish before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Wood stove and fireplace maintenance

Cover wood and gas fireplaces with a safety screen to prevent sparks from landing on combustible materials in the room. It can also keep children from getting burned.

Make sure chimneys and flues are clear and clean.

Clean or replace the filter on your furnace.

Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. If you experience symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, vomiting or headaches, and move to fresh air immediately then call 911.

Do not use items that produce carbon monoxide like BBQ grills or generators inside your home, your garage or outside of a window.

Never use gas ovens to heat your home, even for a short time.

Make sure that woodstove and fireplace chimneys and flues are clear and in good condition.

Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.

Install and regularly test your CO alarms. The best locations for these devices are on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.

If the CO alarm sounds, turn off any heating appliance and open windows to get fresh air.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. If you experience symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, vomiting or headaches, and move to fresh air immediately then call 911.

Road safety

Not able to stay home? Consider these tips for increasing your safety on the road.

Drive for the conditions. Assume roads are icy and take extra precaution. Leave space between you and the vehicle ahead.

Keep your fuel tank more than half-full.

Pack an emergency kit in case you become stuck in your car. Items to include: flashlight, first aid kit, necessary medications, water, food, emergency contact information, blanket or sleeping bag, extra warm clothes, jumper cables and mobile phone charger.

Keep an ice scraper/brush and small snow shovel in your vehicle. Roof tiles, sand or kitty litter can give your tires traction in icy conditions.

Tire cables, chains and four-wheel drive are recommended for traveling in the snow. Icy conditions are treacherous for any vehicle.

Downed power lines

Calls to 911 about downed power lines increase during snow and wind storms. Always assume they are energized and can result in possible electrocution. Here’s what you should do if you encounter one.

If your vehicle collides with a light pole:

Call 911 to report your location.

Warn others to stay away from your vehicle.

If wires have fallen on your car, stay in your vehicle until firefighters arrive.

If you MUST exit the vehicle because of fire or other danger: (1) JUMP away from the vehicle; (2) LAND with both feet together; (3) SHUFFLE away. Take short steps and keep your feet in contact with each other and the ground constantly until you’re at least 35-feet away.

If you see a downed wire:

Call 911 to report the location.

If you have caution tape on hand, block off the area so others see the danger. Do not get any closer than 35-feet to the downed wire or touch it with any object.

Stay safe around downed wires

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Snowfall is often accompanied by an increase in calls to 911 for reports of downed wires in neighborhoods. When possible, stay home and avoid avoid travel on icy roads during these winter weather events. However, if you do see a downed wire, be sure to follow these tips:

Always assume a downed power line is energized, resulting in possible electrocution.

If you collide with a light pole:

  • Call 911 to report your location.
  • Warn others of the danger and to stay away from your vehicle.
  • If wires have fallen on your car, stay in your vehicle. The wires could be energized, causing electrocution if you exit. Wait until firefighters arrive; they will let you know when it’s safe to exit the vehicle.
  • If you MUST exit the vehicle because of fire or other danger: (1) JUMP away from the vehicle; (2) LAND with both feet together; (3) SHUFFLE away. Take short steps and keep your feet in contact with each other and the ground constantly until you’re at least 35-feet away.

If you see a downed wire:

  • Call 911 to report the location.
  • If you have caution tape on hand, block the area so others see the danger. Do not get any closer than 35-feet to the downed wire or touch it with any object.

Take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

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When temperatures drop during the winter months, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year approximately 50,000 people visit emergency rooms in the U.S. due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

With colder weather and snow in the forecast for the Seattle area , now is the time to make sure that you are taking precautions to prevent CO poisoning. The good news is that CO poisoning is preventable.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause severe illness or death. CO is found in all fires, as well as fumes produced by charcoal or gas. It is produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.

Here are ways to prevent CO poisoning:

  • Do not use items that produce CO inside your home or garage or outside an open window.
  • Never use gas ovens to heat your home, even for a short time.
  • If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure that chimneys and flues are in good condition and are not blocked.
  • Never idle a car in a garage, even when the garage door is open.
  • Keep vents and flues free of debris. Debris can block ventilation lines.
  • Make sure you have CO alarms on every level of your home and outside of the bedrooms. Replace batteries yearly to ensure your CO alarm will work if needed.

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.


Keeping safe, warm in wintery conditions

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Snow makes for a pretty landscape, and following these tips will help you stay safe and warm during this upcoming freezing spell.

In the home

Give heaters plenty of space
• Keep flammable items one-foot from baseboard heaters and three-feet from portable space heaters and wood and gas fireplaces.

Manage heaters and chimneys
• Plug portable heaters directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord.
• Turn portable heaters off before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Cover wood and gas fireplaces with a safety screen to prevent sparks from entering the room and children from touching the glass front of a gas fireplace.
• Make sure chimneys are cleaned and clear.
• Clean or replace the filter on your furnace if you haven’t already!

Use ovens, stoves for cooking only
• Your oven is designed for cooking only, NOT heating.
• Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. Using them improperly can lead to burns or deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Put a freeze on winter fires.

On the road
When possible, delay driving during or after a winter storm. If you do need to drive in the snow, here are some tips for being safe and prepared.

• Have an emergency kit, including a flashlight, first aid kit (including any necessary medications), water, food, emergency contact information, blanket or sleeping bag, extra warm clothes, jumper cables and mobile phone charger.
• DRIVE SLOWLY.
• Keep an ice scraper/brush and small snow shovel in your vehicle. In addition, roof tiles, sand or kitty litter can help gain tire traction if your car slides off the main road. Emergency flares will help alert others regarding your situation.
• Tire chains and four-wheel drive are recommended for traveling in the snow. Icy conditions are treacherous for any vehicle.

Additional information:

Plan ahead for winter weather

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Stock up on supplies

  • Seven days of:
    • Non-perishable foods (canned foods and dried goods)
    • Water (a gallon per person, per day)
    • Prescriptions and medical supplies
  • Warm clothes and blankets
  • Batteries for flashlights

Test your smoke/CO alarms

Now is a good time to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working by testing and replacing batteries if necessary. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom and in the hallway outside of sleeping areas. CO alarms should be on every level of the home and outside of the bedrooms. Learn about the Seattle Fire Department’s free smoke/co alarm program.

When the power goes out

Do’s:

  • Layer up with warm clothes and blankets
  • Use battery-operated candles
  • If using candles with flames, place them in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders. Extinguish every candle before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t use your outdoor grill or gas stove/oven to heat your home. These emit carbon monoxide, a lethal odorless and colorless gas.
  • Avoid placing candles and other heat sources next to combustible materials like curtains, carpet or tablecloths.

Make space for ambulances, fire engines and trucks

Please do not park illegally because this impedes our ability to quickly respond to emergencies. Avoid double parking, blocking access to hydrants or parking too close to roundabouts and traffic circles.

Check the weather and road conditions

The following agencies will provide updates on their services as the weather gets colder:

January 2020 Promotion Ceremony

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SEATTLE – On Jan. 8, 2020, the Seattle Fire Department held a promotional ceremony at Fire Station 10 to appoint seven firefighters to new positions. The event was emceed by Fire Chief Scoggins. The following employees were promoted:

Willie Barrington to Assistant Chief of Resource Management

Jon Goins to Captain

John Wolfolk to Captain

Chris Bamer to Lieutenant

Daniel Boxley to Lieutenant

Michael Dulas to Lieutenant

Gregory Sobole to Lieutenant

Welcoming Tricia Diamond

Tricia (aka T) is our new Workforce Development Adviser responsible for developing programs to support employment pathways. She will also provide strategic thinking on employee career development activities and succession planning. In addition to her new role, Tricia is earning her PhD in Leadership at Seattle University.

Welcoming Hannah Kosten

Hannah is our new Human Resources Personnel Specialist and came from the Seattle Public Library. She is responsible for managing the pre-employment screening of future firefighters as well as processing personnel updates.


Necia Marte to Admin Spec III

Congratulations Necia! Her new full-time role is with the Public Disclosure unit where she will be responsible for processing public records requests. Thank you for your professional and dedicated service to our department as well as all the members of the community we serve.

Ring in 2020 Safely

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The Seattle Fire Department would like to wish you all a very happy New Year. Here are some safety reminders to carry into 2020.

Old Christmas Trees

Don’t burn your Christmas tree. Burning trees at public locations such as parks and beaches is illegal. Instead, treat your old Christmas tree like you would compost or yard waste by putting it on the curb for compost/yard waste pick up. Seattle Public Utilities will pick up Christmas trees until January 31, 2020.

Candles

December and January are the leading months for candle fires.

  • Use flameless or battery operated candles
  • When using candles with flames, extinguish all candles upon leaving a room or before going to sleep
  • Place candles in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders
  • Place lighted candles where they won’t be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else
  • Keep burning candles away from items that can catch fire such as furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, etc.

Fireworks

  • Fireworks are not allowed in the city of Seattle or King County without a permit.
  • Leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend a public fireworks display such as one at the Space Needle.

Smoke Alarms

  • Now is a good time make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are working by testing and replacing batteries if necessary.
  • Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, in the hallway outside of bedrooms, and inside each bedroom. CO alarms should be on every level of the home outside of the bedrooms.
  • Learn about the Seattle Fire Department’s free smoke/co alarm program

Lithium battery safety

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Lithium batteries power many of our electronics including smartphones, tablets, laptops, toys and even cars. These batteries store a large amount of energy in a densely compact space. In rare circumstances, they can be defective and become a fire hazard.

Here are a few safety tips:

Storage

  • Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
  • If possible, remove batteries from the device for long-term storage.
  • Keep batteries at room temperature and in dry spaces. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, near heaters or in hot vehicles as exposure to a hot environment can cause thermal runaway and catch fire.
  • For long-term storage, place electrical tape over the battery contacts and store them in a metal container.

Charging

Replace damaged charging cables with ones recommended by the device’s manufacturer.
  • Only use the charging adapter and cord that came with the device. Other charging equipment may create excessive heat and overcharging that can catch fire or explode.
  • Stop using damaged adapters or cords. Replace them with ones recommended by the device’s manufacturer.
  • Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
  • Recharge batteries in long-term storage at least once every six months.

Signs of a Problem

Damaged battery inside a tablet rapidly expanded and split the device open.
  • Damaged, punctured, overcharged and overheated lithium batteries can get hot enough to catch fire.
  • Inspect batteries and devices at least once a week to check for deformities, unusual odors, leaking or excessive heat.
  • Disconnect charging batteries or devices immediately if they display any of these signs and move them away from other combustible materials.
  • If the battery or device catches fire, move everyone to a safe place then call 9-1-1.

Disposal

Don’t forget to water your Christmas tree

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Thursday, Dec. 18, KCFCA partnered with Puget Sound Skills Center, King County Fire District 20 and Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority to conduct a fire safety demonstration to illustrate how quickly a dry Christmas tree can catch fire. 

Every year, Christmas trees and holiday decorations are responsible for nearly 1,000 fires across the country. Remember to water your tree so we don’t have to.

Below are a few more tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during the holidays:

  • Use an artificial Christmas tree that is UL listed.
  • When selecting a real tree pick one that is fresh and green. When you get it home make a fresh cut off the bottom of the tree and water it daily.
  • Keep your Christmas tree away from heaters, fireplaces, and heating vents. Heating sources will dry the tree quicker and are a potential source of ignition.
  • Turn off all decorations before leaving the house or going to bed
  • Remove the Christmas tree from your home when it is dry. Do not place it near your home or in the garage.
  • Look for the UL or other certified lab testing for holiday lighting.
  • Follow the directions on holiday lighting including the number of lights that can be safely connected and if they are intended for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Use flameless candles or when using traditional candles keep the at least 12 inches from flammable materials. Never leave candles unattended.
  • Have smoke working detectors in each bedroom, in the hallways, and in every level of the home.
  • If your Christmas tree catches on fire, get out of the house and call 911. Your property can be replaced.