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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

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.

Fire Prevention Month: Cooking Safety

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October is Fire Prevention Month and the Seattle Fire Department is publishing weekly tips on their Fireline Blog and social media to inform and promote fire safety. Fall signals the beginning of cold, rainy weather and shorter days which prompts Seattle residents to close their windows, wear warmer clothes and dust off their portable heaters. As a result, Seattle Fire wants to ensure everyone’s safety — starting in the kitchen.

Most home fires start in the kitchen when a person starts cooking and forgets about the food on the stove.  It is easy to get distracted by a person, a phone call or an electronic device. A fire can start in seconds.

How to be safe:

  1. Stay in the kitchen when cooking with oil or grease
  2. Always use a timer when cooking to remind you that the stove is on
  3. Keep the stove area clean
  4. Keep a lid near the stove in case of fire
    • Never pour water on a grease or oil fire
    • The best way to put out a small pan fire is to slide a lid over the pot or pan.
    • Turn the burner off
    • Do not try to move a burning pan.
    • Remove the lid only after the fire is out and cooled off.

Kids can have a burning curiosity: Seattle’s Fire Stoppers program can help

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To say 2020 has been a year like no other is an understatement. The pandemic still persists, local businesses are struggling, and so much of our lives remain disrupted.

With the onset of a new school year and most families still largely at home, parents have more to juggle than ever. With so many distractions at hand, don’t let basic safety take a back seat, especially when it comes to matches and lighters in your home.

Supervision, good role modeling, and proper match and lighter storage are some of the best things a parent can do to prevent a child-set fire. Treating matches and lighters with the same respect you give other dangerous tools around the house – knives, hammers, sharp appliances – also goes a long way.

Take a moment to consider the following.

Myth or Reality?

  • It is normal for children to play with fire.
  • If you burn a child’s hand, they will stop.
  • Firesetting is a phase the child will grow out of.
  • Youth firesetters are obsessed with fire.

Maybe not surprisingly, these are all myths. Let’s counter each one:

  • Fact: Curiosity about fire is common, playing with fire is not.
  • Fact: If you burn a child’s hand, you only create fear and scars. The reason behind fire use must be discovered and addressed.
  • Fact: Firesetting in children is not a phase. It is a dangerous behavior. You cannot afford to wait for fire behavior to change. It only takes one match to cause serious injury or death.
  • Fact: Very few children are obsessed with fire or would be considered “pyromaniacs.” There is almost always a reason behind the behavior.

If you experience a child-set fire, the Seattle Fire Department can help. Trained interventionists can meet with you and your child to talk about any incidents and provide educational resources to help prevent firesetting from continuing.

For more information, please call 206-386-1338, email firestoppers@seattle.gov or go to Fire Stoppers on the Seattle Fire website.

Keeping your family safe and well through these uncertain times is critical – please let us know if we can help.