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News and events from the Seattle Fire Department

Firefighters team up with kids to teach fire safety through stories

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WEB 2013-06-06 6B Douglass-Truth Storytime 170 WEB 2013-06-13 36C Delridge FF Storytime 068 WEB 2013-06-19 18D Ballard FF Storytime 024 WEB 2013-06-20 13A Beacon Hill FF Storytime 267                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The Seattle Fire Department is partnering with the Seattle Public Libraries for a reading program aimed at increasing literacy, and raising awareness of home fire safety. This popular event, usually held in October, was held during the summer for the first time last year. Because of its overwhelming popularity, Firefighter Story Times are being held again this summer.
Firefighters will read the book No Dragons for Tea to preschool children from all around the city. Important safety messages include “Firefighters are your friend”, “Crawl low under smoke” and “Get out and stay out”. The event will also include a chance to explore a fire engine and give the children the opportunity to get close to firefighters as they put on and explain their protective gear.
For more than a decade, Seattle Firefighters have volunteered for literacy events at various Seattle Public Libraries and Seattle Public Schools. The Firefighter Story Times are a push to educate young people in the city and their families about staying safe from fire. Preschool children are especially vulnerable to fire and burn injuries. During the months of June and July, Seattle Firefighters are reading to preschoolers at 7 different library locations throughout the city.
Come join the firefighters at your local branch library.
Columbia Branch: June 11 @ 11:00 AM

Southwest Branch: June 12 @ 11:00 AM

Queen Anne Branch: July 10 @ 11:00 AM

West Seattle Branch: July 16 @ 10:30 AM

Greenwood Branch: July 24 @ 10:30 AM

University Branch: July 30 @ 11:15 AM

Central Library: July 31 @ 10:30 AM

Seattle Fire Department Reminds You to Change Smoke Alarm Batteries to Coincide with Time Change

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CapInstallingSeattle- As the end of Daylight Saving Time approaches on Sunday, November 3rd, the Seattle Fire Department wants to remind residents to change their smoke alarm 9V batteries when they change their clocks. Lithium long-life smoke alarm batteries do not need to be changed yearly.

Changing smoke alarm batteries at least once a year is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce home fire deaths. In fact, working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half by providing an early warning and critical extra seconds to escape.

Every home in Seattle should have the protection of smoke alarms. The Seattle Fire Department can install smoke alarms and batteries free of charge in homes where the homeowner is either a senior citizen, 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.

http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/smokealarms/smokeAlarms.htm

For more information call 206-386-1337 or email fireinfo@seattle.gov or visit www.seattle.gov/fire

Smoke alarm: Test it Today – Sleep Better Tonight

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does your smoke alarm work small 10-2013A sounding smoke alarm is a family’s first sign that there could be fire in the home. The end of Daylight Saving Time – and “Falling” back – can serve as a great reminder to families to change home smoke alarm batteries. This can also be an opportunity to teach kids the importance of home fire safety, especially the role of the smoke alarm, even when they seem like a nuisance.

Help children recognize the sound of the alarm, and when they hear the loud noise, follow their home escape plan and get out fast.

Kids can help keep their families fire safe by helping a parent remember to:
• Put smoke alarms in your home, especially in bedrooms.
• Test smoke alarms monthly so you know what it sounds like.
• Replace old batteries with new ones yearly.
• Leave the smoke alarms in place – even if they sound every time you start cooking.

Finally, practice makes perfect. Encourage kids to practice their home escape plans. Make a game out of making and repeatedly practicing an escape “map “or plan.

Seattle Fire Day at the MOHAI

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Museum Admission is Free from     10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Saturday October 5, 2013, the Seattle Fire Department, in partnership with the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) will kick off Fire Prevention Month with a special program, The Seattle Fire Day. The program includes a variety of activities for children and their parents.

The Seattle Fire Department Public Education Unit will set up a home fire evacuation obstacle course. The demonstration teaches children how to crawl low below the smoke and heat as well as how to get out and stay out if they experience a home fire.

Seattle Firefighters will read stories to kids which drive home the message of fire prevention. Also children can learn how to put on fire gear and get a chance to see both antique and modern day firefighting equipment.

Visitors will get a chance to tour MOHAI’s Great Seattle Fire Theater, located in the museum’s core exhibit on Seattle history, True Northwest: The Seattle Journey, which includes the infamous glue pot that supposedly started Seattle’s massive blaze of 1889. The fire destroyed 120 acres (25 city blocks). Thousands of people were left without homes and thousands more were left without jobs due to their workplaces burning down. At the time, the City of Seattle estimated damages of more than 8 million dollars. The number may have been as high as 20 million dollars if you add in personal losses and water and electrical damage

http://www.mohai.org/visit-us/mohai-calendar/eventdetail/643/-/seattle-fire-day

Fire and your Pet

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For many of us, our pets are members of our family and the loss of a pet in a fire can be devastating. It is important to remember that you may have less than a minute or two after the smoke alarm sounds to get out of the house. Because many pets will hide out of fear, taking time to search the house for them can mean the difference between life or death. Leaving pet rescue to firefighters can help keep your family safe from fire’s harm.

A Firefighter’s Duty

A firefighter’s priorities are to rescue you and your family, and to minimize the damage to your home and property. However, firefighters will do their best to find and rescue any animals found in the home. The Fire Department is equipped with the pet-sized oxygen masks and tanks needed to help resuscitate your pet, if necessary. If you are unable to take your pet out with you, the best thing you can do is to let the first firefighter on the scene know that there is a family pet inside. Keep a picture of your pet with you, show the firefighter and tell him or her your pet’s name.

What Can You Do?

When you test your smoke alarm once a month, see how your pet reacts to the sound of the smoke alarm. Do they stay close to you or do they run and hide? This will tell you how they might respond in an actual emergency when the smoke alarm is activated.
If your pet is within reach and you can secure them quickly and without putting yourself at risk, try to cage or put a leash on your pet and evacuate together. If your pet is resisting or trying to hide, here are a few things you can do to make rescuing your pet easier:

Large animals: If possible, put your pet in a room and shut the door to keep more smoke from entering the room and help prevent smoke inhalation. Get out of the house and tell the first firefighter on the scene where your animal is located. Some large animals that are very scared might attack the firefighter or make it harder for them to be rescued – if you can crate these animals in a less smoky environment, do so.

Small animals: Many pets will run and hide under beds or in closets. If you know where they’ve gone, shut the door to that room and tell the first firefighter on the scene where your animal is located. If your pet carrier is accessible, and you can grab your pet easily, place him or her inside and get out of the house. If your car keys are accessible and your car is parked out of harm’s way, your car can be used to secure pets until you can inform the first firefighter on scene.

Practicing home fire drills – not only with your family but with your pet – can also ensure quickly getting to safety. Practice this from every part of your home, and know two ways out from each room.

Medical Emergencies

If 911 has been called because of a medical emergency, secure your pet in a crate or closed off room. This will help prevent your pet from getting too stressed, getting lost, or attacking emergency crew. If you can, call someone to come take care of your pet.

For More Information

Contact:
Seattle Fire Department
fireinfo@seattle.gov
www.seattle.gov/fire

Firefighter Story Times at your Local Library

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Northeast Branch
6801 35th Ave N.E.
Tuesday, October 2
10:30 a.m.

Central Library
1000 4th Ave
Thursday, October 4
10:30 a.m.

Columbia Branch
4721 Rainier Ave S.
Wednesday, October 10
11:00 a.m.

Madrona-Sally Goldmark Branch
1134 33rd Ave
Thursday, October 11
11:00 a.m.

High Point Branch with Fire Chief Gregory Dean
3411 S.W. Raymond St
Tuesday, October 16
1:30 p.m.

West Seattle Branch
2306 42nd Ave S.W.
Wednesday, October 17
10:30 a.m.

Queen Anne Branch
400 W. Garfield St.
Thursday, October 18
11:00 a.m.

Rainier Beach Branch
9125 Rainier Ave S.
Wednesday, October 24
2:00 p.m.

Greenwood Branch
8016 Greenwood Ave N.
Friday, October 26
10:30 a.m.

Lake City Branch
12501 28th Ave N.E.
Wednesday, October 31
10:30 a.m.

Get Out, Stay Out

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July 12–Would you know what to do if you had a fire at home? Most people do not think about such a thing happening to them. Seattle firefighters responded to over 300 residential fires in 2011.

Here are a few steps to help you prepare:

Have a plan
1. Every family member should be included in the plan. Young and old may need help to escape.
2. Mark two ways out of every room and include windows.
3. Pick an outside meeting place for everyone to gather.
4. Practice your plan, especially with children. Make sure everyone can hear and recognize the sound of the smoke alarm.

If the smoke alarm sounds:

1. Fire spreads quickly. Get out fast and stay out.
2. If possible, close doors to confine the fire.
3. If you encounter smoke, crawl under it to your exit.
4. Go to the meeting place and call 911 as quickly as possible.
5. Once out, stay out. Do not go back for anything.

If you can’t escape:

1. If smoke or fire blocks your first exit, try your second escape route.
2. If you can’t escape, you will need to seek refuge inside a room with a window. Consider escape ladders for any 2nd or 3rd floor bedrooms.
3. Close all doors between you and the fire. Use towels or bedding to seal the door cracks to keep smoke from coming in.
4. If possible, call 911 to report your exact location.

For more information, http://www.seattle.gov/fire/pubEd/homesafety/fireEscapePlan.htm

New Community Fire Safety Advocates

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Arson Awareness Week 2012 Focuses on Preventing Youth Firesetting

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KIDS CAN HAVE A BURNING CURIOSITY

Theme for Arson Awareness Week 2012 is Preventing Youth Firesetting

Most children have a curiosity when it comes to fire. The initial curiosity can expand to more destructive and potentially deadly outcomes when children experiment with fire. Parents and caregivers can do a lot to prevent a child or youth from playing or experimenting with fire.

Click here to view the most powerful fire prevention tool every parent can use.

WHAT CAREGIVERS CAN DO

Teach children what fire is really like.

Real fire isn’t like the fires on TV or in the movies. Real fire is hotter, darker, and faster than most people realize, especially children. Be aware of how fire is used in the television shows and advertising your child watches. Help your children understand fire’s truly dangerous nature and they’ll be more likely to treat fire with respect.

Keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach.

Sadly, children can die in fires they set. Keeping matches and lighters hidden where kids can’t reach them is still one of the most effective methods of fire prevention. Even child-resistant lighters need to be kept out of reach and sight of children.

Keep a closer eye.

Children have a natural curiosity about fire. When they’re under your supervision, it is important to know what they are doing at all times. If you leave children to the care of other adults, be sure to discuss these important safety issues beforehand.

WHO CAN HELP

Many fire departments, including the Seattle Fire Department, have programs which provide fire safety education and intervention for children and youth who have unsafely used or experimented with fire. To learn more about the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Stoppers Program, click here.

Ballard Chimney Fire causes $65,000 in Damage says Seattle Fire Investigator

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Photo Courtesty: John Odegard

November 3—An early morning fire inside a Ballard home was caused by heat from a smoldering fire according to a Seattle Fire Investigator. At 2:10 a.m, a 911 caller reported flames coming from a chimney. The fire grew and began burning the inside of a two-story home located at the 28 hundred block of NW 61st Street in Ballard.

Engine Company 18 arrived to find the occupants safely outside of the home and the fire burning into the attic. Within 5 minutes, Seattle Firefighters knocked down the fire and began placing tarps over the resident’s valuables to save the items from water damage.

A Seattle Fire Investigator is calling the fire an accidental fire caused by heat from a smoldering fire in the fireplace which ignited adjacent walls.

The damage estimate is set at $65,000 to the structure and the contents. The occupants decided to stay at a friend’s home for the morning.

As we head into the cooler Fall days and Winter months, the Seattle Fire Department’s Public Education Unit encourages residents to have chimney and heating systems inspected, cleaned and repaired. Public Educators stress to never leave a fire unattended.

In 2009, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says 17,910 Americans were taken to emergency rooms for injuries related to fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors.

Nationally in 2008, $246 million dollars in property damage was reported due to fireplace, chimney and chimney connector fires according to the (NFPA).