Fire Safety Information

Every season has unique fire safety hazards.  We´ve collected some of our fire safety tips together here, to help you have safer Summers, safer Fourth of Julys, Halloweens and Falls, and safer winters. We´ve also included a special section just on fireworks!

Summer | Fireworks | Halloween | Winter

Summertime Guide to Staying Safe from Fire

It's possible to enjoy a sizzling-hot summer without getting burned! When the time comes to haul out the gas grill, camping equipment, and lawn mower, give some thought to this advice from the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It could keep you a lot safer this summer: 

Grilling | Fireworks | Landscaping/Gardening | Gasoline Safety | Boating | Enjoying Your Pool | Camping

Grilling
Keep barbecue grills far away from anything that can burn -- your home, cars, dry vegetation, etc. Stay with the grill when lighted, and keep children and pets well away from the area. When barbecuing, protect yourself by wearing a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high up over your forearm. If you get burned, run cool water over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes. (Tip: Don't use butter or a salve on burns because these seal in heat and can damage the tissue further.) If you receive a serious burn, with charred skin, for example, seek medical attention promptly. 

Barbecue grills must never be used inside the home because, in addition to the fire hazard of indoor grilling, the grill can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If lightning appears while you're grilling, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass. 

For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids (never use gasoline) designed for barbecue grills. Use a limited amount of starter fluid before lighting the fire. If the fire is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if necessary. Don't add liquid fuel to re-ignite or build up a fire, as flash fires can result. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool. 

For gas grills, always store the gas cylinder outside - away from structures - and turn off the valves when not in use. Check frequently for any leaks in connections by using a soap-and-water mix that will show bubbles if gas escapes. When purchasing a gas grill, select one that bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow manufacturer's instructions and if needed, have it repaired by a trained professional. 

Fireworks
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend an outdoor public display put on by professionals. Pyrotechnic devices (better known as fireworks) are designed to burn and explode, and are a leading cause of injuries in the U.S. Every year, fireworks used by amateurs cause thousands of injuries serious enough to require emergency room treatment. Children between the ages of 10 and 14 are at greatest risk of injury from fireworks. In 1995, more than 11,000 people suffered severe fireworks injuries in the United States, including burns, lacerations, amputations, and blindness. NFPA recommends that all fireworks -- including devices considered "legal"-- be used only by trained professional pyrotechnicians. Even sparklers, often mistaken as safe, burn as hot as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave any area where amateurs (adults included) are using these devices, and do not pick up or touch found fireworks. 

Landscaping/Gardening
Trim tree limbs so they don't hang over your roof, and keep eaves and gutters free of leaves and other debris that burns easily. Clear weeds, brush and other flammable vegetation at least 30 feet away from your home, and store firewood away from all structures. Check with local authorities before burning trash or debris outside. If you do decide to burn brush, closely supervise the fire, keep a garden hose running nearby, and keep children and pets far away from the area. 

Gasoline Safety
Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed, and store just enough to power your gasoline-fueled equipment. Keep gasoline up high, inside a clearly marked container that's labeled and approved for gasoline storage. Make sure gasoline and all flammable liquids are well away from any heat source or flame. 

Use gasoline as a motor fuel only -- never as a stain remover or for other purposes. To transport gasoline in an automobile to and from the filling station, place a sealed, approved container in the trunk with the trunk lid propped open and drive directly to the fueling site. Take a direct route back home and never store gasoline in a vehicle. 

Extinguish smoking materials before fueling, and take the equipment outside well away from combustibles. Wipe up any spills immediately and move the equipment at least 10 feet away from the fueling area to start the engine. Before re-fueling, turn off the equipment and let it cool completely. 

Boating
Before fueling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans and heating devices. Be sure the fueling nozzle is grounded to the fuel intake and don't fill to capacity -- leave room for expansion. Wipe up fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. After fueling and before starting the motor, ventilate with the blower for at least four minutes. 

On board your covered boat, consider installing a smoke detector and test the battery before using the boat each time, replacing the battery with a fresh one at least once a year. Only use portable stoves and heaters specifically designed for marine use. 

For information on marine fire extinguishers and other information on boating safety, contact the U.S. Coast Guard office near you. 

Enjoying Your Pool
Liquid and solid chlorine-based oxidizers are commonly sold for home pool care as hydrogen chloride products. These chemicals can spontaneously combust if contaminated by organic materials (such as body fluids, acid rain, etc.) or hydrocarbon liquids such as fuel or motor oil. This type of fire will result in toxic fumes that can be extremely dangerous and require resident evacuation. Store and use pool chemicals according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and always store them outside the home, away from any heat source or flame. Keep the containers in a dry place, well away from other items. If the container is punctured or otherwise damaged, properly dispose of the chemicals. 

For more information on proper storage of other hazardous chemicals or flammable and combustible products, contact your local pool supplier or fire department. 

Camping
Pitch your tent (flame retardant is best) well away from your campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent or any other closed space, as opposed to liquid-fueled heaters or lanterns. In addition to the fire hazard posed by liquid-fueled devices, carbon monoxide poisoning can easily result in un-vented spaces. 

Build your campfire downwind, away from your tent, clearing away all dry vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks. Look for signs that warn of potential fire hazards in national forests and campgrounds, and always obey park service regulations. Pour water over or cover the fire with dirt before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. Store liquid fire starter -- NEVER use gasoline -- away from your tent and campfire and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfire - not liquid fuel. 

By following these quick and simple steps, we can all keep summer activities fun and fire-safe. For further information on summer fire safety or other fire safety topics, please contact your local fire department or the NFPA.

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NFPA Fact Sheet on FIREWORKS

Here´s all of the information you need on fireworks safety, including links to a model state law, NFPA´s latest fireworks injury report, and a Risk Watch® lesson plan for children.

Legal or not, fireworks are too risky for amateurs
Permanent scarring, loss of vision, dismemberment – these are too often the harsh realities of amateur fireworks use. NFPA urges everyone to treat fireworks, whether legal or illegal for consumers, as suitable only for use by trained professionals.

Fireworks Report
Fireworks facts and figures
In 1997, an estimated 20,100 fires involving fireworks were reported to fire departments. These fires killed three civilians, injured 68 others, and caused $22.7 million in direct property damage. Download the latest fireworks report prepared by NFPA's Fire Analysis & Research Division.

 

Fireworks state-by-state
While ten states ban the use of all fireworks by consumers, 34 states and the District of Columbia allow some or all types of consumer fireworks. Here's a state-by-state breakdown compiled by the American Pyrotechnics Association.

NFPA model fireworks law
For more than half a century, NFPA has led the charge to protect the public from injuries and fires resulting from indiscriminate use of fireworks. The International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA) has prepared a model fireworks law which reflects NFPA's zero-tolerance policy on amateur use of fireworks.

Safety First in Boston
Every year, the city of Boston has an impressive fireworks display, but never once is entertainment put ahead of safety. Read this fascinating article from the May/June 2000 issue of NFPA Journal.

NFPA Online Catalog
NFPA publishes several codes and standards on fireworks, all of which are available for immediate purchase and download in PDF format. Visit our Online Catalog and do a search on the keyword "fireworks." You´ll get details on NFPA technical documents and our educational brochure on "Fire Safe Holidays."  

FAQs
NFPA's technical staff has answered some "Frequently Asked Questions" about dusts, explosion venting, and pyrotechnics. 

Fun for kids of all ages
Sparky the Fire Dog "Fireworks are pretty to look at, but very dangerous." That´s the message from Sparky the Fire Dog®, NFPA´s official "spokesdog." Visit Sparky´s website for other safety tips and fun activities.

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Halloween Fire Safety

To protect children participating in Halloween activities from fire and burn injuries, experts at the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) say to plan ahead. "Taking simple fire safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant, can prevent fires," says Meri-K Appy, NFPA vice president for public education. "Using candles greatly increases the chance of fire, so we encourage people to use flashlights to light pumpkins and for other spooky effects." 

Decorations for special events, most often involving candles, account for an annual average of 900 home fires, causing nearly $6 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA. Additionally, in the United States, more than 100 people die each year as a result of their clothing becoming ignited. 

Halloween can be a fun celebration, but children should be closely supervised and their costumes made with fire safety in mind. The NFPA suggests the following guidelines for a safer Halloween: 

1. Purchase only those costumes, wigs and props labeled as flame-resistant or retardant. When creating a costume, plan carefully to ensure that it won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. Costumes should be made without billowing or long trailing features that present a higher risk of ignition. Avoid highly flammable fabrics and accessories. 
2. When planning party decorations, bear in mind that dried flowers and cornstalks are highly flammable. Keep crepe paper and other decorations well away from all heat sources, including light bulbs, heaters, etc. Decorating with candles should be avoided. Pumpkins can be safely illuminated with small, inexpensive flashlights. When decorating, remember to keep exits clear. Be sure children are supervised at all times. 
3. With a little creativity, using flashlights instead of candles or 
4. torch lights to decorate walkways and yards is highly effective in creating a festive atmosphere and it's much safer for trick-or-treaters. 
5. Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure each child knows the stop, drop and roll technique in the event their clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish the flames.) Instruct children who are attending parties at others' homes to locate the exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency. 
6. Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume instead of candles. 

"Planning ahead can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one," says Ms. Appy. For additional information on fire and burn prevention, contact your local fire department.

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Winter

Safer Home and Hearth:
Home Heating and Holiday Safety Advice from NFPA

December, January and February are the leading months for U.S. home fires and home fire deaths. On average, more than one-third of home fire deaths in the United States occur during the winter months. 

Safer Home Heating 
NFPA's latest report on U.S. home heating fire patterns indicates that heating equipment fires are the third leading causes of fire deaths in American homes and the biggest fire culprit, December through January. An estimated 59,700 home heating fires occurred in 1999, killing 406 people and injuring 1,350. The experts at NFPA say that most U.S. home fires caused by heating equipment could be prevented by taking simple safety precautions. 

"The home heating fire problem in America is largely one of human error, particularly with the misuse of portable heaters, fireplaces and woodstoves," says NFPA's vice president for public education, Meri-K Appy. "The critical elements of home heating safety have to do with correct installation, maintainence, fueling and operation of portable and space heaters, as well as safely arranging household items around them." According to NFPA's report, the major causes of U.S. home heating fires are: 

1. lack of regular cleaning of chimneys in fireplaces and woodstoves; 
2. placing things that can burn too close to space and portable heaters; 
3. flaws in design, installation or use; 
4. fueling errors involving liquid- or gas-fueled heaters; and 
5. leaving portable or space heaters unattended. 

Tips for Preventing Heating Equipment Fires 
When purchasing new heating equipment, NFPA advises selecting equipment that bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Install and maintain heating equipment correctly, and be sure it complies with local fire and building codes. Where possible, have local building or fire officials check the installation and maintenance. 

"In many cases, you can actually prevent a fire just by reading and following the manufacturer's instructions when using a heating device. This is especially important when you are using a new heater for the first time," says Ms. Appy. Here are some specific fire prevention tips from NFPA to keep in mind when heating your home: 

1. Portable and Other Space Heaters - Portable and space heaters can be either electric-powered or fueled by gas, liquid fuel (usually kerosene), or solid fuel (usually wood). All types must be kept at least 36 inches (1 meter) from anything that can burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people. Space heaters must not be left operating when you are not in the room or when you go to sleep. Children and pets should be supervised at all times when space heaters are in use. Ensure everyone is aware of the high fire hazard associated with drying clothing or placing combustibles over heaters. If you have an electric space heater, check each season for fraying or splitting wires or overheating. Have all problems repaired by a professional before operating the space heater.  
2. Portable Kerosene Heaters - If you have a liquid-fueled space heater, use only the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Never use gasoline or any other substitute fuel, because the wrong fuel could burn hotter than the equipment's design limits and cause a serious fire. When refueling, always turn off the heater and let it cool down completely before adding fuel. Wipe up any spills promptly. If you are considering buying a kerosene heater, be sure to check with your local fire department first to find out if it is legal in your community. Store the kerosene away from heat or open flame in a container approved by the local fire department, and be sure it is clearly marked with the fuel name. 
3. Fireplaces - Have your chimney inspected by a professional prior to the start of every heating season and cleaned if necessary. Creosote, a chemical substance that forms when wood burns, builds up in chimneys and can cause a chimney fire if not removed through cleaning. Always protect your home and your family by using a sturdy fireplace screen when burning fires. Remember to burn only wood - never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out the chimney and ignite your roof or a neighboring home. Do not use flammable liquids in a fireplace. If you are purchasing a factory-built fireplace, select one listed by a testing laboratory, and have it installed according to local codes. If you decorate your fireplace with Christmas stockings or other seasonal decorations, don't burn fires in it.  
4. Wood Stoves - Be sure your wood stove bears the mark of an independent testing laboratory and meets local fire codes. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper installation, use and maintenance. Chimney connections and chimney flues should be inspected at the beginning of each heating season and cleaned when necessary. Follow the same safety rules for wood stoves as you would for space heaters. Burn only wood, and be sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the floor from heat and hot coals. Check with your local fire department and local code officials before having your wood stove installed.  
5. Portable LP Gas (Propane) Heaters with self-contained fuel supplies (cabinet heaters) are prohibited for home use by NFPA fire safety standards. 

Safer Holidays at Home 
The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, lots of entertaining, and an increased risk of fire. In 1997, 400 fires were started by ignition of Christmas trees in U.S. homes, causing 14 deaths, 24 injuries, and $10.3 million in direct property damage. Decorating with candles can also be a fire hazard. Between 1993 and 1997, there were 8,690 home fires caused by candles, with 104 associated deaths and 947 injuries. Nearly $126 million in property damage resulted from candle fires in that period of time. Follow these fire prevention tips from NFPA to help keep your family safer during the holidays: 

1. Holiday Lighting - Take care when burning candles. Be sure candles are placed in sturdy, non-combustible holders, and are kept well away from decorations and other combustible materials. Check candles frequently to make sure they don't burn down too far or drip hot wax. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, up high, out of the reach of children (preferably stored in a locked cabinet). Don't display lighted candles in windows or near exits in case you need these to escape. Under no circumstances is it safe to use candles to decorate Christmas trees! Keep flashlights and fresh batteries on hand to use for lighting in the event of a power outage.  
2. Holiday Entertaining - Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible, choose those made with flame-retardant or non-combustible materials. When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S., so "stand by your pan!" If there are smokers around your home, provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder and cause a trash fire, so completely douse cugarette butts with water before discarding or flush them down the toilet. After a party, always check inside and under upholstery and cushions and inside trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering. If you have children in your home, keep matches and lighters up high, out of their sight and reach (preferably in a locked cabinet). Ask visitors who are smokers to keep their smoking materials with them when they are visiting in your home.  
3. Christmas Trees - Choose a fresh Christmas tree, and put it in a stand designed not to tip over. Place the tree well away from heat sources and exits, and water it constantly. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant. When decorating with lights, be sure to purchase only those that bear the mark of a testing laboratory. Replace any frayed or damaged cords. For outside decorations, use only those lights labeled for outdoor use. Bring outdoor lights inside following the holidays so they are not damaged by extended exposure to harsh weather conditions. Always unplug all lights before leaving home or going to sleep and don't overload electrical outlets. Use only battery-operated lights if you have a metal Christmas tree, or decorate without lighting.