Burn Prevention Severity of Burns:
• First Degree burns are mild and usually heal quickly. These are burns that redden the
skin and cause some soreness but they don’t result in any serious damage.
• Second Degree burns are far more serious. They cause severe pain and result in
blistered skin. They require immediate first aid and then medical attention.
• Third Degree burns are severe and require emergency medical attention. Tissue is
white, brown or charred and often surrounded by blisters. There is little or no pain at
first, but recovery can be extremely painful.
Kitchen Burn Hazards:
-Turn pot handles in. It is too easy to bump into a handle that juts out from the stove and the hot contents could spill on you. Curious children will also try to grab a pot handle to see what is inside the pot.
-Keep children and pets at least a metre (3 feet) from the stove when cooking.
-To reduce the risk of your clothes catching fire, wear garments with tight fitting sleeves, or roll your sleeves up when cooking.
-Oil and water truly do not mix. Do not throw wet or frozen food into hot grease or oil. This will cause the liquid to splatter which can cause severe burns.
-Put a lid on it! If the contents of a pan or pot catches fire, use an appropriate lid to smother the flames. Never carry a blazing pan to the sink. The contents could spill and spread the fire around. Be aware that a portable fire extinguisher can also splatter flaming liquids, if used improperly.
-Be very careful when removing lids from hot food. Steam burns more quickly than boiling water.
Don’t Land In Hot Water:
Adjust the thermostat on your hot water heater to medium or below 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). When running a bath, put the cold water in first, then add hot water.
Keep Kids Safe:
-Teach children that appliances which create heat are unsafe for them to touch. That goes for kettles, toasters, irons, coffee makers, space heaters, light bulbs, radiators and more.
-Never leave matches and lighters out and available to children. They are almost certain to try to see how they work. It is best to hide matches and lighters away and lock them up when they’re not being used.
-Install safety covers on unused electrical outlets. This will prevent small children from sticking something made out of metal into them.
-In the event of fire, get children and everyone else in the house outside immediately…and keep them out.
First Aid:
-Cool a burn with cool water. This prevents the burn from spreading and provides relief for the pain. Run the water for 10 to 15 minutes over the burned area. Never use ice as it can cause further damage to the burned tissue. Third degree burns can be cooled using wet sterile dressings.
-Do not use anything greasy to treat a burn. It has been proven that butter or ointment keeps heat in, worsening the burn.
-Don’t break blisters. If germs get into the wound, infection can set in.
-Cover the burn after cooling it down. Apply a clean, dry dressing to the injury.
-Remove any burned clothing that isn’t stuck to the victim’s skin. Remove jewelry or tight
clothing from the vicinity of the wound before swelling sets in.
-Keep the victim’s body temperature stable to prevent shock. Use a dry blanket to cover unburned areas.
Candle Safety
More And More Candles:
The use of candles is rapidly gaining popularity. Candle fires are also on the rise. In Ontario, they are the fifth leading cause of preventable fires. And while other causes of fires, such as cooking or heating are declining, the number of candle fires is on the rise. London firefighters are responding to an increasing number of blazes caused as a result of candles that are either unsafe or unattended.
Lower The Risk:
Candle fires generally don’t happen when people use them to accompany a meal. That’s because they are usually attended during mealtime. Candle fires do happen in places like bedrooms and bathrooms where people use them as mood enhancers. Unfortunately, people can fall asleep with a candle still burning or leave the room without snuffing out the flame. Candles should NEVER be left burning unattended! Candle use in bedrooms is discouraged. Almost half of all candle fires start in the bedroom. If you must use candles in your bedroom, make sure they are not close to flammable articles such
as bedding, curtains, blinds, piles of clothing, magazines and books or upholstered furniture. A good rule of thumb to follow is to keep candles at least a meter from anything that can burn. Avoid putting candles anywhere near windows. Curtains might be blown into a candle flame. And a breeze can fan the flames if a fire should occur.
How To Use Candles Safely:
Check to make sure that your candle holders are appropriate.
o They should be sturdy.
o They shouldn’t be tipped over easily.
o They must be made of a material that doesn’t burn.
o They should be big enough to catch any dripping wax.
o Your candle holders should not be placed amid clutter or near the edge of furniture
where children might knock them over.
o Candle wicks should be clipped to a quarter inch before they are lit.
If The Power Goes Out:
Many people keep candles on hand for power outages. Flashlights and battery powered lamps are a better idea. Never carry lit candles. It’s too easy to drop them.
Home For The Holidays:
December and early January is the most likely time for candle fires to start. That’s because people associate candles with the holiday season. Fires can start when candles are placed too close to presents, decorations and Christmas trees.
Carbon Monoxide Q & A
Important note: If your carbon monoxide detector sounds or you believe you’re suffering symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (see below), exit the building or vehicle and call the fire department using 911!
What is the source of carbon monoxide?
CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as natural gas, propane,
heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline and wood. This problem can occur in any
device which depends on burning for heat or energy. For example, furnaces, boilers,
room heaters, hot water heaters, stoves, grills and any internal combustion engine are
included in this list of devices. (See illustration at the bottom of this page).
What makes carbon monoxide so dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas which is extremely toxic. When carbon
monoxide is inhaled, it produces an effect known as chemical asphyxiation. Injury is due
to the combining of CO with hemoglobin in the blood, lowering the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity. Even at very low parts per million levels, the body is quickly affected
by oxygen starvation. Exposure during sleep is particularly dangerous because the victim usually does not awaken.
Why is CO a larger problem now?
CO has been with us for many years. Many years ago our homes were built in a manner
that allowed air leakage, therefore air exchange occurred within the home on a regular
basis. Today’s homes are super-insulated, sealed and wrapped in plastic. This “sealing”
of the home creates an environment that not only captures and holds pollutants but
often results in a “negative indoor pressure” that can and does draw toxic fumes back
into the home.
How much of a problem is carbon monoxide poisoning?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (C.P.S.C), has stated that CO is the largest
cause of accidental poisoning in the American Home. At least 250 people die in the US
each year from CO poisoning and many more are hospitalized. However, the Mayo Clinic
published a report in 1984 that indicated much higher numbers. That report suggests
that more than 1,500 people die from accidental CO poisoning annually and that 10,000
or more receive hospital or medical treatment. It goes on to say the numbers are likely
much higher because reporting and recording procedures for CO incidents are not
reliable.
Why should I be concerned about carbon monoxide gas?
Carbon monoxide or CO is a poisonous gas which is especially dangerous due to its
physical characteristics and effect on the body. It is often referred to as the “Silent
Killer”. There are many potential sources and combinations of conditions that may
produce carbon monoxide. In any enclosed space (home, recreational vehicle, boat,
etc.), even a small accumulation of CO can be dangerous.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning can strike quickly or build up over time. The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to flu symptoms; headache, nausea, and fatigue. With increased exposure time or CO concentration, the symptoms become more severe, taking the form of drowsiness and confusion. Continued exposure can lead to brain
damage and death.
What are some common sources of carbon monoxide in a residence?
The most common causes of CO accumulation in homes include; a blocked or poorly
ventilated fireplace chimney or furnace flue, faulty or damaged heating equipment
(especially cracked furnace heat exchanges), malfunctioning space heater,
automobile or lawn mower exhaust in garages with poor ventilation.
Is natural gas more likely to be a source of dangerous carbon monoxide than other
fuels?
When properly installed and maintained, your natural gas furnace and hot water heater
do not emit carbon monoxide. Natural gas is known as a “clean burning” fuel, because
under correct operating conditions the combustion byproducts are water vapour and
carbon dioxide, which are not toxic. The exhaust from furnaces and water heaters is
vented outside through a flue duct or chimney.
Where should the carbon monoxide detector be placed in the home?
Detectors should be placed in close proximity to bedrooms. They may also be placed in
the furnace room or other areas of the residence where carbon monoxide might
accumulate.
What CO levels will harm me?
It can vary, depending on length of exposure and the individual’s health. Most people
will not experience symptoms with levels of 1 to 70 parts per million (PPM). People
with a heart condition might experience chest pains though. When CO levels remain
above 70 PPM, symptoms may become noticeable. When levels top 150 PPM to 200
PPM, the CO can cause disorientation, unconsciousness and even death, if the
victim is not given fresh air.
Electrical Fire Safety Ticking Time bomb!
An electrical fire can happen at any time! Each year in Petrolia, a significant proportion of fire emergencies stem from electrical faults.
Electrical Do’s & Don’ts:
NEVER:
• Replace a fuse with one that has a rating higher than required.
• Use appliances or lamps with cracked or frayed cords.
• Run extension cords under carpets or mats. Do not crimp the cord.
• Overload an outlet. Prevent the dreaded “Octopus Outlet”. Be aware that heat generating appliances draw more power than others.
• Put heat generating appliances closer than 1 metre to anything that can burn.
• Use light bulbs that exceed a lamp’s maximum wattage.
• Clip off the round grounding prong from an electrical plug.
• Use an electrical device or appliance after liquid has been spilled on it, before having it
checked thoroughly.
ALWAYS:
• Follow-up when a fuse or circuit breaker blows. Don’t just reset the breaker or replace
the fuse. Find out what caused the problem.
• Purchase appliances that are approved by the Canadian Standards Association.
Appliances without C.S.A approval could be unsafe.
• Put lamps on level surfaces, away from curtains or other flammable items.
• Allow adequate ventilation around electronic components that generate heat, such as
TV’s and audio equipment.
• Unplug small appliances like toasters and coffeemakers when you’re not using them.
• Use only weatherproof lights and other electrical fixtures outdoors.
Warning Signs:
• Recurring blown fuses or circuit breakers point to a fault in your home’s electrical system.
• A burning smell or rubbery odour from an appliance.
• Discolouration of wall outlets.
• Flickering lights.
Exit Drills In The Home (E.D.I.T.D)Plan Your Escape!
When a fire occurs, there is no time for planning. Sit down with your family today and make a step-by-step plan for escaping from a fire. Draw a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of every room – especially sleeping areas. Discuss the escape routes with every member of your household. Agree on a meeting placeoutside your home where every member of the household will gather to wait for the fire department. This allows you to count heads and inform the fire department if anyone is trapped inside the burning building. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. Have a fire drill in your home. Appoint someone to be a monitor and have everyone participate. A fire drill is not a race. Get out quickly, but carefully. Make your exit drill realistic. Pretend that some exits are blocked by fire and practice alternative escape routes. Pretend that the lights are out and that some escape routes are filling with smoke.
Be Prepared:
Make sure everyone in the household can unlock all doors and windows quickly,even in the dark. Windows or doors with security bars need to be equipped with quick-release devices and everyone in the household should know how to use them.
If you live in an apartment building, use stairways to escape. Never use an elevator during a fire. It may stop between floors or take you to a floor where the fire is burning.
If you live in a two story house, and you must escape from a second story window, be sure there is a safe way to reach the ground. Make special arrangements for children, older adults and people with disabilities. People who have difficulty moving should have a phone in their sleeping area and, if possible, should sleep on the ground floor.
Test doors before opening them. While kneeling or crouching at the door, reach up as high as you can and touch the door, the knob and the space between the door and its frame with the back of your hand. If the door is hot, use another escape route. If the door is cool, open it with caution.
If you are trapped, close all doors between you and the fire. Stuff the cracks around the doors with towels or blankets to keep out smoke. Wait at a window and signal for help with a light coloured cloth or a flashlight. If there is a phone in the room, call 911 and tell the operator exactly where you are.
Get Out Fast…
In case of fire, do not stop for anything. Do not try to rescue possessions or pets. Go
directly to your meeting place and then call the fire department from a neighbour’s phone. Every member of your household should know how to call the fire department.
Crawl low under smoke. Smoke contains deadly gases and heat rises. During a fire, cleaner air will be near the floor. If you encounter smoke when using your primary exit, use your alternate escape plan. If you must exit through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees keeping your head 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) above the floor.
…And Stay Out
Once you are out of your home, do not go back for any reason. If people are trapped,
firefighters have the best chance of rescuing them. The heat and smoke of a fire are
overpowering. Firefighters have the training, experience and protective equipment needed to enter burning buildings.
Play It Safe
More than half of all fatal home fires happen at night while people are asleep.Smoke alarms are set off when a fire starts, alerting people before they are trapped or overcome by smoke. With smoke alarms, your risk of dying in a home fire is cut nearly in half. Install smoke alarms outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement. Test smoke alarms monthly. Change all smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, replace it.
Fire Extinguishers
“Fighting Small Fires”
These devices can put out or contain small
fires, but only if you know how to use them. Before even considering using a portable extinguisher, make sure you have access to a clear exit. Also ensure that you are using the right extinguisher for the type of fire you are trying to put out. Look for these symbols on the label:
Type A – Ordinary Combustibles: These include common household items such as paper, wood and cloth.
Type B – Flammable Liquids: Gasoline, cooking oils or fats, oil based paint and kerosene are just some of these.
Type C – Electrical Equipment: Wall outlets, power cords, small and large appliances, wiring and fuse boxes fall under this
category.
NOTE
Never use a “Type A” extinguisher on flammable liquids.
This is likely to spread the fire and make it worse, or splash burning liquid onto you.
P.A.S.S. – How To Use An Extinguisher:
Here’s a simple way to remember the steps to take when using a portable extinguisher. Start by standing around 3 metres back from the fire. Then follow the acronym “P.A.S.S.”
Pull the pin. The pin is there as a safeguard and locks the handle. Pulling it out enables it for use.
Aim low. The hose or nozzle should be pointed at the base of the fire to best put it out.
Squeeze the lever above the handle. This will shoot the extinguishing substance from the hose or nozzle. Keep in mind that most small extinguishers will run out of their extinguishing agent in 10 to 25 seconds.
Sweep from side to side. As you move slowly toward the fire, keep the hose or nozzle aimed at the base of the fire. If the flames appear to be out, release the handle and watch closely. If the fire ignites again, repeat the process.
Keep In Mind…
Before you use an extinguisher to fight small fires, make sure everyone else has left the area and that firefighters have been called using 911. Always have an exit route at your back. Never let the fire get between you and the way out. Call the fire department to inspect the fire area, even if you are sure you have extinguished the fire. Once a month, inspect your extinguisher for damage and make sure it is properly charged (see manufacturer’s instructions for details). If you use an extinguisher, it must be recharged by a professional. If it is a disposable unit, throw it out.
Book A Fire Extinguisher Presentation
The Petrolia Fire Department will provide extinguisher instruction to your group or workforce. To find out more, contact our department.
Reference
https://petroliafiredeptca.wordpress.com/fire-prevention-safety-hazards/
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