Fall is here and with it Fire Prevention Week and Halloween

Before you get to this years blog about Halloween and Fall Fire Safety you might want to check out the previous posts for the archives.

http://vasmokeybear.blogspot.com/2010/10/have-happy-and-safe-halloween-from.html

http://vasmokeybear.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html

This years theam for Fire Prevention Week (October8-14) is Have 2 Ways Out. Although this is specifically talking about home/building evacuations I believe it should also include knowing 2 ways out of your community/subdivision should there be an emergency like a wildfire , hurricane or tornado that might block your usual way out. Below is a coloring sheet I developed for your to talk with your children about while planning for your family's safety.

FALL SAFETY

Time Changes Mean Battery Changes

Get in the habit of changing the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors every fall and spring when changing the clocks for Daylight Savings Time. It is also a good idea to make it standard procedure in your household to verify that all fire extinguishers are fully charged and in working order when you adjust the clocks each season.

Home Heating Tips

No matter what type of device you use to heat your home, making sure your heating devices and/or systems are in good working order is an important part of learning some fall fire safety tips. Many things can go wrong with heating equipment during the spring and summer months. Verify that everything you need to keep your home warm throughout fall and winter is in good working order before you experience the first cold snap of the season.

Central Heating System Safety Tips

• Get your central heating system cleaned, inspected and serviced by a certified HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning) contractor every year before using it.
• If you have a gas heater, make sure that you have a sufficient quantity of fully functioning carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home.

Space Heater Safety Tips

• Make sure that any space heaters are surrounded by at least three feet of empty space.
• Never place clothing or any other objects on a space heater to dry.
• Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery.
• Turn space heaters off when you leave the house or go to bed.
• Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters.

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Fireplace Safety Tips

• Get your chimney inspected each year to make sure that it is safe.
• Hire a chimney sweep to clean out your chimney every fall.
• Repair any cracks in fireplaces.
• Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace.
• Do not every use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that combustible materials are not stored within three feet of your fireplace.
• For natural gas fireplaces, get all connections and lines inspected before use each season.
• Remember that outdoor fireplaces can be just as dangerous as indoor units, and observe all safety precautions when using them.

Fire Safety Tips for Holiday Decorations

• Do not use candles in Halloween jack-o-lanterns. Flashlights are much safer.
• Make sure that children's costumes are made with fire retardant materials.
• Use only fire retardant holiday decorations.
• Verify that all holiday lights and extension cords have been tested by an organization such as Factory Mutual or Underwriters Laboratory.

Family Fire Safety Tips

• Teach your kids how to respond in the event of a fire.
• Make sure young children know how to dial 911.
• Establish and practice a fire escape plan with your family that includes a designated meeting area outside the home.
• Practice stop, drop and roll with your children so they learn how to escape beneath a fire.
• Teach everyone in your family multiple ways to escape from every room in the event of a fire.
• Make sure that there is a sufficient quantity of smoke detectors in your home.
• Verify each month that smoke detectors are in working order.
• Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Do not place lit candles where they can be reached by children.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Do not leave candles burning when you go to sleep.
• Don't leave cooking food unattended on the stove.
• Keep everything that might be flammable away from your stove.
• Make sure all flammable substances are properly stored in safe containers and out of reach of youngsters.

Outdoor Fall Fire Safety Tips

• Clear your roof and gutters of unnecessary build up of debris, such as pine needles and leaves.
• Learn the outdoor burning regulations in your area, and do not engage in illegal burning of leaves and other outdoor debris.

Safety Matters

There is nothing more important than the safety of your family. Everyone in your home needs to know how to behave responsibly to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a fire. However, because fires can start at any time without warning, it is also very important that the members of your household know how to react in the event of a fire. It's a good idea to review fire prevention and safety tips with your family every fall, and several other times throughout the year.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

When purchasing a Halloween costume, make sure the label reads "Flame Resistant."

Halloween is a fun holiday but it’s also an important time to practice fire safety. The occurrence of fire increases around Halloween due to arson and the use of candles as decorations. Follow these tips for a happy and fire-safe Halloween:

• If you buy a costume, make sure the label says “Flame Resistant.”  Flame Resistant means the costume will be hard to catch on fire and if it does, the fire will go out fast.
• If you make a costume, try not to make one that is big and baggy so that the material doesn’t touch candles or other flames.  Use flame-resistant fabrics, such as polyester and nylon.  These materials will resist burning if exposed to a flame.
• Tell kids to stay away from candles and jack-o'-lanterns that may be on steps and porches.  Their costumes could catch fire if they get too close.
• Kids should never carry candles when they are trick-or-treating.  Always use a flashlight, flameless candle, or light stick.
• Tell kids to let you know right away if they see other kids playing with matches or lighters.
• Don’t use candles for decorations.  They’re dangerous, especially when left unattended.
• Use only decorative lights tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.  Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.  Throw away damaged sets.  Don't overload extension cords.
• Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for the latest on Halloween-related consumer product recalls.
• If you have a Halloween party, check for cigarettes under furniture cushions and in areas where people were smoking before you go to bed.
• Remove any materials around your home or property, such as garbage or excess vegetation, which an arsonist could use to start a fire.

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BAER not BEAR

While fires continue to burn in the South and SE, other parts of the country are begining to experience an increase in activity. UT,WY,SD and ID as well as western Canada all have active wildfires. Other areas of the country may soon be dealing with wildfires also. I just read a report where Maine is preparing for the possibility of wildfires as the danger levels increase.

Weekly statistics 7/19/11
Number of new large fires	2	States currently reporting large fires:
Number of active large fires Fires managed for multiple objectives (26)	19	Arizona (1) California (1) Georgia (3) Idaho (1) New Mexico (4) North Carolina (2) Oklahoma (2) Texas (4) Wyoming (1)
Acres from active fires	572,476
Fires contained since 7/18/11	2
Year-to-date large fires contained	89
Year-to-date statistics
2011 (1/1/11 - 7/18/11)	Fires: 41,930	Acres: 5,866,869

 

I thought I would provide some info on an aspect of wildfires that many dont think about unless you happen to live in an area which this is fairly common. And that is the additional damage caused by wildfires long after the fire and smoke is gone.

 

 

Flooding and mud slides are a real problem in some parts of the country (thankfully not so much here in VA)

Although the picture below is a rather extream example, this is an amazing aspect of wildfire damage and recovery. My first experience was when I was on an assignment in Colorado when we held a public meeting after the first real rain in an area that was recently burned. One lady got up and spoke about how thankful she and her family was that the firefighters saved their home from the wildfire BUT they lost everything as the flodding washed away their home. Rain is definately the two edged sword at times.

There are specially trained teams that work with identifying potential areas of concern and make recovery recomendations, they are  the Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Teams.

 The BAER program addresses these situations with the goal of protecting life, property, water quality, and deteriorated ecosystems from further damage after the fire is out.

While many wildfires cause little damage to the land and pose few threats to fish, wildlife and people downstream, some fires create situations that require special efforts to prevent further catastrophic damage after the fire. Loss of vegetation exposes soil to erosion; runoff may increase and cause flash flooding; sediments may move downstream and damage houses or fill reservoirs; and put endangered species and community water supplies may be at risk.

Why is flooding after a fire such a big threat? For one thing, flames consume leaf litter and decomposing matter on the ground that normally soak up water. Additionally, after a fire, the soil itself has the potential to become hydrophobic, or water repellant. Plants and trees have numerous protective chemicals with which they coat their leaves to prevent water loss. Many of these substances are similar to wax. Vaporized by the heat from fires, these substances disperse into the air and then congeal over the soil surface when the fire begins to cool. Like the wax on your car, these substances coat the soil, causing water to bead up and run off quickly. In general, the greater the fire intensity and the longer the fire’s residence time, the more hydrophobic the soil becomes.

These are not normal days

"These are not normal days, this is not a spring that comes around often, we haven't seen conditions like these since 1917," Mary-Kay Hicks, Texas Forest Service, said.

ODESSA, Texas — At least two homes have burned and a West Texas community near Odessa has been evacuated after new wildfires erupted in parts of the windswept, tinder-dry region.
Two fires prompted the evacuation of the 800-resident community of Pleasant Farms, about 12 miles south of Odessa. Reporters on the scene say two homes in the subdivision already have burned. No injuries have been reported.

Having a Plan:

One of the problems fire officials had in North Texas is that people in the fire's path refused to their homes.

Authorities say Central Texans need to be on alert for the threat of wildfire and need to have a plan just in case.

"We're in a good position because we have time to plan out, and figure out where you want to meet, where will you go, what will you take with you," Hicks said.

IF ASKED TO EVACUATE

Local Public Safety officials may deem evacuation is necessary due to wildfires in your area. If asked to evacuate, please do so in a speedy and responsible manner.  Authorities do not ask you to leave if it is NOT in your best interest. They know how difficult a decision this is and how emotional it can be. PLEASE cooperate and NOW is the TIME TO PREPARE. The more you are READY, when the call comes to GO you are SET and you can get out of harms way.

I offer you these tips for those who evacuate.

Planning for Evacuation

·                       Ask your local Emergency Management Office about community evacuation plans.

·                       Learn proposed evacuation routes and locations of public shelters.

·                       If you do not have personal transportation, make arrangements with friends or your local government.

·                       Make a plan with family members for a destination if you have to leave your community.  In your planning, consider different scales of evacuation – neighborhood, town, county, etc.

·                       Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit.

·                       Keep your car fueled if evacuation seems likely.  Gas stations may be closed during an emergency, or unable to pump gas during power outages.

·                       Know how to shut off your home’s electricity, gas and water supplies at main switches and valves.

What to do if asked/told to evacuate

·                       Gather all persons in the house together.

·                       Household members outside the area may be advised not to return during an evacuation.  They may be directed to a reception center or mass care shelter where you can join them.

·                       Do not call your local fire or police departments for information.  Emergency workers will need their lines for emergency use. 

·                       Stay tuned to your Emergency Alert System radio station or local AM radio station. I say AM because they usually have a more continuous news reporting of an emergency.

·                       Turn off lights and unnecessary appliances.

·                       Close and lock windows and doors.

·                       Check with neighbors to see if they need assistance.  Offer to share transportation.

·                       Let others know where you are going.

·                       If you need a ride, try to get one with neighbors or contact your local Emergency Management Office.

·                       If you have livestock, shelter them.  Leave them at least a three-day supply of stored feed and water that has been protected from possible contamination.

How to travel

·                       Keep the car radio tuned to an Emergency Alert System station.

·                       Be aware of designated evacuation routes.

·                       Avoid routes that are anywhere near the fire, you DON’T need to get a closer look.

What to take with you

Essential items.  You may be away from home for a few hours to a few days.

·                       Clothing for several days.

·                       Toilet articles (Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)

·                       Prescription medicines, medical equipment and important medical records.

·                       Special dietary foods.

·                       Baby supplies.

·                       Blankets, pillows, and towels (if you plan on staying at a Public Mass Care Shelter).

·                       Identification and important papers.

·                       Checkbook, credit card and cash.

·                       Your cell phone AND charger. Now might be a good time to get that compact charging battery, many are no bigger than a pack of cigarettes and cost less than $20 and can charge your cell a couple of times..

About your pets

·                       Only seeing-eye dogs and other service animals will be allowed inside most reception centers and mass care shelters.

·                       In many communities, shelters have plans to accommodate pets, check out the restrictions BEFORE you need to know..

·                       Make plans ahead of time to take your pet to stay at relatives, friends or a kennel outside the affected area.

·                       Know pet-friendly hotels and motels.

·                       Prepare an emergency kit for your pets; include collars & leashes, a three-day supply of food, bowls, litter boxes, photographs, and a week’s supply of medications that your pet may be taking.

·                       Make sure your pets wear collars with current license and rabies tags, and identification tags that include information on where you will be staying during the emergency.

·                       Use a pet carrier for each of your pets to make transportation easier.

http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/main/default.aspx

Current Fire Updates 

Protect Your Home

Fire Danger

THANK for

Listening

Fall Wildfire Season in the East is not over yet!!

FL   Family flees with dogs, Bible as Scottsmoor brush fire approaches

SCOTTSMOOR — Donna Watts smelled the smoke outside her camper parked in a secluded section of woods off Interstate 95 but didn't think much of it, believing it was from a cookout at a nearby hunting or fishing camp.But when she heard a commotion outside, she knew something was wrong. That's when she discovered that the woods around her were on fire.The fire started Tuesday morning when a fire pit got out of control in high winds. By late Wednesday, it had burned 615 acres west of I-95, from Scottsmoor north to the Brevard-Volusia county line. Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Florida Division of Forestry achieved 100 percent containment of the blaze.

NJ    Brush fire causes power outage

The brush fire was noticed shortly after 11:15 a.m. on Ridgewood Road in an undeveloped area in between Temple Beth Or and The Washington Grand Senior Complex, said Police Officer Heather Castronova, the department's spokeswoman.

After the building was evacuated, firefighters vented it and quickly restored power, she said.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that the cause of the fire was likely accidental, she said.

VA    Montgomery Co. brush fires ruled arson

Investigators think the two fires are related.

November 17, 2010|By Web Staff

MONTGOMERY CO., Va. — Two brush fires responsible for burning almost 450 acres in Montgomery County have been ruled arson.

According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, more than ten homes and several other buildings were threatened in a fire just west of Blacksburg.  It burned about 240 acres off of

Prices Fork Road

.

 

Tip of the Blog





Arsonists we've got your number and were NOT going to put up with it anymore! You better watch out because we looking for you.

A Great short Video on Firewise.

This takes a few moments (about a min) to load but is well worth the wait.

Check out http://www.firewisevirginia.org/ for lots more info that will help you become more Firewise! The link below akes you to the simple online test talked about in the video above. Thanks to WDBJ 7 in Roanoke and Chris Thomsen with the VA Dept Of Forestry.

http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/firewise-hazard-test.shtml

As the beautiful fall colors begin fading and the leaves begin piling up on the forest floor it does not take many drying days to create wildfire hazards. We must stay alert to these changing conditions and do all we can to help prevent wildfires. Review some of the earlier posts and visit state forestry web pages for tips. Start with ours http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/index.shtml

 Wildfires in the news!

Firefighters across Southern Indiana battling two large wildfires

From the sky, the fires look impossible to control, but on the ground crews were busy digging fire breaks and getting water on what they could to stop the wildfires from spreading.

From Highway 111 in Floyd County people took in a sight you’re more likely to see out west.  “It’s getting pretty close to some houses back there.  We’ve been down here twenty minutes and it’s definitely getting a lot worse,” said New Albany resident Marty Schindler.

Wildfire in gorge is contained, but destruction, hazards remain

Wildfire left 1,650 acres scarred, vulnerable

Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/11/13/1522358/fires-out-in-the-red-river-gorge.html#ixzz15FiGOSJB

Local crews contain Price Mountain fire

Thursday, November, 11, 2010; 11:17 PM

Forest fires that burned up several hundred acres of Prices Fork Mountain Tuesday have been contained, and crews are currently working to prevent additional damage.

Tip Of The Blog

Wildfires: Is your home at risk?Take this test to find out.

Is your home at high, moderate or low risk?

November 11, 2010|By Jean Jadhon | WDBJ-TV Anchor/Reporter

If a fire were burning near your home, how would it fare?

Take this test and found out. http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/firewise-hazard-test.shtml

It's from the Virginia Department of Forestry and only takes a few moments.