Fire Prevention

• Early Warning: Smoke alarms provide the earliest warning of a fire, giving you and your family critical time to escape.
• Reduces Fatalities: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
• Maintenance Matters: Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Replace the entire unit every 10 years.
• Proper Placement: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
• Interconnected Alarms: For maximum protection, use interconnected smoke alarms—when one sounds, they all sound and some have voice callouts alerting you to which room the alarm is coming from.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are essential safety devices designed to detect and warn occupants of the presence of carbon monoxide gas, which is odorless, colorless, and potentially deadly. Here’s what you should know about them:

• CO Sources: Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuels such as gas, oil, wood, or coal. Sources include furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, stoves, and portable generators.
• Symptoms of CO Poisoning: Headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. High exposure can lead to unconsciousness or death. 
• Early Warning: CO alarms provide critical alerts before carbon monoxide levels reach dangerous levels. If an alarm is activated increase ventilation and get everyone outside, including pets. 

• Battery-Powered: Portable and easy to install. Require regular battery replacement.
• Hardwired: Permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical system, often with battery backup.
• Combination Alarms: Detect both CO and smoke.
• Smart Alarms: Can connect to your phone or smart home system for remote monitoring.

• Install on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Place alarms outside bedrooms, in hallways, and near potential CO sources like furnaces or fireplaces.
• Avoid installing them near windows, vents, or bathrooms where humidity can interfere with sensors.

A defensible space is the buffer zone between a structure (like your home) and the surrounding vegetation or other combustible materials. It reduces fire intensity and slows its spread.

Zone 1: Immediate Zone (0-5 feet from your home)

• Remove all dead vegetation, leaves, and debris.
• Trim branches that overhang your roof.
• Avoid flammable materials like mulch near the foundation—use gravel or stone instead.
• Keep woodpiles, propane tanks, and other fuel sources away from this area.

Zone 2: Intermediate Zone (5-30 feet from your home)

• Space trees so their canopies do not touch.
• Prune tree branches to at least 6-10 feet above the ground.
• Remove dead plants, leaves, and fallen branches.
• Use fire-resistant plants and landscaping (e.g., deciduous trees, succulents).

Zone 3: Extended Zone (30-100 feet and beyond)

• Remove dead trees, brush, and dry grasses.
• Thin out trees and shrubs to create space between them.
• Mow grasses to 4 inches or less.

• Slows the progress of a wildfire.
• Provides firefighters with a safer area to defend your home.
• Protects your home from embers, radiant heat, and flames.

• Regularly inspect and maintain defensible space areas.
• Use fire-resistant building materials for decks, siding, and roofs.
• Keep emergency access clear for fire apparatus.
• Remove anything flammable under decks, patios, or stairways.

Additional Recommendations

• Store firewood and other combustible materials at least 30 feet away from your home's foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds.
• Ensure that propane tanks and other fuel sources are located away from vegetation and structures.
• Regularly clean roofs and gutters to prevent the accumulation of flammable materials like leaves and pine needles.
• Use fire-resistant plants and landscaping materials to further reduce fire risk.

Implementing these practices not only enhances the safety of your property but also contributes to the overall resilience of your community against wildfires.

Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: Clean the stove, stovepipe, and chimney at least once a year to prevent creosote buildup.
• Inspect Annually: Have a professional inspect your stove and chimney annually for damage or blockages.
• Check Gaskets: Ensure door seals and gaskets are in good condition to prevent leaks.

Safe Operation

• Use Dry, Seasoned Wood: Burn only dry, seasoned hardwoods to minimize creosote buildup and ensure efficient combustion.
• Avoid Overloading: Don't overload the stove with too much wood, as this can lead to overheating and creosote formation.
• Never Burn Trash: Avoid burning garbage, paper, or treated wood, as these can release toxic fumes and damage your stove.

Fire Safety

• Install Smoke and CO Alarms: Ensure working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are in place near the stove and sleeping areas.
• Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Have a multipurpose fire extinguisher easily accessible.
• Use a Stove Thermometer: Monitor stove temperatures to avoid overheating.
• Install a Hearth Pad: Use a non-combustible hearth pad underneath and in front of the stove to protect flooring from heat and embers.

Safe Practices

• Supervise Fires: Never leave a fire unattended, especially overnight.
• Keep Flammable Items Away: Maintain at least a three-foot clearance from the stove for flammable materials like curtains, furniture, and rugs.
• Dispose of Ashes Safely: Store cooled ashes in a metal container with a lid, away from combustible materials.

Education

• Teach Fire Safety: Educate all household members on the safe operation of the wood stove and emergency procedures.

Fire extinguishers are classified by the types of fires they are designed to extinguish:

      Class A – For ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics.
(Symbol: Green Triangle)

      Class B – For flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, grease, and paint.
(Symbol: Red Square)

     Class C – For electrical fires involving wiring, appliances, and circuit breakers.
(Symbol: Blue Circle)

Class D – For combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and potassium.
(Symbol: Yellow Star)

      Class K – For kitchen fires involving cooking oils and grease.
(Symbol: Black Hexagon)

Many extinguishers are multi-purpose and labeled as A-B-C, covering multiple fire types.

Use the PASS Method for effective operation:

1. Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
2. Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep the nozzle side to side, covering the fire area until it’s extinguished.

Home Use: A-B-C extinguishers are versatile and ideal for home use. 

Kitchen: Use Class K extinguishers for grease fires. Never use water on grease fires.

  Garage/Workshop: Consider Class B-C or A-B-C for fuel and electrical hazards.

 Workplace: Follow OSHA and NFPA guidelines for extinguisher placement and type.

• Place extinguishers in easily accessible, visible locations.
• Recommended areas include the kitchen, garage, and near exits.
• Ensure everyone in the household or workplace knows the location and how to use them.

• Use Approved Chargers: Always use chargers designed and certified for your specific device or battery.
• Avoid counterfeit or low-quality chargers as they may not include necessary safety features 
• Monitor Charging: Do not leave devices charging unattended, especially overnight or in areas without fire alarms.
• Disconnect the charger once the battery is fully charged.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Charge batteries in environments between 32°F (0°C) and 113°F (45°C).
• Avoid charging in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as overheating can lead to thermal runaway.
• Inspect Batteries and Chargers: Regularly check batteries for bulging, cracks, or leakage. Inspect charging cables and connectors for fraying or damage.
• Avoid Overcharging: Most modern devices include safeguards against overcharging. However, disconnect the charger once charging is complete to minimize stress on the battery.

Tips for Safe Charging Practices

• Avoid Fast Charging Unless Necessary: Fast charging generates more heat and can degrade      battery life over time. Use standard charging for everyday use, reserving      fast charging for emergencies.
• Don’t Use Extension Cords: Plug chargers directly into wall outlets to avoid      overloading circuits or creating a fire hazard.
• Do Not Charge Wet or Cold Batteries: Dry wet batteries before charging to prevent short      circuits. Allow batteries to warm to room temperature after being exposed      to cold environments.
• Charge on Non-Flammable Surfaces: Place devices on hard, flat surfaces (e.g., a      countertop) while charging.
• Avoid flammable materials like bedding or upholstery.

Handling Damaged or Faulty Batteries

• Stop Using Damaged Batteries: Swollen, punctured, or leaking batteries are dangerous      and should be replaced immediately. Recycle damaged batteries at certified      recycling centers.
• Signs of Failure:  Unusual heat during charging. A burnt smell or discoloration around the      battery or charging port.
• Devices shutting down prematurely or not holding a      charge.
• Safe Disposal: 
• 1. Do not throw lithium-ion batteries in regular trash. 
• 2. Use designated e-waste disposal services to prevent environmental harm and potential fires.

In Case of Fire or Overheating

• Overheating:     If a battery becomes excessively hot, unplug it immediately and move it to      a safe, non-flammable surface. Allow the device to cool before handling      further.
• Fire: Use a Class D fire extinguisher for battery fires if available. Water      can sometimes cool surrounding materials but should not be used directly  on a lithium battery fire.
• Call 911 if the fire is unmanageable or spreads.
• Evacuation:  If a fire occurs indoors, evacuate and close the doors behind you to      contain the fire while awaiting emergency services.