Grilling - Although gas grills are used roughly 1.5 times as often as charcoal grills, they are involved in five times as many fires. The key to not becoming a statistic is following some simple grilling safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). According to the National Fire Protection Association… ...read more
Holiday Lights - Inspect holiday lights every year. If you find: • Frayed wire • Bare spots • Broken sockets • The wires are warm to the touch • They are not approved by UL or another testing laboratory Then it is time to purchase new lights. Never link more than three lights… ...read more
Candle Safety - On average 25 home candle fires start every day. The simple nature of candles having an open flame is the key to why they can be so dangerous. WFPD recommends using battery operated, flameless candles. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than half of all candle fires… ...read more
Fireplace Safety - Everyone gathered around the fireplace enjoying the holidays. It makes for a picture perfect scene, but without taking the proper precautions fireplaces can cause a fire hazard in an instant. Top 3 Fireplace Safety Tips Check the chimney to ensure it is clear of debris. A fireproof screen should be… ...read more
Cooking Safety - Every year 13,000 people are injured in home fires, and with cooking being one of the leading causes of these fires it is important to remember safety when your are in the kitchen. If you have a cooking fire, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you… ...read more
Cleaning Chemicals Don’t Mix - Tough stains or a lot of grit and grime can drive people to try different types cleaning products. When these chemicals are mixed it can be deadly, especially ammonia and bleach. Mixing bleach and ammonia creates chlorine gas, which is so powerful it was used as a chemical warfare agent… ...read more
Campus Fire Safety - Heading off to college is a highlight in the lives of many young adults. Unfortunately, with the newfound independence of college life comes an increased risk of fires. According to the Center for Campus Safety there have been 79 documented, fatal fires on a college campus, in Greek housing, or in off-campus… ...read more
House Numbering - If you have an emergency would your house be easy to find? Make sure your home and mailbox are well marked. House Address Numbers Should Be: Located above the garage door or the main entrance facing the street At least 6 inches tall An easy to see color Block numbers,… ...read more
Home Heating - Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths. WFPD and The National Fire Protection Association recommend following these general home heating safety tips: Keep anything that can burn (including papers, rugs, and curtains) at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable… ...read more
Scalding Water - Scald injuries are painful, require prolonged treatment, and may result in lifelong scarring and even death. The American Burn Association recommends the following simple safety tips to decrease the risk to yourself and those you love from tap water scalds: Set home water heater thermostats to deliver water at a… ...read more
Carbon Monoxide - Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn incompletely. In the home, heating equipment that burns fuel is a potential source of carbon monoxide, with November, December and January representing peak months for (non-fire) carbon monoxide incidents. To reduce the risk… ...read more
Fuel Burning Heaters – Kerosene and Gas - Kerosene and gas burning stoves can be effective tools for heating, but they also pose fire hazards that contribute to home heating equipment as the second leading cause of U.S. home fires. That’s one reason why the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are… ...read more
Space Heaters - Space heaters need space. That’s a key message from the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). Space heaters annually account for one-third of reported U.S. home heating fires, and four out of five associated civilian deaths. Keep things that can burn at least… ...read more
Portable Fireplaces - Tabletop or portable fireplaces are increasingly popular. Although these can be an attractive addition to your home, they can be dangerous. If you use an ethanol fueled fireplace you should follow these safety guidelines from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association): Portable Fireplace Safety A portable ethanol burning fireplace, and the… ...read more
Hotel Safety - In case of fire, know what to do in your home away from home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) from 2006-2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 3.700 structure fires per year at hotel or motel properties. These fires caused average annual losses of 12 civilian… ...read more
Electric Wiring Safety - DIY home wiring projects should not be undertaken lightly. Failing to take the proper precautions or to use the right tools can put you and your family in danger. Common risks include electrocution and possible electrical fire. We at WFPD strongly advise working with a professional to get these projects done safely… ...read more
Severe Weather - Being prepared before, and knowing what to do after the storm hits are critical to the safety of those who experience severe weather. Preparing For The Storm Practice your emergency escape plan; know two ways out of each room of the house. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio. Charge cell phones,… ...read more
Freezing Temperatures - Freezing temperatures can put you and your family at an increased risk of a home fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you prepare for the frigid temperatures and follow these tips from WFPD, Ready.gov and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to get through the cold winter safely. Preparing… ...read more