Safety Tips – Odenton Volunteer Fire Company

From the Maryland Poison Center at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

adm_B Gosnell — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:13:02 +0000

Spring Cleaning Let’s spring into cleaning safely—because sparkling countertops are great, but accidental poisonings are not! Poisoning from household cleaning products is the second most common call to the Maryland Poison Center. Let’s review the top five most common products and how to safely use and store them. Follow the first aid steps in the sidebar If you or someone you know has used a cleaning product incorrectly.

Click HERE to read more.

Arson

Brandon Gosnell — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 23:00:05 +0000

18% OF ARSON FIRES ARE SET IN BUILDINGS

According to the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 16,000 intentionally set fires in homes every year, resulting in an estimated 300 deaths, 700 injuries and $500 million in direct property damage. The average dollar loss for an intentionally set fire in a residential building is $21,320. The fatality rate for intentionally set residential fires is more than twice that of other residential building fires.

Arson in the Home – What you can do

The fatality rate for intentionally set residential fires is more than twice that of other residential building fires.
Install lights on all sides of the house and motion-activated lighting near the entrances.
Put timers on interior lights to give the illusion the home is occupied.
Trim or remove shrubbery that blocks the view of the house from the street.
Consider installing security and fire alarm devices that can transmit an alarm to the police or fire department when the home alarm sounds.
Install deadbolts on all external doors.
Clean around your house and garage, removing unused and unneeded paper, trash, cleaning supplies, partial cans of paint and other materials that could become kindling and fuel a fire for an arsonist.

Arson at houses of worship – What you can do

Each year from 2020 to 2022, an estimated average of 1,300 fires in places of worship were reported to fire departments in the U.S. These fires resulted in an estimated annual average of $74.6 million in property loss. The leading cause of fires in places of worship was cooking (33%), but intentional actions accounted for an additional 15%.
Illuminate building exterior and entrances. Place motion-activated lighting near entrances. Install lights to cover all sides of the building. Put interior lights on timers.
Install smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system. The most effective fire loss prevention and reduction measure for both life and property is the installation and maintenance of fire sprinklers.
Keep doors locked. Equip external doors with code-compliant hardware and secure them when the facility isn't occupied. Limit and track which members of the congregation have keys and alarm codes.

Quick Tips to Share

Spread the word by sharing these graphics with your family and friends! We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.

Information provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/arson/

Travel

Brandon Gosnell — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:45:50 +0000

HOTEL AND MOTEL FIRES ARE COMMON

Fire safety is not typically front of mind for most people when making travel plans, however, fires in hotels and motels are extremely common. Here are some of the things you need to know about keeping your family safe when staying in hotels and motels.

Hotel Fire Safety: Did You Know?

An estimated 3,900 hotel and motel fires were reported annually between 2014 and 2016, resulting in about 15 fatalities and 100 injuries each year
Cooking is the leading cause of hotel and motel fires.
18% of non-confined hotel and motel fires extend beyond the room of origin. The leading causes of these larger fires are electrical malfunctions (24%), intentionally set fires (15%), and fires caused by open flames (12%). In contrast, 42% of all non-confined residential building fires extend beyond the room of origin.
While bedrooms are the primary origin of non-confined fires (23%), when confined cooking fires are considered, the kitchen or other cooking area is the most prevalent area of fire origin.
Hotel and motel fires are more prevalent in the cooler months due to increases in heating fires and peak in February (9%)

Hotel Fire Safety- Helpful Hints

Choose a hotel/motel that is protected by both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
When you check in, ask the front desk what the fire alarm sounds like.
When you enter your room, review the escape plan posted in your room.
Take the time to find the exits and count the number of doors between your room and the exit. Make sure the exits are unlocked. If they are locked, report it to management right away.
Keep your room key by your bed and take it with you if there is a fire.
If the alarm sounds, leave right away, closing all doors behind you. Use the stairs — never use elevators during a fire.
If you must escape through smoke, remember, smoke rises so get low and go under the smoke to your exit.

Quick Tips to Share

Spread the word by sharing these graphics with your family and friends! We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.

Information provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/hotel-fires/

Smoking

Brandon Gosnell — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:30:20 +0000

YOU CAN QUIT, IF YOU'VE TRIED, TRY AGAIN.

The 2021 national estimates for residential building smoking fires and losses show that there were 7,800 fires, 275 deaths, 750 injuries and $361,500,000 in dollar loss. Here are some things you need to know about keeping your home and family safe!

Smoking Fire Safety- Helpful Hints

Smoke outside. Many things in your home can catch on fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes. It is always safer to smoke outside.
Put cigarettes out all the way. Do this every time. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure they are really out before you put them in the trash.
Be alert. Do not smoke after taking medicine that makes you tired. You may not be able to prevent or escape from a fire if you are sleepy or have taken medicine that makes you tired.
Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch on fire.
Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily. Do not smoke in bed because you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.
Put your cigarette out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use ashtrays with a wide base so they won’t tip over and start a fire.

Quick Tips to Share

Spread the word by sharing these graphics with your family and friends! We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.

Information provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/at-risk-audiences/smoking/

Home Recovery

Brandon Gosnell — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:15:00 +0000

CLEANUP WILL TAKE TIME

A fire in a home can cause serious damage. The building and many of the things in your home may have been badly damaged by flames, heat, smoke and water. You will find that things the fire did not burn up are now ruined by smoke and soggy with water used to put out the flames. Anything that you want to save or reuse will need to be carefully cleaned. The firefighters may have cut holes in the walls of the building to look for any hidden flames. They may even have cut holes in the roof to let out the heat and smoke. Cleanup will take time and patience.

Now that you have more of an idea of what to expect, here are tips to follow to help you get your family back to normal!

What Do I Do Now?

Take care of yourself and family.
Contact your insurance agent and/or organizations that may help.
Help your pets.
Security and safety is your first priority.
Finances (landlord, mortgage lender, credit card company, etc)

Quick Tips to Share

Spread the word by sharing these graphics with your family and friends! We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.

Information provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46.pdf

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa_46s.pdf

Garage and Basement

Brandon Gosnell — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:00:19 +0000

THEY CAN SPREAD FASTER

Garage and basement fires can spread farther and cause more injuries and dollar loss than fires that start in other areas of your home. Here are some things you need to know about keeping your home safe!

Garage and Basement Fire Tips

Consider Installing:

A 20-minute fire-rated door that is self-closing and self-latching from the garage into the house.
A ceiling made with ⅝-inch Type X gypsum board (or the equivalent) if you have living space above the garage.
A wall with ½-inch gypsum board (or the equivalent) if the wall attaches the garage to your home.
An attic hatch cover if you have attic access from the garage.
A heat alarm — not a smoke alarm — in your garage. The heat alarm will sound if the temperature rises too high.

Did You Know? Facts about Garage Fires

Every year, there are 6,600 garage fires in homes that result in an average of 30 deaths, 400 injuries, and $457 million in property loss.
Of these fires, 93 percent occurred in one- and two-family homes.
Electrical malfunction is the leading cause of garage fires. These fires can start because of shorts in wires, damaged wires, and overloading electrical outlets.

Quick Tips to Share

Spread the word by sharing these graphics with your family and friends! We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.

Information provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/basement-and-garage/

Campus

Brandon Gosnell — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:45:56 +0000

responsibility is now yours

Going to college is an exciting time for students and their parents. Living in a new “home away from home” not only gives young adults more freedom to make their own choices, but it also provides them an increased level of personal responsibility while at school.

When it comes to on- and off-campus housing, it’s important for students and parents to keep fire safety top of mind. Here is everything you need to know about fire safety on campus!

Campus Fire Safety- Facts and Stats

94 percent of fatal campus fires occurred off-campus.
Smoking (29 percent) was the leading cause of fatal campus fires.
Alcohol was a factor in 76 percent of fatal campus fires.
Smoke alarms were either missing or tampered with (disconnected or battery removed) in 58 percent of fatal campus fires.
Fire sprinklers were not present in any of the 85 fatal campus fires.
70 percent of fatal campus fires occurred on the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
73 percent of the fatal fires occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.
April was the peak month (13 percent) for fatal fires in campus housing.

Student Safety Tips – Cooking

Cook only where it is allowed.
Keep your cooking area clean and free of anything that can burn.
If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.
Keep an eye on what you are cooking, especially if you are cooking at high temperatures.

Student Safety Tips – Smoking

Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out.
Never toss hot cigarettes butts or ashes in the trash can.
Use deep, wide ashtrays.
Place ashtrays on something sturdy and hard to burn.
Don’t smoke when you have been drinking or are drowsy.
After a party, check for cigarette butts, especially under cushions. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast.

Student Safety Tips – Electrical Safety

Quick Tips to Share

Spread the word by sharing these graphics with your family and friends! We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.

Information provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/at-risk-audiences/college-students/

Apartments

Brandon Gosnell — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:30:15 +0000

REMEMBER, THE BUILDING IS SHARED

People living in an apartment building need to think ahead and be prepared in the event of a fire. It is important to know the fire safety features in your building and work together with neighbors to help keep the building as fire-safe as possible.

If you live in an apartment or condominium you need to know how to get out quickly if a fire starts. Here are some things you need to know about apartment living and fire safety!

Apartment Fires- Quick Facts

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the U.S. has experienced an average of 88,600 apartment building fires per year between 2013 and 2022.
Apartment building fires were responsible for 12 percent of the fire deaths and 21 percent of the fire injuries in 2022 in the U.S.
Deaths from apartment fires has been declining from an average of 840 per year in the 1980s to an average of about 375 per year (2013-2022).
Injuries from apartment fires, however, continued to climb into the 1990s before gradually declining.

Apartment Fire Safety – Checklist

Make sure the following statements are all true for your new home!

Do you have at least one operable smoke alarm?
Are your electrical cords in good condition?
Do you have any electrical cords running under rugs?
Are your space heaters at least three feet from combustibles?
If your fire escape window clear and unobstructed?
Can your windows be easily opened from the inside?
Are your building stairwells free of storage and rubbish?
Are the exit lights in your stairwell in working order?
Do you have a fire escape plan?

Apartment Fire Safety – Tips

Building Fire Safety-

Be Prepared-

Stay Calm-

If your door feels warm to the touch, do not attempt to open it. Call 9-1-1 and tell the dispatcher your apartment number and that you can’t open your door.
Stuff the cracks around the door with towels, rags, bedding, or tape.
Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or by waving a white cloth.
If your apartment door is cool to the touch, open it slowly and stay low as you check for fire and smoke in the hallway. If the hallway is safe, follow your building’s evacuation plan.
Never use an elevator to escape a fire. Always use the stairs.

Wait Outside for the Fire Department-

Quick Tips to Share

Spread the word by sharing these graphics with your family and friends! We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.

Information provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/

Fire Sprinklers

Brandon Gosnell — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 21:00:08 +0000

PROPERLY INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED FIRE SPRINKLERS HELP SAVE LIVES.

Because fire sprinklers react so quickly, they can dramatically reduce the heat, flames, and smoke produced in a fire.

Fire sprinklers have been around for more than a century, protecting commercial and industrial properties and public buildings. What many people don’t realize is that the same life-saving technology is also available for homes, where roughly 85% of all civilian fire deaths occur.

Home Fire Sprinklers – Quick Facts

Home fire sprinklers can control and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive on the scene.
Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire. In 84% of home fires where the sprinklers operate, just one sprinkler operates.
If you have a fire in your home, the risk of dying is cut by about one-third when smoke alarms are present (or about half if the smoke alarms are working), while automatic fire sprinkler systems cut the risk of dying by about 80%.
In a home with sprinklers, the average property loss per fire is cut by about 70% (compared to fires where sprinklers are not present.)
The cost of installing home fire sprinklers vary depending on construction type, area, etc and averages $1.35 per sprinklered square foot.

Home Fire Sprinklers – Did You Know?

Safer fire service: The risk to firefighters is much less. Sprinklers reduce the heat, flame and smoke from a fire.
Fast response: Home fire sprinklers are more sensitive to heat than those found in businesses or industrial buildings. This means the fire will be detected much sooner.
Can blend with your home decor: You can buy home fire sprinklers in different colors. Some can be installed flush with the ceiling, so you will hardly notice they are there.
Reliable: Home fire sprinklers only spray when the temperature in the room rises quickly. The sprinkler above the fire is the only one that sprays.
Easy installation: Installing a home sprinkler system in a home under construction or being remodeled requires a little extra piping and labor and greatly increases the safety of residents.
Low water requirement: Home fire sprinklers can be connected to the home water supply. They require less water than business and industrial systems.
Lower insurance: Installing a sprinkler system has the potential to lower insurance rates by 5-15 percent by meeting code requirements.

Quick Tips to Share

Spread the word by sharing these graphics with your family and friends! We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.

Information provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/home-fire-sprinklers/

Burn Prevention

Brandon Gosnell — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:45:12 +0000

EVERY 60 SECONDS

Most “fire-related injuries” are burns. In fact, approximately every 60 seconds someone in the U.S. sustains a burn injury serious enough to require treatment. Increased awareness of the dangers can prevent injuries. Here are some things you need to know about preventing burns and keep your family safe!

Protecting Your Children From Burns

Keep young children at least 3 feet away from any place where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges.
Never hold a child while cooking, drinking or carrying hot foods or liquids.
Teach children that hot things burn.
When children are old enough, teach them to cook safely. Supervise them closely.

Prevent Scalds and Burns – Quick Tips

Use the back burners when you cook, if possible. Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove. This will prevent spills from overturned pots and pans containing hot food or liquids.
Keep all appliance cords coiled and away from counter edges.
Use oven mitts or potholders when moving hot food from ovens, microwave ovens or stovetops. Never use wet oven mitts or potholders as they can cause scald burns.
Replace old or worn oven mitts.
Open heated food containers slowly, away from your face. Hot steam from the container can cause burns.
Foods heat unevenly in microwave ovens. Stir and test before eating.

Quick Tips to Share

Spread the word by sharing these graphics with your family and friends! We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.

Information provided by the U.S. Fire Administration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/life-safety-hazards/burns-first-aid-911/