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Smoke Alarms
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The Winooski Fire Department offers a variety of different
fire prevention programs throughout the community. These programs consist
of seminars for the elderly, fire safety and extinguisher classes to local
business, our Annual Open House, and an extensive fire prevention program
in the schools.
We pride ourselves on being in the schools at least two times each year.
The first is always during National Fire Prevention Week and the other time
is either during winter for Holiday safety or the Spring for Outdoor Fire
Safety. We also provide a Juvenile Fire setters Program, Station Tours and
Pre-School Fire Safety Programs.
We have always taken fire prevention as a serious and important part of
our job and the reduction of fire in our community, over the past 10 years
has proven that. Fire Safety starts with each of us.
Some of the safety categories that we explain here are:
Smoke detectors save lives! A properly
installed and maintained smoke detector will help to alert you when there
is a fire. There should be extra protection install detectors in each bedroom,
especially if there are smokers in the house.
To install a smoke detector be sure to read the manufacture's instructions
by placing the detector at least 4 inches from the wall, or on a wall 4
to 12 inches from the ceiling.
Test your detector. This should be done at least once a month. Have a monthly
family fire drill this is a great opportunity to test your detector. Remember
to change your battery at least once a year, or even better whenever we
change from EST to daylight saving times or vice-versa. Give the gift of
life, buy a smoke detector for someone.
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For a more in depth description and remedies about carbon
monoxide click on the image below to view an external government site!
Carbon monoxide detectors are true life savers. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas or liquid. It results from incomplete oxidation of carbon in combustion. Burns with a violet flame. Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and benzene.
Sources of carbon monoxide include the following:
Un vented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces;
back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces;
gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile
exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke.
Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and un vented gas or
kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air.
Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers,
furnaces) can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized,
blocked, disconnected, or is leaking.
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CLICK HERE for a PDF file on how to use a fire extinguisher!
Check your fire extinguishers at least once a year. If the charge indicator is low then the extinguisher needs to be recharged as soon as possible. The five basic types of fire extinguishers are shown in the chart below!
CLASS A: Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash and plastics. They are common in typical commercial and home settings, but can occur anywhere these types of materials are found.
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CLASS B: Class B fires involve flammable liquids' gases, solvents, oil, gasoline, paint, lacquers, tars and other synthetic or oil-based products. Class B fires often spread rapidly and, unless properly secured, can re-flash after the flames are extinguished.
CLASS C: Class C fires involve energized
electrical equipment, such as wiring, controls, motors, data processing
panels or appliances. They can be caused by a spark, power surge or short
circuit and typically occur in locations that are difficult to reach and
see.
CLASS D: Class D fires involve combustible metals such
as magnesium and sodium. Combustible metal fires are unique industrial hazards
which require special dry powder agents.
CLASS K: Class K fires involve combustible cooking media
such as oils and grease commonly found in commercial kitchens. The new cooking
media formulations used form commercial food preparation require a special
wet chemical extinguishing agent that is specially suited for extinguishing
and suppressing these extremely hot fires that have the ability to re-flash.
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(NOTE: Although ABC and BC Dry Chemical extinguishers can control a fire
involving electronic equipment, the National Fire Code (NFPA 75-1999 edition),
Section 6-3-2, specifically advises against dry-chemical extinguishers for
fires involving computers or other delicate electronic equipment due to
the potential damage from residues.
Standard for the Protection of Electronic Computer/Data Processing Equipment
6-3.2 Listed extinguishers with a minimum rating of 2-A shall be provided
for use on fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as paper and plastics.
Dry chemical extinguishers shall not be permitted.")
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Click on the hydrant below for more information than
you
realized there was about fire hydrants!
Probably the least recognized deterrent to a major fire
is this article that sits unobtrusively on the side of the road.
Law dictates that you should always remain at least six feet away from any
fire hydrants. Besides eliminating the possibility of a ticket by the police
department it allows the fire department to access needed resources to extinguish
fires!
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Fireworks anywhere within the city limits
are illegal. If you decide to detonate these devices use extreme caution.
Fireworks account for many emergency room visits each year and can cause
severe bodily harm.
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If you are using a real Christmas tree
then make sure that it is well watered. This prevents the tree from drying
out and lessens the likelihood that hot Christmas tree lights may ignite
the tree.
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All leaf burning is banned by the City
of Winooski. The City has issued a statement to this effect on their home
site page.
Click on the Onion City Logo at the top of the page to view this statement.
Gasoline is one of the most dangerous chemicals that are generally available to the public. In spite of the well documented dangers of this liquid there are always several incidents a year for the negligent use of gasoline.
Many people are aware of the dangers of using fire anywhere around this chemical but there are that many more who do not realize the true dangers reside more in the fumes than in the liquid itself.
Whenever you are around an open container extreme caution should be used to prevent a flash fire. Beside the obvious open flame you should be careful not to generate any kind of static electricity. How many times have you slid across the seat of your car only to get 'shocked' when touching the door. This kind of accident can happen.
Other things that you should be cautious about when handling gasoline are:
- Always refuel cars with the engine off
- Transport gas in the trunk with lid propped open for air
- Transport gas in an approved safety can
- Never siphon gas by mouth
- Never induce vomiting if gas is swallowed
- Never use gas to start any kind of fire
All images used here were provided by Big Al's fire service clip art site! These can be viewed here: http://blackwidowgraphics.com/firegifs/fire_gifs.html