When Severe Weather Strikes - Shane Truitt

Friday, November 14, 2008

The last few weeks were stark reminders of how fall and winter storms can dramatically impact coastal weather. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to protect yourself, your family and your home from the potential threat of fire during or after storms, which can create different kinds of hazards like: • Alternative heating devices used incorrectly. • Damaged or downed utility lines. • Water damaged appliances and utilities becoming electrically charged. • Bursting water pipes. • Leaking gas lines, damaged or leaking gas propane containers and leaking vehicle gas tanks that could explode or ignite. • Improperly used generators. You can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty by identifying and addressing potential hazards in advance. Chemical safety • Look for combustible liquids like gasoline and paint thinner that have spilled. Clean the spill and place containers in a well-ventilated area. • Keep combustible liquids away from heat sources. Electrical safety • If your home has sustained flood or water damage and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power. • Assume all wires on the ground, including telephone and cable TV lines, are electrically charged. • Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs and plugs. • Eliminate exposed outlets and wiring. • Appliances that emit smoke or sparks should be repaired or replaced. • Have a licensed electrician check your home for damage. Gas safety • Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a leak, immediately exit the house and leave doors open. • Never strike a match or activate electrical devices like switches. Any size flame can spark an explosion. • Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional. Generator safety • Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using generators. • Use a generator or other fuel-powered machines only outside the home. CO fumes are odorless and can quickly overwhelm you indoors. • Use the appropriate size and type of power cords to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires. • Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or where damage may go unnoticed. • Never connect generators to another power source like power lines. The possible backflow of electricity can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker. Heating safety • Only use kerosene heaters where approved by authorities. • Never use the kitchen stove to heat your home. It is a fire hazard and a source of toxic fumes. • Keep combustibles at least three feet away from space heaters. • Make sure heaters have tip switches. These devices automatically turn off the heater if they tip over. • Only use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer and only refuel outdoors. • Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. • Ensure wood stoves are (1) properly installed, (2) at least three feet away from combustibles, (3) properly floor supported and (4) adequately ventilated. • Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other combustibles. Other recommendations • Keep candles away from combustible objects and out of the reach of children. • Some smoke alarms depend on your home's electrical service and could be inoperative during a power outage. Make sure your smoke alarm uses a back-up battery and install a new battery at least once a year. • If there is a fire hydrant near your home, keep it clear of debris for easy access by the fire department. As with all things related to fire safety, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Assistant Fire Chief Shane Truitt has been a member of the BBVFC since 2003 and was with the Roxana VFC for six years before that. He is a nationally certified emergency medical technician and firefighter II and works as a firefighter/EMT with the Mill Creek VFC in New Castle County. Shane lives in Ocean View with his wife, Michelle, and their three children and can be reached at [email protected].