Choosing a Christmas Tree Wisely

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), while Christmas tree fires are not common, they are likely to be serious when they occur. About five percent of home Christmas tree fires result in death.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department is encouraging everyone to select and maintain their Christmas tree carefully to reduce the risk of fire.

Selecting a Tree

• When buying a live Christmas tree, choose the freshest tree possible. Harvest your own at a Christmas tree farm, or select a freshly cut tree that hasn't been on the sales lot long.
• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• If you choose an artificial tree, be sure it is identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.

 Placing the Tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk.
• About twenty percent of Christmas tree fires are caused by a heat source located too close to the tree. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source (heat vent, fireplace, space heater, etc.). The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
• Keep ash-trays away from the tree and be careful not to drop cigarette ashes near a tree.
• Make sure the tree does not block an exit.
• Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Add water daily to the tree stand. Live Christmas trees dry out quickly once they're brought into a home. A dry Christmas tree can quickly go up in flames.

Lighting the Tree

• Never use candles to decorate a tree, and keep all candles away from the tree, garland, and other decorations.
• Use Christmas lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• Some lights are either for indoor or outdoor use only, while some may be used in either location. Make sure the lights you are using are appropriate for the venue.  
• Do not link more than three light strands together, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
• Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
• Do not overload electrical circuits.
• Periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch. If they do feel warm, replace them.
• Replace any strings of lights that have worn or broken cords or broken bulbs.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights when leaving home or going to bed.

Cooking Safety Tips

It's a recipe for serious injury or even death to wear loose clothing (especially hanging sleeves), walk away from a cooking pot on the stove, or leave flammable materials, such as potholders or paper towels, around the stove. More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and more than 20,000 are injured. Cooking is the leading cause of home fire in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of injuries. Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates dramatically.

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
• Never leaving cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
• Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all small appliances are turned off.
• Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
• Don’t cook if you’re under the influence of alcohol, taking a medication that causes drowsiness, or are fatigued.
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
• If an oven fire occurs, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and heating elements.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite.
• Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease.
• Always keep a lid nearby when cooking.
• If a fire breaks out while cooking, put a lid on the pan to smother it, or use baking soda or a fire extinguisher. Never throw water on a grease fire.
• Don’t try to move or carry a pan in which there is a hot grease/grease fire. Even though moving the pan is common reaction when a grease fire is discovered, it often results in burns to the carrier and additional fire damage.

So when should you call 911, and when should you try to fight a fire yourself? While fire extinguishers and baking soda can put out small fires when used properly, kitchen fires can spring up quickly and spread even faster. In the event of a fire, never hesitate to call the fire department. You should also be sure to get your family out of the house. Remember safety first: Keep yourself and your family protected, and call 911 for help.

Turkey Fryers

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS - TURKEY FRYERS

Turkey feasts go hand-in-hand with holiday festivities, and turkey fryers have become a popular way to prepare the bird. The increase in turkey fryer usage has also sparked more cooking fires.  As you prepare to host a holiday dinner keep in mind and practice these important safety tips if you plan to use a turkey fryer. 

Hazards

• Many units easily tip over, spilling hot oil from the cooking pot.
• If the cooking pot is over filled with oil, the oil may spill out of the unit when the turkey is lowered into the cooking pot. The hot oil may spill onto the burner or flames causing a fire to engulf the unit.
• Partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover effect causing a fire. Oil and water do not mix and water may cause oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• With no thermostat, the unit may potentially overheat the oil to the point of combustion.
• The lid and handles of the cooking pot may get dangerously hot posing severe burns hazards.

Important safety information

• Please read and carefully follow all manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors at a safe distance from buildings and other flammable materials.
• Never use turkey fryers in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or any structure that may catch fire. Do not use the fryer on a wooden deck.
• Make sure the unit is used on a level, stable, non-combustible flat surface to reduce tip hazards.
• Never leave the unit unattended. Keep the fryer in full view at all times as most do not have thermostat controls and may continue to heat the oil until it catches fire.
• If the oil begins to smoke, immediately turn the gas supply off.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil in the unit may remain hot for hours after use.
• Do not over fill the fryer to prevent oil spillover when inserting the turkey.
• The sides of the cooking pot, lid and handles become very hot posing a severe burn threat; use well insulated pot holders or oven mitts when touching the pot lid or handles.
• If possible wear goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dried off before inserting turkey into fryer. Avoid marinades that may react with hot oil posing a risk of splatter or fire. Pay special attention to drying the cavity of the turkey as it has the greatest potential for ice and water to accumulate. Remember oil and water do not mix and water causes the oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• Raise and lower the turkey slowly to reduce oil splatter and avoid burns.
• The National Turkey Federation recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
• Never move the pot or drain the oil from the pot until is has completely cooled.
• If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. Do not attempt to extinguish with water.

FWFD and TRAA Win Battle for Blood

It was a record year for the Red Cross during the annual Fort Wayne Battle for Blood held December 12-24.  This year's blood drive collected 1225 units of whole blood, topping the goal of 1,100 and beating the previous record of 1,187.  While we are still waiting for the platelet donation total, the Red Cross reports they were well over that goal of 500 too.

The Battle for Blood is a friendly competition between firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency responders to see who can bring in the most blood donations and votes. For 6 years, fire departments, paramedics and EMS have collected more votes equaling more blood donations in honor of their work.  This year was no different.  Fire/TRAA received 751 votes to Law Enforcement's 736.  While it is always satisfying for fire to beat the police and retain bragging rights, the real winners are the hundreds of patients who received the lifesaving gift – blood. 

The Red Cross wishes to thank each and every one of its supporters and donors.  The unwavering support during the largest blood drive of the year is truly appreciated. 

If you missed this year's Battle for Blood, blood donations are still encouraged.  Please call 1-800-Red-Cross to schedule your donation today. 

WOWO Citywide Fire Drill

In conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, WOWO radio will hosted the 65th annual citywide Fire Drill. While all schools within Fort Wayne participated in the evacuation drill, one school is designated as the host school acting as a central location for activating the fire alarm.   Students at Jefferson Middle School made the "911" emergency call.  

After recognizing a fire emergency, students will pulled the alarm at Jefferson Middle and evacuated as normal but they experienced special effects simulating a real fire including non-toxic "smoke" and strobe lighting.   Firefighters of the Fort Wayne Fire Department will responded to the "fire".

The remaining schools throughout the city participated in the evacuation portion of the drill only. Each school received its fire alarm notification via the local radio station. Upon hearing the WOWO broadcasted alarm notification, all schools evacuated as normal, performed their accountability requirements ensuring all occupants exited the building, and returned everyone to the building at the conclusion of the evacuation portion of the drill per the onsite person in charge.  

Once again, the WOWO Citywide Fire Drill was successful in helping students not only engage in fire safety dialogue and training, but the drill provides the the students the opportunity to practice.  As they say, the best defense is a good offence.  The WOWO Citywide Fire Drill prepares the students to act if there were a real fire situation.