foster care fire safety medford fire prevention bureau

Foster Care Fire SafetyFoster Care Fire Safety

Medford Fire Prevention BureauMedford Fire Prevention Bureau

Foster CareFoster CareFire Safety TrainingFire Safety Training

What Will You Learn From This?• Case Studies of Fire Tragedies• Fire Statistics• Fire Behavior• Challenges of Foster Homes• OAR’s• Emergency Planning• Fire Prevention

Purpose?• To reduce the risk of tragedy

Challenges to CaregiverChallenges to Caregiver

Huge Responsibility and LiabilityHuge Responsibility and Liability• 3 minutes to evacuate 3 minutes to evacuate allall occupants occupants• 1:51:5++ caregiver to occupant ratio caregiver to occupant ratio• Increasing care needs of occupantsIncreasing care needs of occupants

What About Fire?What About Fire? • Discovering a fireDiscovering a fire• Calling 911Calling 911• Deciding if you should fight the fireDeciding if you should fight the fire• How to react to a fire emergencyHow to react to a fire emergency• Who to evacuate firstWho to evacuate first• Who to protect in placeWho to protect in place• Getting through the smoke and heatGetting through the smoke and heat

Medford Foster Home Structure Medford Foster Home Structure Fire History - VictimsFire History - Victims

January 30, 1985January 30, 1985


January 30, 1985January 30, 1985• 2 elderly residents died2 elderly residents died• 6:34 AM6:34 AM• Single story wood framed houseSingle story wood framed house• Husband and wife caretakers normally slept in travel Husband and wife caretakers normally slept in travel

trailer at nighttrailer at night• Smoke detectors awakened caretaker asleep on couch in Smoke detectors awakened caretaker asleep on couch in

the family roomthe family room• She saw flames from upper party of kitchen/dining room She saw flames from upper party of kitchen/dining room

area utility closetarea utility closet• There was a delay in calling 911 (approx. 15 minutes)There was a delay in calling 911 (approx. 15 minutes)• The cause of the fire was an electrical problem in a forced-The cause of the fire was an electrical problem in a forced-

air heating unitair heating unit• The house contained two working smoke detectorsThe house contained two working smoke detectors


January 12, 1995January 12, 1995


January 12, 1995January 12, 1995• 4 elderly residents died4 elderly residents died• 11:34 PM11:34 PM• Single story wood framed houseSingle story wood framed house• Upon arrival: 25% flames; heavy smoke coming from Upon arrival: 25% flames; heavy smoke coming from

openingsopenings• Two people exited prior to FD arrival-one was the caregiverTwo people exited prior to FD arrival-one was the caregiver• The fire originated in a chair of a smoking roomThe fire originated in a chair of a smoking room• Oxygen cylinders accelerated the burningOxygen cylinders accelerated the burning• The caretaker admitted to drinking alcohol and falling The caretaker admitted to drinking alcohol and falling

asleep. She was awakened when she heard an “explosion”asleep. She was awakened when she heard an “explosion”• The house contained 8 smoke detectors-all working except The house contained 8 smoke detectors-all working except

one with a missing batteryone with a missing battery


For one week the daughter watched their mother slowly die For one week the daughter watched their mother slowly die because of complications from smoke inhalation. Their because of complications from smoke inhalation. Their mother pleaded the day before she died:mother pleaded the day before she died:

““I hurt so bad, please help me”I hurt so bad, please help me”

Her daughter stated:Her daughter stated:““You cannot watch your mother going through the agony You cannot watch your mother going through the agony

she did for a week and not be angry”she did for a week and not be angry”

2009 Medford2009 Medford Structural Fire Statistics Structural Fire Statistics

Structure Fires by Type:• 82% Residential• 18% Commercial

2009 Medford2009 Medford Structural Fire Statistics Structural Fire Statistics

Residential Structure Fires by Type:• 64% Single Family Residence• 7% Duplex• 19% Multi-Family

2009 Residential Fire Statistics2009 Residential Fire Statistics

Time of Alarm:• 9% between 12:00 AM and 3:59 AM• 6% between 4:00 AM and 7:59 AM• 10% between 8:00 AM and 11:59 AM• 24% between 12:00 PM and 3:59 PM• 28% between 4:00 PM and 7:59 PM• 23% between 8:00 PM and 11:59 PM


Areas of Origin:• 33% kitchens • 6% common rooms (living room, den, family room)• 6% exterior origins

Causes:• 80% unintentional• 10% intentional• 8% undetermined• 2% act of nature

Initial Ignition Heat Sources:• 22% radiated/conducted heat from operating equipment• 14% from powered equipment • 13% heat from hot ember or ash


Smoke Alarms:• 54% present and alerted the residents• 31% did not alert or were not present

National Residential Fire National Residential Fire Statistics-Primary VictimsStatistics-Primary Victims

ChildrenChildren• 2,500 children aged 14 or younger were injured or 2,500 children aged 14 or younger were injured or

killed in residential fires (2002)killed in residential fires (2002)• ½ under the age of 5 and 70% under the age of 10½ under the age of 5 and 70% under the age of 10

Older AdultsOlder Adults• 2,300 adults age 65 or older were injured or killed 2,300 adults age 65 or older were injured or killed

in residential fires (2002)in residential fires (2002)• 80% between ages 65-8480% between ages 65-84• 2.5 times more likely to die in a fire than the overall 2.5 times more likely to die in a fire than the overall

populationpopulation

Source: USFA

National Residential Fire National Residential Fire Statistics-Primary VictimsStatistics-Primary Victims

ChildrenChildren• Young children often hide during firesYoung children often hide during fires• Young children may sleep through a sounding Young children may sleep through a sounding

smoke alarmsmoke alarm

Older AdultsOlder Adults• Older adults may suffer from reduced sensory Older adults may suffer from reduced sensory

abilities such as smell, touch, vision, and hearingabilities such as smell, touch, vision, and hearing- Inability to smell smokeInability to smell smoke- Inability to feel if something is hotInability to feel if something is hot- Inability to see fires or notice fire causesInability to see fires or notice fire causes- Inability to hear smoke alarms or fire soundsInability to hear smoke alarms or fire sounds

• May suffer from disabilitiesMay suffer from disabilities• Reduced reaction timesReduced reaction times

Source: USFA

Medford Fire DeathsMedford Fire DeathsMedford Fatalities-Since 1981

31 out of 33 in Residential OccupanciesAverage Annual Fire Death Rate = 12.7 per million (Since 1990)

3

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198119

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Most Fire Deaths:Most Fire Deaths:• Are caused from smoke inhalationAre caused from smoke inhalation• Occur between midnight and 8:00 AMOccur between midnight and 8:00 AM

Fire BehaviorFire Behavior

Why 3 minutes?Why 3 minutes?• Studies have shown that the average safe window of Studies have shown that the average safe window of

escape time has been reduced from 17 minutes in the escape time has been reduced from 17 minutes in the 1970’s to as little as three minutes currently. This 1970’s to as little as three minutes currently. This change is attributed to the widespread use of change is attributed to the widespread use of hydrocarbons in modern furniture, such as hydrocarbons in modern furniture, such as polyurethane foams. These newer fuels cause more polyurethane foams. These newer fuels cause more rapid fire growth. Smoke and products of combustion rapid fire growth. Smoke and products of combustion from these fires become deadly in a matter of just a from these fires become deadly in a matter of just a few minutes. few minutes.

Test Fire-Without SprinklersTest Fire-Without Sprinklers

Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

1400 1400

1200 1200

1000 1000

800 800

600 600

400400

200 200

0 0

0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420

3” Below Ceiling3” Below Ceiling60” Above Floor60” Above Floor36” Above Floor36” Above Floor

Temp.

Time (sec.)




A concentration of as little as A concentration of as little as 0.04% (400 parts per million) 0.04% (400 parts per million) carbon monoxide in the air can be carbon monoxide in the air can be fatal.fatal.


0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420

40004000

30003000

20002000

10001000

00

CarbonCarbon Monoxide Monoxide

Time (sec.)

PPM

140140

120 120

100 100

80 80

60 60

4040

20 20

0 0

0 60 120 180 240 0 60 120 180 240

3” Below Ceiling3” Below Ceiling60” Above Floor60” Above Floor36” Above Floor36” Above Floor

Temp.

Time (sec.) Sources: National Fire Sprinkler Association

Test Fire-With SprinklersTest Fire-With Sprinklers

40004000

30003000

20002000

10001000

00

0 60 120 180 0 60 120 180

Carbon MonoxideCarbon Monoxide

Time (sec.)

PPM

Test Fire-With SprinklersTest Fire-With Sprinklers


Living Room Fire Test VideoLiving Room Fire Test Video

The Facts-FlashoverThe Facts-Flashover

Residents Do Not Survive FlashoverResidents Do Not Survive Flashover• Caused when the fire spreads very Caused when the fire spreads very

rapidly when all combustible items in rapidly when all combustible items in a room reach their ignition a room reach their ignition temperatures more or less temperatures more or less simultaneouslysimultaneously

• Flashover can occur in as little as 3-4 Flashover can occur in as little as 3-4 minutesminutes11

• Post-flashover fires triple thePost-flashover fires triple the number number of victimsof victims22

• Most victims in post-flashover fires Most victims in post-flashover fires are found remote from the room are found remote from the room of originof origin22

Flashover

The Facts-Furnishings & Fuel LoadsThe Facts-Furnishings & Fuel Loads

Heat Release Rates (HRR)Heat Release Rates (HRR) (Btu/sec)(Btu/sec)– Small wastebasketSmall wastebasket 4-142 4-142– TV setTV set 114-275 114-275– Cotton mattressCotton mattress 38-921 38-921– Polyurethane mattressPolyurethane mattress 768-2495 768-2495 (+271-2025%)(+271-2025%)– Cotton easy chairCotton easy chair 275-351 275-351– Polyurethane easy chairPolyurethane easy chair 1281-18881281-1888 (+466-538%)(+466-538%)– Polyurethane sofaPolyurethane sofa 29602960– Armchair (modern)Armchair (modern) 332-711 332-711– ReclinerRecliner (synthetic padding/covering)(synthetic padding/covering) 474-949 474-949– Christmas tree, dryChristmas tree, dry 474-617474-617– Pool of gasoline (2 quarts on concrete)Pool of gasoline (2 quarts on concrete) 949 949– Living room or bedroom fully involvedLiving room or bedroom fully involved 2846-9487 2846-9487

Sources: NFPA 921; Kirk’s Fire Investigation

The Facts-Furnishings & Fuel LoadsThe Facts-Furnishings & Fuel Loads

Sources: NFPA 921; Kirk’s Fire Investigation

Polyurethane Mattress

768-2495 Btu/sec11-23’ flame height

TV114-275 Btu/sec

5-10’ flame height

Desk Chair142-237 Btu/sec7-9’ flame height

Wastebasket4-142 Btu/sec

1-7’ flame height

Minimum 497.3 Btu/sec HRR required for flashover in this typical bedroom

12

'-0"

12'-0"

Bedroom

2'-6"D

es

kD

ress

er

Be

d

4'-0

"

The Facts-Fire & Smoke Spread The Facts-Fire & Smoke Spread AnimationAnimation

Source: NIST

Your Fire ScenarioYour Fire Scenario

0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20

Time Line (minutes)

You are awakened by thesmoke detector

A small fire starts in your home

The fire dept. arrives, assesses the situation & applies 250 gpm to fire areas. Windows are broken and holes are cut in the roof to vent fire gases and smoke.

Smoke reaches the smoke detector

Ceiling temp. reaches 165 degrees. Smoke begins to layer down

Ceiling temp. reaches 1,000 degrees, visibility is reduced to zero

Ceiling temp reaches 1,400 degrees. Flashover occurs engulfing all contents of the fire room and extending fire throughout home

You investigate and find a fire

You awaken other family members and go to a neighbor to call 911

You give the 911 operator the information and she notifies the fire dept.

The fire dept. responds

The fire room and all contents are completely destroyed. Heat damage extends throughout the entire house, burning or melting all items within 5 feet of the ceiling. Smoke has blackened all contents of the house. Windows and roof vent holes must be boarded-up. All drywall will need to be replaced and all contents replaced or restored. Extensive water damage exists from firefighting efforts. Average time of displacement...6 months to a year.

Source: Oregon Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

Sprinkler System Fire ScenarioSprinkler System Fire Scenario

0 1 2 3 4 5 10 15 20

Time Line (minutes)

You are awakened by thesmoke detector

A small fire starts in your home

The fire dept. arrives, assesses the situation and limits water damage by shutting down the water supply to the sprinkler system. The fire department then assists with initial clean-up operations.

Smoke reaches the smoke detector

You investigate and find a fire

You awaken other family members and go to a neighbor to call 911

You give the 911 operator the information and she notifies the fire dept.

The fire dept. responds

Fire damage is limited to the objects in or near the initial fire. Heat damage is limited to the fire room. Heavy smoke damage is limited to the fire room. Water damage is limited to the sprinkler flow of 15 gpm (approx. 150 gal total). Average time of displacement from home...1-2 days.

Ceiling temp. reaches 165 degrees. The sprinkler head over the fire activates

Fire is controlled or completely extinguished. Sprinkler head continues to spray water at 15 gpm.

Source: Oregon Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition

DHS Rules for Fire SafetyDHS Rules for Fire Safety

Bedrooms:• Bedrooms must be on ground level for individuals who are

non-ambulatory or have impaired mobility. • Bedrooms must have at least one window or exterior door that

readily opens from the inside without special tools and that provides a clear opening of not less than 821 square inches (5.7 sq. ft.), with the least dimensions not less than 22 inches in height or 20 inches in width. Sill height must not be more than 44 inches from the floor level or there must be approved steps or other aids to window egress that may be used by individuals. Windows with a clear opening of not less than 5.0 square feet or 720 square inches with sill heights of 48 inches may be accepted when approved by the State Fire Marshal or designee.


Smoke Alarms:• Smoke detectors must be installed in each bedroom, adjacent

hallways leading to the bedrooms, common living areas, basements, and at the top of every stairway in multi-story homes.

• Ceiling placement of smoke detectors is recommended. If wall-mounted, the smoke detectors must be between 6" and 12" from the ceiling and not within 12" of a corner.

• Alarms must be equipped with a device that warns of low battery condition when battery operated. All smoke alarms are to be maintained in functional condition.

• All smoke detectors must contain a sounding device or be interconnected to other detectors to provide, when actuated, an alarm which is audible in all sleeping rooms.

Smoke Alarms are EssentialSmoke Alarms are Essential

Smoke Alarms:• Provide an early warning of a fire developing in

your home• Should be on every level of the home, in the

immediate area outside of the sleeping rooms, and in every bedroom

• Should be tested monthly• Properly placed and maintained smoke alarms

increase your chances of surviving a fire by 50%• Anyone that has a hearing disability needs a

visual smoke alarm• If you discover your child will not wake to a

traditional sounding alarm, consider installing a personalized parent voice alarm


Electrical:• Extension cord wiring must not be used in place

of permanent wiring.

Electrical FiresElectrical Fires

Statistics:Homes more than 40 years old are 3 times more likely to catch

fire from electrical causes than homes 11-20 years old

Safety measures:• Replace electrical cords that show signs of damage, and never

coil or walk on cords• Avoid using extension cords. Use a power strip with a built-in

circuit breaker instead• Avoid overloading circuits• Have an electrician check your house if fuses blow or breakers

trip frequently• Have an electrician check your house if you frequently

experience dimming of lighting

Source: USFAUSFA


Fire Extinguishers:• At least one fire extinguisher, minimally rated

2:A:10:B:C, must be visible and readily accessible on each floor, including basements.

• A qualified professional who is well versed in fire extinguisher maintenance must inspect every fire extinguisher at least once per year. All recharging and hydrostatic testing must be completed by a qualified entity properly trained and equipped for this purpose.

What the Oregon Fire Code SaysWhat the Oregon Fire Code Says

Self Preservation:• The ability of building occupants to reach an approved

predetermined point of safety without physical assistance from staff. Self preservation may be accomplished with the aid of technical devices or assistance animals.

Assisted Self Preservation:• The capability of a resident to evacuate to a point of safety

with physical assistance.

Point of Safety: • Exterior to and away from the structure with access to a public

sidewalk or street.

What the Oregon Fire Code SaysWhat the Oregon Fire Code Says

• A Group R-3 residential occupancy, subject to licensure bythe state, where personal care is administered for five orfewer persons, and whose occupants may require assisted self-preservation shall be classified as a Group SR-3 occupancy and shall comply with the provisions of Appendix SR.

• Group SR-3 occupancies require a residential sprinkler system.

How do I Use a Fire Extinguisher?How do I Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Proper extinguisher use, think “Proper extinguisher use, think “PASSPASS”:”:

PPull trigger pin (Stand back several feet away from fire)ull trigger pin (Stand back several feet away from fire)AAim low, point the nozzle at the base of the fireim low, point the nozzle at the base of the fireSSqueeze triggerqueeze triggerSSweep from side to side until the fire appears to be outweep from side to side until the fire appears to be out


Space Heaters:• Use of space heaters must be limited to only

electric space heaters equipped with tip-over protection. Space heaters must be plugged directly into the wall. No extension cords must be used with such heaters. No freestanding kerosene, propane, or liquid fuel space heaters must be used in the foster home.

Portable Space Heater FiresPortable Space Heater Fires

Statistics:• Responsible annually for an average of:

- 62,200 fires- 670 deaths- 1,550 civilian injuries- $909 million in property damage

• Primary cause-too close to combustibles

Portable Heater SafetyPortable Heater Safety

Safety measures:• Keep heaters a minimum of 36” away from

combustibles• Plug directly into a wall outlet. Don’t use an

extension cord• Use only heaters with built-in high temperature and

tip-over shutoff features• Do not use un-vented fuel-fired heaters indoors• Do not hang combustible items to dry over a heater• Turn off portable heaters when family members are

sleeping or leave the house• Keep heaters out of high traffic areas and exit paths


Smoking:• No smoking within the Foster Home• Smoking may be allowed outside only• Smoking must be a minimum 10’ away from

doors & windows

SmokingSmoking

Statistics:- The leading cause of fire-related deaths- Accounts for nearly 1/3 of fire deaths in adults over age 70 Safety measures:• Always discard smoldering and spent cigarettes properly• Use large non-combustible deep and tip resistant ashtrays• Never smoke in bed• Never smoke while using oxygen. Warn visitors not to

smoke near you.• Douse cigarettes with water before throwing them in the

trash• Always keep matches/lighters out of reach of children

Planning Ahead for SafetyPlanning Ahead for Safety

Source: (OFC 202)(OFC 202)


Emergency Evacuation Fire Drills:• The foster provider must be able to demonstrate the ability to

evacuate all children in foster care from the home within three minutes.

• Required unannounced at least once every 90 days• Required at least one drill practice per year occurring during

sleeping hours. • Drills must occur at different times of the day, evening and night,

with exit routes being vartied based on the location of the simulated fire

• All residents must participate in the evacuation drills.• A new resident placed in foster care must receive orientation to

basic safety, be shown how to respond to a fire alarm, and shown how to exit in an


Emergency Evacuation Fire Drills:• Alternate caregivers and other staff must be familiar with the

emergency evacuation plan

• Fire drill records must be retained for at least two years. Records must contain the following information:• Date and time• Location of similated fire and exit route• The last names of all individuals and providers present on the

premises at the time of the drill• The type of evacuation assistance provided• The amount of time required by each individual to evacuate• The signature of the provider conducting the drill.

Fire Safety and Evacuation PlansFire Safety and Evacuation Plans

Emergency Evacuation DrillsEmergency Evacuation Drills Purpose of Fire DrillsPurpose of Fire Drills

– To be ready should an occurrence To be ready should an occurrence happen, increasing the chanced of happen, increasing the chanced of survival. A disorganized evacuation survival. A disorganized evacuation can lead to confusion, injury, death and can lead to confusion, injury, death and property damage.property damage.

Home Fire Escape DrillsHome Fire Escape DrillsPlan Ahead and Practice!• Establish a safe meeting place. • Teach your children to crawl on the floor to avoid smoke and

heat. Show them how to feel the door with the back of their hand and to not open the door if it is hot to the touch.

• Make sure you have two ways out of every sleeping room, and that the windows can be opened easily. If the primary route is blocked by smoke or fire, you may have to escape through a window.

• Conduct a fire drill at night to determine your child’s response, and practice until it becomes routine.

• Practice home escape drills with your family monthly. • Sleep with bedroom doors closed to provide a barrier of

protection from smoke and heat spreading into your bedrooms.


Egress:• Hardware for all exit doors and interior doors

used for exit purposes must have simple hardware that cannot be locked against exit and must have an obvious method of single action operation. Hasps, sliding bolts, hooks and eyes, and double key deadbolts are not permitted. Homes with one or more individuals who have impaired judgment and are known to wander away from their place of residence must have a functional and activated alarm system to alert a caregiver of an unsupervised exit by an individual.


Egress:• Foster homes must have two unrestricted exits in

case of fire. A sliding door or window that may be used to evacuate a child may be considered a usable exit. • Barred windows or doors used for possible exit

in case of fire must be fitted with operable quick release mechanisms.

• Every bedroom used by a child in foster care must have at least one operable window, of a size that allows safe rescue, with safe and direct exit to the ground, or a door for secondary means of escape or rescue.


Egress:• All external and inside doors must have simple

hardware with an obvious method of operation that allows for safe evacuation from the home. A home with a child that is known to leave their place of residence without permission must have a functional and activated alarm system to alert the foster provider.


Orientation with 24 hours of arrival:• Basic fire safety• How to respond to a fire alarm• How to exit in an emergency


Fire Drills:• Must demonstrate the ability to evacuate all individuals

within 3 minutes.• Must conduct unannounced evacuation drills when

individuals are present, once every quarter with at least one drill per year occurring during the hours of sleep. Drills must occur at different times of the day, evening. and night, with exit routes being varied based on the location of a simulated fire. All residents must participate in the evacuation drills.

• Written documentation must be made at the time of the fire drill and kept by the provider for at least two years following the drill.


Fireplaces and Wood Stoves:• Must include secure barriers to keep a child safe from

potential injury and away from exposed heat sources. • Chimneys must be inspected at the time of initial certification

and if necessary the chimney must be cleaned. Chimneys must be inspected annually, unless the fireplace and or solid fuel-burning appliance was not used through the year of certification and may not be used in the future.

• A signed statement by the foster provider and certifier assuring that the fireplace and or solid fuel-burning appliance may not be in use must be submitted to the Division with the renewal application if a chimney inspection may not be completed.


Carbon Monoxide Detector:• Must install at least one carbon monoxide

detector

Carbon Monoxide AlarmsCarbon Monoxide Alarms

• Are needed when you have fuel-fired appliances

• Provide an early warning of a Dangerous CO concentrations developing in your home

• According to Oregon Administrative Rules, should be located within each bedroom or within 15 feet outside of each bedroom door. Bedrooms on separate floors in a structure containing two or more stories require separate carbon monoxide alarms.

• Should be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions

Carbon MonoxideCarbon MonoxideStatistics:• Responsible annually for an average of:

- Over 400 deaths per year- Over 20,000 emergency room visits

Safety measures:• Install a CO detector • Never use portable fueled/unvented heaters in your home. These will cause a CO

buildup and may also deplete the oxygen to dangerously low levels. • Never use a gas oven to heat your home• Never use charcoal or propane fueled barbeques indoors• Never idle the car in the garage for extended periods of time or with the garage

door closed• Never use a generator in your home• Have your chimney checked or cleaned every year. Chimneys blocked by debris

can cause CO to build up inside your home or cabin.• Have your fuel-fired appliances inspected by a trained technician for proper

venting


Flammable/Combustible Materials:• Must be stored in original properly labeled

containers• Must be stored away from any heat source.

Emergency PlanningEmergency Planning

Written Emergency Plan:• Must be practiced at least annually• May consist of a walk-thru of the duties or

a discussion exercise dealing with a hypothetical event (tabletop exercise)

• Minimum three day food supply• Evacuation and relocation information• Must address the needs of the individuals• Must address instruction and training

given to caregivers about their duties and responsibilities for implementing the emergency plan

Cooking FiresCooking Fires

Statistics:Responsible annually for an average of:

- 100,000 home fires- 400 deaths- 5,000 civilian injuries- $200 million in property damage

Primary cause-unattended cooking

Cooking SafetyCooking Safety

Safety measures:• Never leave cooking food unattended• Keep combustible material and loose

clothing away from open flames• Keep the appliance and cooking area

clean• Use extra caution with cooking oils as

they can ignite easily• Always turn the pan handle sideways

Cooking FiresCooking Fires

Statistics:Cooking is leading cause of burn injuries among older people

Burns:• Treat a burn immediately• Cool a burn with cool water, never ice• Cover a burn with a clean, dry cloth or bandage• Don’t use ointment, spray, or butter• If a burn is larger than your fist, get medical help.

If you have questions about burn injuries, email the Oregon Burn Center at [email protected].

For life threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1Source: OSFM; USFAOSFM; USFA

Candle SafetyCandle Safety

Safety Measures:• Consider a “no candle” policy• Use LED candles instead

If You Must Use Candles:• Blow out candles before leaving the room• Keep candles away from items that can burn• Always use sturdy metal, glass or ceramic candle

holders• Place candles out of reach of small children and pets

Candle FiresCandle Fires


- 23,600 home fires- 165 deaths- 1,525 civilian injuries- $300 million in property damage

Primary cause-unattended candles

Clothes Dryer FiresClothes Dryer Fires


- 15,500 home fires- 10 deaths- 310 injuries- $84.4 million in property damage.

Clothes Dryer FiresClothes Dryer Fires

Safety measures:• Clean the lint screen before every use• Clean out exhaust vents regularly and check for proper airflow• Use a smooth metal exhaust vent (avoid using foil or plastic

venting)• Use a cool-down cycle to prevent the possibility of spontaneous

ignition• Do not dry clothing/fabric on which there is anything flammable

(alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers, dry-cleaning solvents, etc.)

• Cotton fabrics are susceptible to spontaneous ignition if they have interacted with oils even if they have been laundered with detergent. Any fabric that has been exposed to oils should be stored in a covered metal container.

Holiday-Christmas Tree FiresHoliday-Christmas Tree Fires


- 400 home fires- 10 deaths- 80 injuries- $15 million in property damage.

Christmas Tree Fire TestChristmas Tree Fire Test

Holiday-Christmas Tree FiresHoliday-Christmas Tree Fires

Safety Measures:•Do not use open flames or candles near a Christmas tree.•Do not place the tree near heating vents, fireplaces, or other heatsources.•The tree should be removed from the house whenever the needles orleaves fall off readily when a tree branch is shaken or if the needles arebrittle and break when bent between the thumb and index finger.•The tree should be checked daily for dryness. Check the water leveldaily. A 6’ tree will consume approximately 1 gallon of water every twodays. If it is not consuming water, then it is drying.•Make sure the stand is secure and stable.•Do not place the tree near an exit.•Check the wiring and lights for defects before they are hung on thetree.Miniature lights are recommended, as they use less power and produceless heat.

How Will You React to a Fire?How Will You React to a Fire?

What to Do in a FireWhat to Do in a Fire

In case of fire, think “In case of fire, think “RACERACE”:”:– RRescue all persons in immediate areaescue all persons in immediate area

– AAlarm: announce the fire- Pull alarm and dial larm: announce the fire- Pull alarm and dial 911911

– CConfine the fire by closing doorsonfine the fire by closing doors

– EEvacuate/vacuate/EExtinguish the fire if possiblextinguish the fire if possible

Do not:Do not:– Try to fight the fireTry to fight the fire

– Attempt to re-enter a burning homeAttempt to re-enter a burning home

Sources: Oregon Fire Code, NFPA, OSHA, and Numerous Business Emergency Plans.

What If I Am Unable to Get Out?What If I Am Unable to Get Out?

Create an area of refuge for yourselfCreate an area of refuge for yourself• Seal the roomSeal the room

- Use wet cloth to stuff around cracks in doors and Use wet cloth to stuff around cracks in doors and seal up vents to protect against smokeseal up vents to protect against smoke

• Do not break the windowsDo not break the windows- Flames and smoke can come back in from the Flames and smoke can come back in from the

outside. If you need air, open the window a crackoutside. If you need air, open the window a crack

• Stay low under the smokeStay low under the smoke- The freshest air is near the floor. Keep a wet cloth The freshest air is near the floor. Keep a wet cloth

over your nose and mouth and breath through over your nose and mouth and breath through your nose onlyyour nose only

• Signal for helpSignal for help- Use the telephone, or hang something out the windowUse the telephone, or hang something out the window

Sources: Fire Safety for Older Persons, Seattle Fire Department.

foster care fire safety medford fire prevention bureau

Documents

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