Forest Guard Sets Up Solar Powered Warning System for Forest Fires http://bit.ly/amCdaB
ALERT! Report to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission any fires that you suspect are associated with problem drywall. http://bit.ly/cTW5Th
Time to Check Your Smoke Alarms
This weekend, March 13 and 14, we will all be setting our clocks to Daylight Saving Time. The time change is a good reminder to check your smoke alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 66 percent of home fire deaths that occurred between 2003-2006 were in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.
A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke. Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all, so test your smoke alarm monthly by pushing the “test” button, if it has one.
Smoke alarms are powered by either a battery or are hardwired into your home’s electrical system. Hardwired smoke alarms are usually equipped with a backup battery. If your smoke alarm is powered by battery, the battery needs to be replaced annually unless it is a long-life battery (check the owner’s manual). All batteries should be maintained and replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.
Choose an annual date, such as the time change, when you will remember to maintain your smoke alarm in tip top condition. Check the manufacturer’s expiration date on the label, replace the batteries if needed, and clean dust away from the slots so that smoke can enter freely. All smoke alarms, hard-wired and battery powered, should be replaced every ten years. These simple steps will help ensure that you and your family will have the best chance of surviving if fire should strike.
USFA has a fire safety campaign called Install. Inspect. Protect. which provides information about home smoke alarms and fire sprinklers. Please visit the campaign Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smokealarms/.
A wildfire is any uncontrolled fire that occurs in the countryside or a wilderness area. Nothing is more frightening than a wall of flames coming right at you. If you live in a fire area, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family. These videos bring wildfires up close and personal. Click on the links & Images below for more important information.
YouTube - The Cajon Valley Wildfire: by Larry R. Erickson/Photo News
YouTube - The Willow Fire: Wildfire Destroys Homes
YouTube - Summit Valley/Oak Hills Brush Fire
YouTube - Firefighters Escape From Burnover
Now that you’ve seen the damage they can do, be prepared. Here are a few things that will help you get Ready! Set! Go!
A Personal Wildfire Action Plan – Thanks LA County Fire! Here’s a short video about people affected by a wild fire
And here’s a PDF Guide to download and keep.
Ventura County Fire Dept. Offers this Handy Residential Safety Checklist
Cal Fire Tells You How to Use Weed Whacking Equipment Safely
If you want commercial help – emergencyland does not endorse these – we just present them to help you make decisions.
I’m a kid – what about me? I’m scared too! That’s OK junior…here’s something to make you feel better (parents – we know your kids aren’t reading emergencyland, but we figure you know what to do with this.
