Prevention News

Fire Prevention News

Outdoor Warning Sirens Key Part of early Warning for Severe Weather
(City of Norman, OK)

June 1, 2010 - In Oklahoma, "tornado season" generally is in the spring when tornadoes are more prevalent from April through July, with May and June being the peak months. But like thunderstorms, tornadoes can form any time of the year. An Outdoor Warning Siren System consists of sirens designed to alert citizens who are outside to severe weather, which will require immediate protective actions in order to save lives and property.  The system is not designed to provide notification inside of your home or business. Recent severe weather has proven to show the value of the various warning systems for the Citizens of Norman. “During the threat of severe weather it is imperative the citizens of Norman develop situational awareness and have an emergency response plan in place”, said James Fullingim, Norman’s Fire Chief and Emergency Manager.

If you hear an outdoor warning siren, you should seek shelter inside immediately. Once inside, you should turn on a television or radio to learn further information. Local officials will be disseminating information about the emergency through these outlets. Citizens should have multiple means for receiving weather information during a storm. “Radios capable to receive the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration transmission, commonly known as a NOAA weather radio are strongly recommended for every household”, Fullingim said.  Portable radios or televisions are good to have if there is a power failure. The Internet has various sources of information from the National Weather Service, local stations and a wide variety of other weather related sites.

The City of Norman Emergency Management supports the “Shelter in Place” concept. The family emergency plan should address the process for the family to determine when to leave their home or to vacate to a shelter location. When a family decides to vacate, the plan should be put into place early enough for the family to reach their destination long before the storm enters Norman. “Too often, families are waiting for the outdoor warning sirens to sound, but by then it is really too late to properly react to the conditions”, Fullingim said.

Sirens are an effective method to warn the population at large in the shortest amount of time. The decision to sound the sirens is based on receipt of notification of approaching severe weather from the National Weather Service, storm watch personnel, other communities in the county or any other official source. A tornado warning issued from the National Weather Service with a polygon including any portion of the City of Norman may be a cause for outdoor warning siren activation. The Emergency Management Director will make the determination to activate the outdoor warning sirens. When the sirens are sounded they operate at three minute intervals and all sirens are activated at the same time. The process to repeat activation for the initial sounding of the sirens is part of the City of Norman procedures. This allows the sirens to sound for a full six minutes to insure the citizens clearly understood the seriousness of the situation.  

The sirens will not be sounded as an all clear signal. The Outdoor Warning Sirens are tested each Friday at Noon to ensure they are working properly. The sirens produce a loud wail sound.

For further information regarding severe weather preparedness contact Norman’s Emergency Management Coordinator, David Grizzle at 405-292-9780

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Thanksgiving is Top Day for Cooking Fires
NFPA urges cooks to stand by their pan to prevent fires
(National Fire Protection Association)

November 16, 2009 - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is calling on cooks across the nation to include fire safety in their recipes because Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires.  U.S. firefighters responded to roughly 1,300 home fires involving cooking equipment on Thanksgiving in 2007, roughly three times the daily average of cooking fires, according to NFPA.

“Incorporating fire safety into your holiday preparations can mean the difference between putting on a fantastic holiday feast for family and friends or having to call the fire department to put out a fire,” said NFPA’s Vice President of Communications Lorraine Carli.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires.  During 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 150,200 home structure fires involving cooking equipment per year, according to the newly released NFPA report Home Fires Involving Cooking Equipment. These fires caused an annual average of 500 civilian deaths, 4,660 civilian injuries, and $756 million in direct property damage.

Other key findings from the report on fires during 2003-2006:

• Cooking equipment was involved in 40 percent of all reported home fires, 17 percent of home fire deaths, 36 percent of home civilian injuries, and 12 percent of the direct property damage resulting from home fires.
• Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in these fires.  Something that could catch fire was too close to the equipment ranked second and unintentionally turned on or not turned off ranked third.
• Three-fifths (57 percent) of reported home cooking fire injuries occurred when victims tried to fight the fire themselves.

NFPA recommends the following cooking safety tips:
 
Cook with Caution

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire….

• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• When in doubt, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.

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The History of Fire Prevention Week

September 23, 2009 - Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow - belonging to Mrs. Catherine O'Leary - kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. Chances are you've heard some version of this story yourself; people have been blaming the Great Chicago Fire on the cow and Mrs. O'Leary, for more than 130 years. But recent research by Chicago historian Robert Cromie has helped to debunk this version of events.

Those who survived the Chicago fires never forgot what they'd been through; both blazes produced countless tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.

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National Health and Safety Advocates Warn Against Consumer Fireworks
U.S. Olympic hopeful shares story of fireworks injury

July 1, 2009 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and its Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks hosted a press conference today with the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s office to warn against the use of consumer fireworks. The event featured Jonathan Jackson, a victim of a childhood fireworks injury that left him blind in one eye.

“The instant that bottle rocket exploded in my face, my life changed forever, and I am still discovering what that means as I encounter and overcome challenges each day,” said Jonathan Jackson, U.S. Olympic hopeful and victim of a childhood fireworks injury. “When you use consumer fireworks, you put yourself and others at risk; it’s not worth it.” Jackson, from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, is a recent graduate of Texas Christian University where he was a national track and field standout in the men’s triple jump event. Many in the sport expected that he would qualify for the last Olympics, but an injury prevented him from competing. Jackson hopes to earn a spot representing the U.S. in the 2012 games.

“Each year, nearly 10,000 people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries and many of these injuries go hand-in-hand with Fourth of July celebrations,” said James M. Shannon, president of NFPA. “A visit to the emergency room is no way to celebrate the birth of our country and it is unacceptable that thousands of people are being injured by a product that is legal in most states. We suggest attending public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals.”

According to a newly-released NFPA report, in 2006 fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires, including 1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,300 outdoor and other fires.

On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

NFPA is the coordinator and co-founder of the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, a national group of health and safety organizations that have joined together to take a stand against the use of consumer fireworks.
Massachusetts is one of only five states that bans all consumer fireworks. The others are Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

Video PSAs, audio interviews, statistics, safety tips and materials are available at www.nfpa.org/fireworks.

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The Norman Fire Department Urges Norman Residents to “Prevent Home Fires”

October 4, 2008 - It is Fire Prevention Week October 5-11, 2008! The Norman Fire Department will be present at The West Side Wal-Mart from October 6-10, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily with the Fire Safety Trailer, A Fire Engine and Sparky the Fire Dog. Fire Prevention literature and free hand-outs will be available for the kids.

The Norman Fire Department will host “Open House” at all seven Fire Stations on the dates of October 6-10, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Everyone is welcome to come and tour the Fire Stations!

A potholder too close to a lit burner or a space heater left on overnight could be all it takes to start a home fire. In fact, cooking and heating are among the leading causes of home fires in the United States, according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

That is why The Norman Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA from October 5-11 to urge Norman residents to “Prevent Home Fires” during Fire Prevention Week. This year’s campaign focuses on preventing all the leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating and electrical equipment, and smoking materials. Additionally, fire safety educators will be teaching local residents how to plan and practice escape from a home in case a fire occurs.

According the latest research from NFPA, more than 2,500 people died in home fires in the United States in 2006, and 12,500 were injured. Fire departments responded to 396,000 home fires, which accounted for 80% of civilian deaths and 76% of injuries that year.

While the number of home fires is daunting, the good news is that many are easily preventable when residents take simple steps to increase their safety from fire. Whether it is smoking outside the home, keeping space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, or staying in the kitchen when you are using the stovetop, there are easy things you can do to keep your home and family safe from fire.

Do you know how to keep your home safe from fire hazards? Reviewing the following information and taking action can help you “Prevent Home Fires” during Fire Prevention Week and year-round.

• Cooking: Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period time, turn off the stove.
• Heating: Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
• Electrical: Replace cracked and damaged electrical cords; use extension cords for temporary wiring only. Consider having additional circuits or receptacles added by a qualified electrician.
• Smoking: If you smoke, smoke outside; wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.

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NFPA Commends ICC Sprinkler Vote
(National Fire Protection Association)  

September 25, 2008 - Calling it a major step toward reducing deaths and destruction caused by home fires, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) President James M. Shannon applauded this weekend’s vote by the International Code Council (ICC) to require all new one- and two-family homes to be equipped with home fire sprinklers. Seventy-three percent of voting ICC members supported the mandate slated to appear in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC). NFPA supplied testimony for support of the provision at the hearing prior to the vote.  

Residential sprinklers are required in the 2006 editions of the following NFPA codes: NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code®; NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®; and NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®. “Getting home fire sprinklers in new homes today means we will provide a life-saving benefit for generations to come,” said Shannon. “It is an issue we can all get behind to lessen the fire problem in this country.”  

According to NFPA, more than 80 percent of people that die in fires are killed in home fires, yet the chances of someone dying in a home fire are reduced by one-half to two-thirds when sprinklers are present. Together with smoke alarms, sprinklers cut the risk of dying in a home fire 82 percent, relative to having neither.  

For more information on home fire sprinklers, visit NFPA’s Web site at www.nfpa.org and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition’s site at www.homefiresprinkler.org.

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Cost of Installing Residential Fire Sprinklers Averages $1.61 Per Square Foot
(National Fire Protection Association)

September 11, 2008 - A national perspective on the cost of installing residential fire sprinklers is examined in a new report Home Fire Sprinkler Cost Assessment (PDF, 634 KB), released today by the Fire Protection Research Foundation, an affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association. According to the report, the cost of installing sprinkler systems to the home builder averaged $1.61 per sprinklered square foot.  Sprinklered square feet is the total area of spaces with sprinklers

The cost of sprinkler systems to the home builder, in dollars per sprinklered square foot, rangedfrom $0.38 to $3.66. This cost includes all costs to the builder associated with the system including design, installation, and other costs such as permits, additional equipment, increased tap and water meter fees – to the extent that they apply. (Read More...)

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IAFF Joins Coalition in Support of Residential Fire Sprinkler Requirement
(ResidentialSprinklers.com)

September 7, 2008 - The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has adopted a resolution supporting a change to the International Residential Code (IRC) to require fire sprinklers in new single-family homes (IRC Proposal RB64-07/08). The IRC is the model code governing residential construction in 46 states plus the District of Columbia.

“IAFF’s support of this resolution emphasizes the importance of residential fire sprinklers to America’s firefighters, and we applaud their endorsement,” said Ronny J. Coleman, President of the IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition and former California State Fire Marshal. “We hope that this will motivate even more firefighters to make the trip to ICC’s final action hearing to vote for residential sprinklers.” (Read More...)

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Exposing an Invisible Killer: The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
(U.S. Fire Administration)

September 1, 2008 - Each year in America, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning claims more than 500 lives and sends another 15,000 people to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.1
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself from deadly carbon monoxide fumes. (Read More...) (Exposing an Invisible Killer - PDF, 155 Kb)

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Young Children and Older Adults at Highest Risk of Death from Home Fires
NFPA report finds overall decline in deaths and injuries

July 31, 2008 – People at the highest risk of death in home structure fires are the very young and very old, according to the Characteristics of Home Fire Victims report released today by the National Fire Protection Association. (Read More...) (See graph...)

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Alarming: Most Smoke Detectors Don't Detect Smoke
(The Hook)

July 14, 2008 - The smoke detector industry, tightly controlled by two giants, Kidde and First Alert, doesn't release annual sales figures for the different types of detectors. However, FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, indicates that by 1991, 88 percent of American homes had at least one detector, and current stats from the National Fire Protection Association put the figure-- thanks to low prices and vigorous campaigns by America's fire officials-- at an astounding 96 percent. But what if most of them don't actually detect smoke when you most need them to? This is a story about ionization detectors, which constitute the bulk of the installed detectors and which can now be readily purchased for less than $5. (Read More...)

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Norman Fire Department Urges Citizens to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

July 1, 2008 - Selling or purchasing fireworks within the City limits of Norman is illegal. Discharging fireworks within the City of Norman is illegal without having first received a Special Permit issued by the Norman Fire Department. This Special Permit is restricted for use by professional fireworks groups only.

Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.

The City of Norman wants everyone to have a safe and happy Fourth of July and leave the fireworks to the professionals. Everyone is invited to join the community celebration which features a colorful, professional fireworks display. The show begins at 9:45 p.m. at Reaves Park located at Jenkins Street and Constitution in Norman. Rain date will be Saturday, July 5th at 9:45 p.m. (NFPA Fireworks Report...)

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Summer Fire Safety: Fireworks
(U.S. Fire Administration)

June 24, 2008 - According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 11 deaths associated with fireworks during 2006. Fireworks were involved in an estimated 9,200 injuries during the 2006 calendar year, with an estimated 6,400 fireworks-related injuries treated during the one month period between June 16 and July 16, 2006. Children under 15 suffered about 36% of the estimated injuries.

Dr. Gary Smith, Director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Columbus Children's Research Institute in Ohio conducted a 22-year study of fireworks injuries treated in emergency rooms. He found that:

• 67% of sparkler-related injuries were among children 5 years or younger
• 70% of patients treated for all fireworks injuries were male
• Adult supervision was present in 54% of the cases
• The eyes were injured in nearly one-third of the cases
• The average age of patients was 8½ years

*NOTE: Fireworks are ILLEGAL to sell or use in the City of Norman, Oklahoma.

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Legislation requiring fire-safe cigarettes passed in 35 states
Three out of four Americans will soon be better protected from cigarette fires
(The National Fire Protection Organization)

June 3, 2008 – Thirteen states passed legislation in 2008 that will require that cigarettes sold there be fire-safe. The states that have passed legislation this year will be joining 22 others, bringing the total number of states requiring cigarettes to meet this fire safety standard up to 35.

Seventy-six percent of people living in the United States will soon be better protected from cigarette fires with the passage of this life-saving legislation in their state. Laws passed in the following states in 2008:  Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia , Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Legislation for fire-safe cigarettes has also passed in Washington D.C.

So called “fire-safe cigarettes,” if left unattended, are less likely to ignite upholstered furniture, bedding or other things that can burn. The cigarettes have thicker bands of paper, sometimes referred to as “speed bumps,” that make them far more likely to self-extinguish if someone is no longer drawing on it when it burns to the area with thicker paper. (Learn More...)

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NFPA announces theme for Fire Prevention Week 2008
"Prevent Home Fires!"
(National Fire Prevention Association)

June 2, 2008 – Since 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored a fire prevention campaign each October to raise the public’s awareness about the importance of fire safety. Today, the association announced the theme for the 2008 campaign: “It’s Fire Prevention Week – Prevent Home Fires!"

In the United States, eight out of 10 people killed in a fire die in one that has occurred in a home. During the week of October 5-11 and throughout the month, the public is urged to take steps to protect themselves and their homes by learning about how to prevent home fires and taking action. (Learn More...)

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NFPA Launches Electrical Safety Initiative
Resource toolkit and new cartoon PSA aimed at reducing a leading cause of home fires
(National Fire Protection Association)

May 5, 2008 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) kicked off National Electrical Safety Month with the debut of a new electrical safety initiative. “Keeping Your Community Safe and Energized” is a collection of educational resource materials for area fire departments on electrical safety which includes an entertaining public service announcement (PSA) video. The PSA features newly created animated character Dan Doofus. “You could say that electricity practically runs our lives when you think of all the modern day necessities that need it, yet most people are unaware that electrical problems are factors in nearly 150 home fires each day,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of communications. “Electricity is a leading cause of home fires, but there are things that people can do to avoid these fires. The information in this toolkit can help individuals learn how to protect themselves and their property.”

According to NFPA’s newly released report on electrical fires, electrical failures or malfunctions result in an average of 53,600 home fires each year. These fires cause more than 500 deaths, injure 1,400 people and account for $1.4 billion in property damage.

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“Escape and Wait” Could Be Next “Stop, Drop and Roll”
(International Association of Fire Fighters)

March 13, 2008 – Undoubtedly, “Stop, Drop and Roll” has saved lives since its introduction several decades ago. But two Royal Oak, MI Local 431 fire fighters say that when it comes to fire safety procedures, planning an escape route needs to be emphasized more. Dan Phillips and Cary Thompson have launched their own educational tool called “Escape and Wait.”

The “Escape and Wait” method is developed for children, but can be used by adults as well. Families are asked to:

1. Escape from the fire or hazard
2. Not go back inside
3. Wait outside for the fire department
4. Ask a neighbor to call 911

To accompany the program, Phillips and Thompson developed a pentagon-shaped sign to post outside the home. The sign is designed to be posted at the location the family plans to meet and wait for fire fighters. “During the stress of a house fire, it becomes difficult for anyone to remember what to do,” says Phillips. “If you have a sign outside and have practiced your escape plan, it is much easier to act quickly.”

Phillips and Thompson created “Escape and Wait” in 2007. It is currently being taught in local Michigan schools and Safety City USA, a fire safety program administered by an area hospital.

The Local 431 fire fighters are hoping to take the campaign nationwide. If there is interest outside Michigan, Phillips and Thompson are willing to serve as consultants over the phone or provide on-location training.
To learn more about the program or to purchase an “Escape and Wait” sign, visit the campaign web site.

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Newer Homes Burn Faster: Fire Experts Say
(The Ottawa Sun)

March 8, 2008 - The materials used to build new homes cause them to burn faster, making the work of firefighters more difficult and dangerous, say fire officials.

For the past two decades, the window of time to fight fires has been shrinking because many highly
flammable materials, such as vinyl and glue, are more common in new homes.

"The nature of newly constructed buildings is such that high fire temperatures are reached much earlier,
making rapid fire spread more of a threat to occupants and firefighters," said Peter Kennedy, president of
the Ottawa Professional Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 162.

Kennedy wants the department to hire more firefighters, so they can get to locations faster.

Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Montone agrees that lightweight construction materials pose problems for firefighters. "Buildings today, primarily residential, are failing with direct flame impingement in under 10 minutes. They are literally falling apart," he said.

But Montone said the city has enough firefighters --they're just limited in how much they can do to combat
rapidly spreading fires.

He said firefighters received rapid fire training in 2003 and 2004 and again last year, between September
and November, after three firefighters were injured fighting a fire on Forward Ave. in February 2007; they
were forced to jump from the third-storey to escape a fast-spreading fire.

Builders began changing the way they construct homes back in the 1970s, after the energy crisis, says John
Herbert, executive director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association.

Herbert said the federal government asked the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to research and
develop more energy-efficient homes. "So what's happened over the last 20 years is the technology has become available to use more and more waste products that were previously just burned," said Herbert, who agrees with fire officials' concerns because it "makes a certain amount of logic."

For example, molding sections (found around doors and above floors) are made up of scrap pieces and glued
together. Herbert said some moldings are constructed from sawdust and glue. "Once you paint it, you would never know it's not wood ... these kinds of materials are much more prone to rapid fire," said Herbert.

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WILDFIRE PREVENTION

The threat of wild land fires for people living near wild land areas or using recreational facilities in wilderness areas is real. Preparing for wild land fires and protecting structures in the wild land has special challenges. Here are a few things you need to know.

Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. A distance of 100-150 feet around your home needs a comprehensive landscape approach. Select materials and plants that resist fire rather than fuel it. Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the exterior of the dwelling. Or, treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with UL approved fire-retardant chemicals.

Before

• Maintain a 30 foot defensible space around your home to act as a fire break.
• Clear a 10 foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue.
• Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish.
• Regularly clean roof and gutters.
• Landscape in zones around your house.
• Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Clear flammable vegetation from around and under structures.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.
• Stack firewood at least 100 feet away and uphill from your home. Clear combustible materials within 20 feet of the fire wood and use only UL-approved wood burning devices.
• Follow local burning regulations.
• Store flammable materials in approved safety cans.
• Inspect chimneys twice a year. Clean them at least once a year.
• Use ½ inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof and attic.
• Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, and in your bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries twice a year.
• Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, handsaw or chain saw, bucket and shovel.

When Fire Threatens

• Listen to your radio for reports and evacuation information.
• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of evacuation. Close doors and windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
• Confine pets to one room. Plan for their care if you must evacuate.
• Arrange for temporary housing outside the threatened area.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Tell someone when you are leaving and where you are going.
• If you evacuate your home place a note on the door indicating when you left and where you are going.
• Wear protective clothing-sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, hat, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Lock your home.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.

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Preparations for Wildfire in Rural and Urban Oklahoma
(OSFA - The Oklahoma Firefighter)

More and more people in Oklahoma are making their homes in wildland areas - in or near heavy bush, cedar trees, black jack and oak forests, tall grasses and numerous other forms of highly combustible vegetation. The threat of wildland fires for people living in these areas is real. Wildfire often
begins unnoticed and spreads quickly, igniting dry grasses, leaves, brush trees, outbuildings and homes; they sometimes claim human lives. The risks can be reduced if people will prepare their property and their family before the fire comes sweeping down the plains.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been instrumental in preparing people for disasters for several years. Wildfire is one of the disasters FEMA deals with and they offer some good advice on how to reduce the risk. The reduction of risk can be accomplished through a 4-step approach by (1) designing and landscaping with wildfire safety in mind; (2) by practicing fire prevention; (3) by designing plans for wildfire; and (4) by following pre-determined emergency procedures.

(1) Design and Landscape with Wildfire Safety in Mind.

Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it. Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling. Wood or other combustible material on roofs, siding, decking or trim of existing structures should be treated with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals. These retardants will degrade from exposure to the sun and weather and will need to be reapplied periodically to provide continued protection. For example, use hardwood trees such as oak, pecan and walnut - rather than evergreen, cedar or pine.

Create and maintain a 30-by-50 foot safety zone around your home. Homes built in pine or cedar forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. Within this area, thin a 15-foot space between tree crowns and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground. Fifteen feet of clearance between a stovepipe or chimney outlet and tree branches and shrubs is also recommended. Electric lines should be installed below ground if possible.

Special attention should be given to vulnerable areas of the home, such as the roof, vents window, and under floors, stairs and decks. Any opening of the roof such a turbine ventilators, or vents in the eave can provide easy points for embers to enter the attic. These areas and the areas beneath floors" stairs and decks can be protected to some degree by the installation or 1/2" (or less) mesh screen.

Windows can provide very easy access for embers to enter the home if left open. They should always be
closed when wildfire threatens. Protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes will lessen the chances of radiant heat igniting combustibles inside the home.

Another important component of home and landscape design that many people fail to consider is accessibility for emergency response personnel. You must make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Driveway entrances should be clearly marked, displaying your name and address.

(2) Practice Fire Prevention.

Prevention of fire in your own neck of the woods is your responsibility to your family and to your neighbors. Your efforts should begin with teaching your family, particularly children, about fire safety.

The chimney of a wood burning stove or fireplace needs to be cleaned and inspected regularly and have a spark arrester cap installed. Roof valleys and gutters must be kept clean of leaves and twigs that could ignite from flying embers. Leaves, dead limbs, twigs and other rubbish should be removed from under structures.

Firewood should never be stacked close to the house. The recommendation is to stack it at least 100 feet uphill from the home with a minimum of 20 feet clearance from other combustibles. Propane, gasoline and other fuels should always be stored in proper containers in a safe location away from the home with a minimum 10 feet clearance from vegetation and other combustibles.

Proper disposal of fireplace and grill ashes is very important, particularly during wildfire season. Ashes should be placed in a metal bucket, soaked in water for two days, and then buried in dirt or sand.

People in rural areas who choose to burn trash must do so within the safety zone and with considerable caution. Always cover the burn barrel or other metal container with 1/2" (or less) metal grate or mesh. Wet down the area around the fire and have a water hose long enough to reach 100 feet downwind.

Never leave the fire unattended; wet down the ashes and the surrounding area before leaving. Outside burning, welding, metal cutting and other fire activities that could create flying embers, sparks and the like should be postponed during red flag fire alerts and burn bans.

(3) Design Plans for Wildfire.

The third step in reducing your risk is designing plans for wildfires. Wildfires are much different than home fires and require more detailed plans. But, not unlike home escape plans, plans for threatening wildfire need to be specific to your individual situation. They should be reviewed prior to each fire season, modified as needed and practiced. Remember, your plans need to be designed specifically for your family and your property, but here are some things you should consider:

Emergency Supplies

When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a disaster supplies kit and items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as a backpack, duffle bag or trash container.

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
• One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash or traveler's checks.
• Sanitation supplies.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
• An extra pair of eyeglasses.
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.

When Wildfires Threaten

If you know that a wildfire is threatening your area, stay tuned to local TV and radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.

• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
• Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
• Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.

If you're sure you have time, take steps to protect your home:

Inside:

• Close windows, vents, doors, Venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
• Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
• Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
• Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors.
• Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.

Outside:

• Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Place combustible patio furniture inside.
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
• Set up the portable gasoline-powered pump.
• Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks.
• Wet the roof.
• Wet or remove shrubs with 15 feet of the home.
• Gather fire tools.

(4) Follow Pre-Determined Emergency Procedures.

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Wear protective clothing - sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Take you disaster supplies kit.
• Lock your home.
• Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and
  smoke.
• Do not drive into heavy smoke. The vehicle may stall and not re-start.
• In heavy smoke you could strike another vehicle or emergency personnel. Turn around; find another way.
• You could easily become disoriented and drive directly into the fire.
• Your vehicle provides minimum protection against a raging wildfire.

From the central, west and north tall grass prairies, to the evergreen pines and oak forest of the south and east, Oklahoma is a diverse and beautiful geography. Oklahomans who live in 'wildland' areas must be prepared when wildfire strikes on their homestead.