Fire Safety Tips

Click on the images below for a host of Kids Fire Safety Information:

March 12, 2010 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has produced an interactive storybook, “I Know My Fire Safety Plan,” for teachers and parents of children with autism to work with the child on what to do if a smoke alarm sounds. The story is designed for high functioning children with autism ages 6 to 9. It can also be helpful to children with other developmental disabilities.     Click on image     >>>>>>>>>>>>>

Back To School Safety

Children across the area are heading back to school. The Charlottesville Fire Department is reminding all residents to practice the following safety
measures to protect all school aged children:

• Obey all school zone speed limits and school zone warning lights.

• Watch for children and be alert. It is not unusual for school-aged children to unexpectedly dart into traffic in residential  areas when walking to and from school.

• Watch for marked crosswalks and yield to pedestrians.

• Parents should also have their children obey the following bus stop rules:

• Do not play in the street while waiting for the bus.

• Line up facing the bus, not along side it.

• Move immediately onto the sidewalk and out of traffic after getting off the bus.

• Wait for a signal from the bus driver before crossing the street and walk at least 10 steps away from the front of the bus so the driver can see you.

• Motorists should also obey all school bus warning lights and devices. Flashing yellow lights mean caution, the bus is preparing to stop.
  Flashing red lights mean stop, school children are boarding or leaving the school bus. Drivers should also leave a safe distance between themselves
  and the bus, and proceed only after the bus has moved and all children have cleared the roadway.

For more safety tips, call the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.

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Children’s Fall Prevention  

Each year, children are hurt due to falls from 2nd story windows. The Charlottesville Fire Department reminds parents that window screens are designed to keep Bugs Out not Kids In! 

Avoid a tragedy….talk to your child about window screens and place furniture and beds away from windows.  Also, consider putting devices - that are easy to remove in a fire - on windows to limit how far they open. 

For more safety tips, call the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.

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Christmas Tree Safety

This holiday season, The Charlottesville Fire Department reminds you to keep your Christmas tree as fresh as possible. Before placing in the stand, make a new cut to the base of the tree and check the water level daily. Decorate with small, indoor lights and place your tree away from heating devices and fireplaces. And remember…always turn-off the lights when leaving your home or going to bed.

For more holiday safety tips, contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.

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Heart Attack/CPR

Someday without warning, you may need to help someone having a heart attack. Will you know what do?  Knowing how to perform CPR might mean the difference between life and death. The Charlottesville Fire Department urges you to learn CPR today.  It’s easy to learn and classes are held several times each month.  For more information call the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.

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Flammable Liquids

Is there a bomb in your garage?  Vapors from flammable liquids—like gasoline, propane, and paint thinner—are extremely flammable and, if ignited, have the explosive power of dynamite. The Charlottesville Fire Department reminds you to use caution with these products. To protect yourself, store flammable liquids in a metal container with a self-closing lid, and keep them in an outside shed. Also, use gasoline in a well-ventilated area to prevent vapor build-up.  For more safety tips, and to answer questions contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.

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Grilling / Barbecue Safety

The Charlottesville Fire Department would like to remind you that Memorial Day Weekend is just weeks away. This means that many Charlottesville Residents will be dusting off their grills and preparing for family fun and cookouts. Barbecue grills should be properly inspected and cleaned prior to use. In 2005, gas and charcoal grills caused 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires. The Virginia State Fire Prevention code also prohibits the use of grills on balconies or within 10 feet of combustible structures. Here are some grilling safety tips from the Charlottesville Fire Department to help you and your family have a safe summer:

• Before using the grill, check the connection between the propane tank and fuel line.

• Do not wear loose clothing near the grill

• Never grill indoors- Carbon Monoxide could be produced

• Never use gasoline to start charcoal grills

• Make sure to use lighter fluid safely and prudently

• Never grill on balconies of apartments or condominiums

• Keep children and pets away from grilling area

• Be sure to properly dispose of hot coals.

 For any other grilling questions, contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.  

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Heart Attack Public Safety Announcement

The Charlottesville Fire Department wants to remind you of the life-saving benefit of CPR and automated external defibrillators. CPR can keep a cardiac patient alive until paramedics arrive, while low-cost, easy to use AEDs can “zap” a heart that is failing. 

For information on CPR classes or how your business can obtain an AED, contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.

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Smoke Alarms & Home Fire Escape Plan

Minutes count when fire breaks out!  The smoke is deadly and can quickly fill your home.  The Charlottesville Fire Department urges you to start the New Year with working smoke alarms and a home fire escape plan.  Place smoke alarms throughout your home and check them monthly to ensure they’re working.   Also, develop a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and a meeting place outside.  Practice it as a family.  

For more safety tips, call the Charlottesville Fire Department at 434-970-3240.

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Space Heater Safety

Portable electric heaters, while seemingly harmless, are responsible for many fires annually. These heaters are not substitutes for central heating. Nor are they designed for extended use.

• All types must be kept at least 36 inches from anything that can burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets and people.
• Space heaters must not be left operating when you are not in the room, or when you go to sleep.
• Children should be supervised at all times when space heaters are in use.
• Make sure the heater has an element guard that prevents little fingers from straying onto hot coils.
• Do not put drying clothing or combustibles over heaters.
• Be certain your home wiring is designed to handle your space heater. If you have any doubts, contact a licensed electrician.
• Make sure the heater has a 3-prong grounded plug and used in a 3-hole wall outlet.
• Check for fraying or splitting wires, or overheating. Have problems repaired by a professional before operating the space heater.
• Make sure your space heater has an automatic switch that turns off the electric current if the unit is tipped over.
• Remember- “Space heaters need space!”

For answers to space heater questions contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.

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Summer Safety for Kids

With the school year ending, many children will be home alone. The Charlottesville Fire Department encourages working parents to keep children safe by reminding them to never use matches, lighters or candles. Remind children to wear a helmet when biking or boarding - and if allowed to cook – to keep items away from burners and always watch food while it’s cooking. Children should also know when to call 9-1-1 for police, fire or medical care. 

For more safety tips contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.

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Swimming Safety 

Summer is here and the Charlottesville Fire Department wants to remind you to be safe while swimming. Children should never be left unattended near water. You should never leave toys in pools that may attack children. Fences with locking gates are recommended, this will not allow anyone to enter while you are away. Be sure to clearly mark pools depth, and not allow shallow end diving. Be sure the pool area is properly lighted, and keep safety items like a pool hook or rescue tube near by in case of emergency. Pool rules should be posted, and clearly understood. Children 3 years and younger can drown in 1-2 inches of water. The Charlottesville Fire Department reminds you that proper pool safety will allow you and your family to have a happy and safe summer.

For more safety tips contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 970-3240.

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Burn Law Facts 
 

Virginia's 4:00 PM Burning Law goes into effect on February 15. The 4:00 PM Burning Law comes into effect each Spring and is different from the burning bans, which are invoked only during periods of extreme fire danger. The 4:00 PM ban is in effect until April 30.  Debris burning continues to be the leading cause of forest fires in Virginia. This should also serve as a reminder to the residents of the City of Charlottesville, that there is no controlled burning allowed within the city limits of Charlottesville. Residents living in the County of Albemarle should contact Albemarle County Fire Rescue Department at 296-5833 to obtain information and a permit. See Virginia Department of Forestry website for guidelines and safety tips on burning. The burn law for the state of Virginia is listed below.

Va. Code Ann. §10.1-1142. Enacted: 1950; Last updated: 2001.

Summary: It is unlawful for the owner or lessee of land or their employee to set fire to woods, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris or other inflammable material without taking all reasonable care and precaution by having cut and piled or carefully cleared around the same, to prevent the spread of fire to lands of others.  From February 15 through April 30 it is unlawful to set fire to brush, leaves, grass, debris or field of dry grass or other inflammable material capable of spreading fire within 300 feet of any woodland, brushland or field containing dry grass or other inflammable material except between 4:00 p.m. and midnight.  These provisions don’t apply to fires set on federal lands.  Between February 15 and March 1, if the fire is set for prescribed burning conducted in accordance with a prescription approved by the State Forester and managed by a certified prescribed burner for the purpose of control of exotic and invasive plant species or wildlife habitat establishment and cannot be accomplished at other times, burning prohibitions don’t apply.  The State Forester on the day of a burn may revoke the approval of the prescription if hazardous fire conditions exist.  Anyone who builds or uses a fire in the open air within 150 feet of any woodland, brushland or field containing dry grass or other inflammable material shall totally extinguish it before leaving the area and shall not leave the fire unattended.

City Of Charlottesville – Code on Burning 

Open burning  --Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall ignite or maintain, or cause or permit to be ignited or maintained, any open fire on public or private property outside any building. Salvage, demolition operations, land clearing and disposal of waste materials (including, without limitation, construction debris, garbage, refuse, household refuse, brush, grass, leaves and other waste materials) by burning are specifically prohibited. Exceptions to the prohibitions of this section are as follows: 

a.   Open fires may be set in the performance of official duties by the fire chief or his designee when necessary: (i) for the abatement of a fire hazard which cannot be abated by other means; (ii) For training in firefighting or for research in control of fires under supervision of the fire chief or his designee; and (iii) In emergency or other extraordinary circumstances when open burning is determined by the fire chief to be in the public interest.
b.   Open fires may be used for cooking food, if such fires are contained within approved grills and barbecues for the purpose of food preparation for human consumption.
c.   Open fires may be set within approved outdoor fireplaces provided such fireplaces have screened burn chambers and chimneys equipped with spark arrestor screens. Salamanders and similar heating devices may be used for heating by outdoor workers provided that no smoke hazard or other nuisance is created and provided that such devices are used not less than fifteen (15) feet from any structure.
d.   Open fires may be set for recreational purposes, or for ceremonial occasions, with the advance approval of the fire marshal, and provided that no smoke violation or nuisance is created.
e.   Where permitted, open burning shall be constantly monitored until the fire is extinguished. Fire extinguishing equipment shall be available for immediate use. Notwithstanding the above-listed exceptions, there is hereby reserved to the city's fire chief the authority to prohibit any and all open burning when in his determination smoke may cause reduced visibility on any highway, the fire is endangering adjacent property, or when flames, emissions or odors from the fire may otherwise constitute a hazard or nuisance. The fire chief or his designee may order the extinguishing of any fire which creates any such hazard(s) or nuisance(s).

For further questions on controlled burning, contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 434-970-3240.

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Halloween Safety Tips 

The Charlottesville Fire department wants everyone to have a safe and Happy Halloween season. The following safety tips will help ensure it to be a safe and fun filled time for all.

Halloween Safety Tips

• Buy only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. If you are making your own costume, choose material that won't easily ignite if it comes into contact with heat or flame. Avoid using billowing or long trailing features.

• If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out.

• Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume.

• Dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations well away from all open flames and heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.

• It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candles in a jack-o-lantern. If you use a real candle, use extreme caution. Make sure children are watched at all times when candles are lit. When lighting candles inside jack-o-lanterns, use long fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter. Be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn including trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.

• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.

• Tell children to stay away from open flames. Be sure they know how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out). Be sure to extinguish all candles prior to leaving your home.

• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.

• If your children are going to Halloween parties at others’ homes, have them look for exits and plan how they would get out in an emergency.

The Charlottesville Fire Department wishes each of you a safe and Happy Halloween season. For answers to more of your Halloween safety questions, contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 434-970-3240

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Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

During 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 6,600 home structure fires per year in which the kitchen area or stovetop was involved in the ignition. These fires caused an annual average of three civilian deaths, 110 civilian injuries and $22 million in direct property damage. Cooking equipment fires are the leading cause of home structure fires and associated civilian injuries. These fires accounted for 40% of all reported home structure fires and 36% of home civilian injuries. Twelve percent of the fires occurred when something that could catch fire was too close to the equipment. Three-fifths (57%) of reported home cooking fire injuries occurred when victims tried to fight the fire themselves.

To reduce your risk of a kitchen fire, follow these steps:

• Never leave food unattended on the stovetop - turn off burners or set a timer if you leave the room for any reason.
• Heat cooking oil slowly and never leave it unattended. Turn down the heat if it begins to smoke.
• Keep combustibles away from the stovetop and keep your cooking area clean. If you experience a stovetop fire and the fire is large or appears to be growing, do not attempt to extinguish it. Quickly leave your home and call 911 from a cell phone or a neighbor’s house.  
• However, if the fire is still in the pan or oven and has not spread to nearby counters or cabinets, you may be able to extinguish it yourself through one of the following methods.

To extinguish a pan or oven fire:

• Put a lid on it. The easiest way to extinguish a small pan fire is with a lid. Turn off the burner and from the side carefully slide a pan lid over the pan. The lid will smother the fire, while turning off the burner removes the heat.
• Do not move the pan until the fire is completely extinguished and the pan is cool. If you do not have a pan lid, you may also use a baking sheet or pizza pan.
• If the fire is still contained in the pan, you may use baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount in the palm of your hand and toss upon the fire.
• If the fire is not extinguished after several attempts, use a fire extinguisher or leave your home and call 911. Use a fire extinguisher only if the fire is small and has not spread outside the pan. The discharge of a portable fire extinguisher takes just a few seconds.
• If the fire is contained to an oven or microwave, keep the door closed to contain the fire.

Remember to NEVER transfer a burning pan from the stovetop to the sink or out a back door. The fire may grow in size and burn you or spread to the cabinets or countertops. The flames will splash, causing the fire to spread and possibly causing serious injuries.   

The Charlottesville Fire Departments reminds you, the kitchen can be a fun place, but also very dangerous. For further questions on kitchen fire safety, contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 434-970-3240.

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Fireplace Safety Tips

Before You Begin:

• Check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
• Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned as necessary.
• Cracks and build-up of creosote can bring deadly carbon monoxide into your home.
• Make sure the damper is open and check the flue for obstructions. (Your chimney should have a screened cap to prevent birds from nesting inside.)
• Make sure there are no overhanging branches or large trees near your chimney.
• Clear the area around your fireplace of combustibles, including clothing, decorations, furniture, and magazines/papers.
• Have a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it.

Building the Fire:

• Choose the right fuels. Hardwoods (oak, hickory, ash, etc.) burn cleaner than softwoods (fir, pine, cedar, etc.).
• Choose firewood that has been seasoned at least six months to ensure a cleaner burning fire, which will reduce flammable soot.
• Place larger logs at the rear, preferably on top of a metal grate, with kindling in front (or use a manufactured fire starter product).
• If you use a manufactured fire log, follow the product’s directions and only burn one log at a time. These logs are not designed for burning in pre-fabricated fireplaces due to the extreme heat they produce.
• Use caution when adding wood. Partially burned logs can roll forward or collapse causing injury.
• Have a safety screen or glass door in place to prevent embers from starting a fire and to prevent burns or injuries.
• Slightly open a window across the room to establish a fresh air supply. This also helps to carry smoke up the chimney.

Never Burn:

• Laminated or treated wood products (i.e., stained or painted wood, plywood, particle board, etc.)
• Trash (i.e., household garbage, cardboard boxes, piles of paper, magazines, colored newspapers, or wrapping paper). All these items produce toxic chemicals when burned!
• Holiday or Christmas trees.
• Charcoal. (Charcoal produces deadly amounts of carbon monoxide)
• Never use a flammable liquid! Fumes from gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid will collect indoors and may explode.

After Enjoying the Fire:

• Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Do not close the damper until all embers are cool.
• Maintain your fireplace by periodically removing ash buildup.
• Ashes need to be thoroughly cooled and disposed of in a metal can with a tight-fitting lid that is used only for storing ashes. The can should be kept outside and away from any structures or combustibles.
• Never dispose of hot ashes in a compost pile, paper bag, box, or any other combustible containers, such as a plastic garbage can or yard waste barrel. Ashes can stay hot for up to five days!

By following these safety tips you and your family will remain fire safe. For further questions on fireplaces or fireplace safety contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 434-970-3240.

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Fireworks Safety Tips

Fireworks and fireworks displays can be fun and enjoyable for every one of all ages. They can also be dangerous and destructive.  Fireworks account for a substantial number of preventable injuries and fires, incurring high dollar losses each year. These injuries and damages mainly occur during the 4^th of July holiday celebrations, but can happen any time fireworks are being used. Because fireworks can be very hazardous, the best way to enjoy them is by viewing displays put on by trained and certified professionals. Parents must also use extreme caution with small children around fireworks. They should keep children at a safe distance, and not allow them to possess or come in contact with fireworks. The Charlottesville Fire Department would like you to observe the following safety tips to help ensure you and your family stay safe.

Fire Safe Rules to Follow

• Even legal fireworks can be dangerous. Take special precautions to celebrate safely on the Fourth of July. Here are some helpful tips:

• Only approved legal fireworks may be discharged.

• Always have a responsible adult present. Only adults should ignite fireworks.

• When displaying legally purchased, approved fireworks, place them on a flat surfaces, clear of any combustible material and clear of all buildings.

• Never throw fireworks.

• Always read all warnings and instructions.

• Be sure other people are out of range and warned before lighting fireworks.

• Never ignite fireworks while holding them.

• Never build or experiment with homemade fireworks.

• Never try to relight fireworks that have not functioned properly.

• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of a malfunction.

• Call 9-1-1 immediately if a fire starts or if injury occurs. Remember to stop, drop and roll if exposed to fire.

• Dispose of used fireworks by first soaking them in water.

• The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals.

• Always check local rules, laws, or codes, pertaining to the use of fireworks in your area.

Remember:

Misuse of fireworks causing death, injury or property loss shall incur civil or criminal liability. Our goal at The Charlottesville Fire Department is to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4^th of July holiday. Help us protect you and your loved ones.  Please review the City of Charlottesville code on fireworks below.

For any further questions on fireworks contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 434-970-3240.

Section 12:32 (City of Charlottesville Code)

(5)   Fireworks  --No person shall have, keep, store, use, discharge, manufacture, sell, handle or transport any fireworks in the city, except as provided within this section. Nothing in this section shall apply to: 

a.   Any materials or equipment that is used or to be used by any person for signaling or other emergency use in the operation of any railroad train or other vehicle for the transportation of persons or property.

b.   Any officer or member of the armed forces, while acting within the scope of his authority and duties as such, nor to any offer of sale or sale of fireworks to any authorized agent of such armed forces.

The fire chief may, upon due application, issue a permit to a properly qualified person for giving a pyrotechnic display of fireworks in the public parks or other open places. Such permits shall impose such restrictions as, in the opinion of the fire chief, may be necessary to properly safeguard life and property in each case. The term "fireworks," as used in this section, shall mean and refer to any firecracker, sparkler, roman candle, fire balloon, signal light, squib, rocket, railroad track or other torpedo, skyrocket, flashlight composition, or other substance or object, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and which explodes, rises into the air, travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air to obtain visible or audible pyrotechnic effects.