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Fire Safety
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Smoke Alarms
Family Escape Plan
Carbon Monoxide
Rural Fire Safety and Prevention
Holiday Fire Prevention
Winter Weather
Outdoor Burning
Fire Safety for Kids
KIDS! Be Fire Safe!
Some fires are okay, like when your parents start one in the fireplace or cook outside on a grill. But fire can be dangerous. It can hurt you and get out of control quickly.
It's easy to be fire safe. By being on the lookout for things that can cause fires and knowing what to do in case of one, you can help keep your family safe. McGruff has some advice on how you can be fire safe.
Be on the lookout for anything that could start a fire. Watch out for:
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Matches and lighters |
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Old and worn-out electrical cords |
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Too many cords in a wall socket |
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Candles burning in an empty room |
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Clothes and blankets near space heaters and on hot lamps |
If you see something that you think could start a fire, don't touch it and tell an adult right away. You can ask an adult to put matches and lighters away, blow out candles, replace old electrical cords and move hot objects away from things that could catch on fire.
Another way to stay fire safe is to be prepared. Remember to:
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Remind your parents to check smoke detectors often to make sure they work right and to change the batteries. If you don't have a smoke detector near your bedroom, ask your parents to put one in. |
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Plan a fire escape route and practice it. Find two different ways of leaving each room in your house, and agree with your family on a safe place to meet outside. Remember if there is a fire, stay low to the floor, get out as fast as you can, and stay outside of your house. |
Burn Permits for Birch Run Township may be obtained at the Township Office.
Please call (989) 624-9773.
A burn permit, which is free, is required any time a property owner burns yard debris, such as leaves, tree limbs, brush or grass. Burning is not allowed within 1,400 feet of a city or village, according to Department of Environmental Quality air quality regulations.
"We strongly urge property owners to obtain a burn permit before they plan on burning any brush, tree limbs or leaves this spring," said Paul Kollmeyer, DNR fire prevention specialist. "The permits are required, and are free of charge."
Items that property owners are allowed to burn include tree limbs, brush, stumps, leaves, evergreen needles and grass. Items you are not allowed to burn because of air quality laws include automobile parts, demolition debris and construction debris.
If you are going to burn yard waste, the DNR offers the following safety tips to prevent a wildfire:
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Never leave an outdoor campfire or debris fire unattended, even for a moment; |
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Have water available in case your fire begins to escape. If your fire does escape, call for help immediately; |
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Always be sure your debris fire and/or campfire is completely extinguished before leaving it unattended. Improperly extinguished fires are one of the leading causes of wildfires. They also are a major cause of burns among children. Hundreds of children are burned each year when they fall into or walk over an improperly extinguished fire; |
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Drown your fire with plenty of water. Wet everything thoroughly, especially the undersides of unburned pieces. Stir the ashes to find any hot spots - you will see and hear steam escape when you find one. Wet everything again with more water; |
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Do not simply bury your fire with soil. In most cases, this will not extinguish the fire. |
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources http://www.michigan.gov/dnr
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety features you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family and your home.
Okay, where do I put them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside the sleeping area.
Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or 6 to 8 inches below the ceiling on side walls. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
How do I keep my smoke alarms working?
Smoke alarms are very easy to take care of. There are two steps to remember.
- Simply replace the batteries at least once a year.
- Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.
What if the alarm goes off while I'm cooking?
Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location.
Anything else I should know?
Some smoke alarms are considered to be "hard wired." This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery back-up. It's important to test every smoke alarm monthly. And always use new batteries when replacing old ones.
Source: United States Fire Administration www.usfa.dhs.gov
Smoke detectors are essential warning devices in the event of a fire. However, families must have an action plan which should include escape, notification and accountability.
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Draw a floor plan of your home, labeling each exit. |
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Plan 2 exits from each room; one of them may be blocked when you need it. |
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Don’t open hot doors. |
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Crawl under smoke. |
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Assign a helper for infants or adults with limited mobility. |
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Designate a meeting place that is far enough away from the home to be safe from spreading fire. |
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Call 911 from a cell phone or a neighbor’s home after exiting the burning structure. |
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Take “roll” at the meeting place. Make sure everyone is accounted for. |
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Never return to the home for any reason. If someone is missing; inform the fire department. Firefighters are trained in rescue, and have proper safety equipment. |
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Teach children not to hide from firefighters. If you become lost or trapped by fire inside your home; close all doors between yourself and the fire. Listen for rescuers, and call out so they can hear you. |
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Share your plan with visitors. Ask about fire safety when visiting others or vacationing. |
Practice your plan often. Even during the day, a smoke filled room can make visibility very difficult for finding exits. Practice in the dark or with your eyes closed to be sure that exits can be located even if you can’t see them.
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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, which is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels, such as coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas and fuel oil. |
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Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves and fireplaces, gas stoves, gas powered equipment such as generators, and vehicle exhaust are all sources of carbon monoxide. |
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Carbon monoxide interferes with the distribution of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body. Exposure can impede coordination, worsen cardiovascular conditions, and produce fatigue, headache, weakness, confusion, nausea and dizziness. Higher concentrations can be fatal. |
Prevention
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Appliances should be adjusted and working properly. |
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Have heating systems, chimneys, and flues inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional. |
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Open flues when fireplaces are in use. |
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Use proper fuel in space heaters. |
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Stoves and heaters should be vented to the outside with no exhaust leaks. |
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Do not idle vehicles inside garage. |
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
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Carbon monoxide detectors can be used as a backup, but not as a replacement for proper use and maintenance of fuel burning appliances. |
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Detectors should be placed on the wall approximately 5 feet above the floor. (CO is slightly lighter than air.) |
If your CO detector goes off
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Don't ignore the alarm! It is designed to go off before symptoms appear. |
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Check to see if any member of the household is experiencing symptoms. If they are, exit the house immediately, and call 911. |
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If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate with fresh air and turn off all potential sources of CO. |
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Have appliances and chimneys inspected by a professional. |
Source: National Safety Council www.nsc.org
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases. Selecting a Tree for the Holiday Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Holiday Lights
Maintain Your Holiday Lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
Artificial Christmas Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Candle Care
Avoid Using Lit Candles If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.
Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
Source: United States Fire Administration www.usfa.dhs.gov
Rural Fire Safety and Prevention
A move from an urban center to a suburb or rural area requires you to rethink fire safety. First, you must be aware of special fire hazards near wooded areas. Second, geographic location may create longer response times for fire and rescue services.
If you live in the rural-urban interface, the point where homes meet combustible vegetation, you must increase your role to protect lives and property in your community beyond the city limits.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to practice the following fire safety steps in rural areas. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!
Fire Facts about Rural Living
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Once a fire starts outdoors in a rural area, it is often hard to control. Wildland firefighters are trained to protect natural resources, not homes and buildings. |
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Many homes are located far from fire stations. The result is longer emergency response times. Within a matter of minutes, an entire home may be destroyed by fire. |
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Limited water supply in rural areas can make fire suppression difficult. |
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Homes may be secluded and surrounded by woods, dense brush and combustible vegetation that fuel fires. |
Tips For Making Your Property Fire Resistant
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Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked, and the roof and rain-gutters free from debris such as dead limbs and leaves. |
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Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home. |
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Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences. |
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Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your home. |
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Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly. |
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Post home address signs that are clearly visible from the road. |
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Provide emergency vehicle access with properly constructed driveways and roadways, at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space. |
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Make sure water sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire department. |
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Burning yard waste is a fire hazard. Check with your local fire agency on a non-emergency number for fire permit requirements and restricted burning times. |
Protect Your Home
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Use fire resistant, protective roofing and materials like stone, brick and metal to protect your home. Avoid using wood materials that offer the least fire protection. |
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Cover all exterior vents, attics and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters. |
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Install multipane windows, tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows from radiant heat. |
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Use fire-resistant draperies for added window protection. |
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Have chimneys, wood stoves and all home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist. |
Prepare Your Family
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Know how to contact fire emergency services in your area. |
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Plan ahead. Make sure you and your family are prepared for a fire emergency. |
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Develop and practice escape and evacuation plans with your family. |
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Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long-life smoke alarms. |
Source: United States Fire Administration http://www.usfa.dhs.gov
Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions.
Car Checklist
Keep your car fueled and in good working order. Check the following:
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Car and Emergency Supplies
Prepare your car with emergency supplies. Include:
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Travel with caution:
Listen for travel warnings. Avoid icy roads if possible. Use tire chains. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify help if you are late. Check and restock emergency supplies in your car before you leave. Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; the windshield may shatter. If you are trapped in your car in a winter storm:
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Stay in the car. |
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Do not leave the car to look for help unless help is visible within 100 yards. |
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Display a “call for help” sign. |
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Raise the car hood or hang a brightly colored cloth on the antenna to signal for help. |
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To keep warm, turn on the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater only when the car is running. (Avoid running the car battery down.) |
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Turn on car lights only when the car is running. (Avoid running the car battery down.) |
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Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. (Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.) |
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Open a window slightly for fresh air. Do light exercise to stay warm. If you’re alone, stay awake as much as possible. |
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If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping. |
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For warmth, huddle close together. |
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Wrap your body and head with extra clothes, blankets, newspapers, maps, or removable car mats. |
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Do not eat snow (lowers your body temperature). |
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If no other water is available, snow can be melted for water using a can and a lit match. (Please note: Water must come to a rolling boil for one minute to kill most germs, but boiling water won’t get rid of chemicals sometimes found in snow.) |
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
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