Don't assume "they" have got it covered!

 Photo: Jeremiah Beck

When other people know that you enjoy something, it's so easy to share that thing with you.  A short list of words (bacon, wine, pirates, beer, science, pumpkins, and penguins) creates an instant picture in my mind of the faces of family and friends that go with each of those items.  I am the disaster/safety/weather person in my social circles.  So, a friend sent me this photo that they took of a fire escape.

Would you want to depend on this fire escape to save your life?  In a hurry, who knows what might happen when you hit those rickety rusted-through steps.

I love this real life reminder that we are each responsible for our own safety and for our own provision and for our neighbor's safety as well.  Sure, there are building codes, safety laws, and security personnel, and they are there to protect us.  But it only takes a few minutes to assess your own situation, to walk through a couple of safety routines, and to address any problems you discover.

Know your risks and likely hazards.  Know how to stay safe wherever you are.  And make sure you do your part, in case someone else hasn't done theirs.

Dalmatians, and Popcorn, and Fires, Oh My!

This year at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, the many agencies promoting family safety messages overflowed.  My brain was packed full of information about staying safe around grain bins, electrical wires, on a bicycle, flying an airplane, driving a car, and by getting medical exams.  But every year my favorite location is always the fire safety tent next to the Illinois Fire Museum.

Fire Safety Is Always at the Top of the List

Stories and statistics support taking fire safety seriously, yet each year we continue to see victims of accidental house fires.  Home fires and injuries are so very common and so very preventable.  Make certain that your family and home are protected by following every one of these tested fire safety tips. Each of these tasks are cheap and easy.  

Christmas Gifts: Smoke Detectors

How much do you usually spend on a Christmas gift for someone on your list?  With that amount, you could be instrumental in saving someone's life this Christmas.  Household fires are a leading cause of home accidents in the US, and someone is injured in a residential fire every 30 minutes.  OK, so smoke detectors are not a very snazzy or festive gift, but this may be exactly what someone on your list needs.  Here are a few ideas and approaches I thought up. 

Do you need to replace your smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors wear out! Like any electronic device, there are parts that can break, corrode, fatigue or malfunction. And with the advances in technology, you'll want the best protection for your family. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 5-10 years. I bought my house 10 years ago. As I replaced the smoke detector batteries last week, I realized, "It's time!" Thankfully, most basic smoke detectors cost less than $15. So... this week-end (before we turn on the furnace and cook the turkey) I'll be running to the hardware store for four new life-saving alert devices.

In an emergency four eyes are always better than none

I am blessed to be fairly functional without my glasses. I've even arrived at work more than once without them. I do need mine for reading, fine detail and computer work. My husband, on the other hand, can't do anything without his. A long term loss of our glasses and we'd both be sunk.

If my house is on fire, someone will come to put it out, right?

Not necessarily! Every year hundreds of thousands of homes are affected by a house fire or wildfire. Most of us believe that when we call 9-1-1 that the closest fire department will come running. But many are surprised to learn that that's not always true. There are many different types of local fire services and you need to know exactly how the fire service responds for your home.

This news story brought to light that some areas are covered by a fee based fire service. If you pay the  fee to join, the department will fight a fire on your property. If you don't pay, they won't respond. Other departments may require you to pay the full cost of fire services received when you have a fire.  You need to know exactly what your situation is.

This discussion thread reveals a new home owner that needs to mail a check in ASAP:

• Question:
• After a year of waiting to sell our Florida house, we are finally living in Knoxville! We recently got a letter from Rural/Metro asking for $400 a year for fire protection. Are they for real? I thought it was a sales letter that could be discarded & almost tossed it. We've never lived anywhere where you have to pay separately for protection. Interesting that they refer to it as protection rather than department or some other less mob-sounding words. Thanks for any insight!
• Answers:
• Your insurance company will usually require it or your rates are astronomical. But yes, there is no "public provided" fire service in most of Knox county and surrounding. Bottom line, if you want fire protection you must pay Rural Metro their outlandish fees.
• If you live in the county, then your taxes are about half of the City. So, if you live in the county, you have to pay for your own trash pick up, and Rural Metro for fire protection. Even after paying those fees, you are still probably less that City taxes. Rural Metro and those fire stations/trucks/people have a cost associated to keep them running. You either pay thru your taxes, or pay direct. The only difference is the name on the check.

Fire is the most common disaster that American families will face. US fire departments responded to 377,000 home fires in 2009, make sure you are as protected as possible. 

• Make certain you have working smoke detectors with fresh batteries (replace batteries every 6 months.)
• Check out your home with a fire safety checklist each time you change the smoke alarm batteries.
• Have a fire escape plan and actually practice your plan at least twice a year. Don't forget to crawl to safety.
• Make certain everyone in the household knows the outdoor meeting spot.
• Take special precautions with smoking, cooking, matches and lighters, candles, children, seniors and pets to prevent fires and fire related injury.
• And call your local fire department today to be certain of their terms of service for your home!

Are you backing up your home computer?

I've owned a computer longer than most people, and I've never lost a large amount of data.  Certainly, I've misplaced files, hit the power button before saving was complete, or forgotten to click "Save As" a few times, but I've never faced the total loss and devastation of viruses, lightning strike or hard drive failure... until now!  This week I said a sad farewell to my long-lived desktop computer.  This PC was ancient as computers go these days, but it plugged along just fine.  I was about to hand it over as "the kids' computer" when POW! Blue screen. Diagnosis - hard drive failure. 

Gross! Where did these pests come from?

We agree that bugs, lizards, snakes, and rats are bothersome as uninvited house guests.  But even sweet, furry woodland creatures are a catastrophe in your home.  There are a host of creatures that seem to be creeping into residences all over the US right now.  What's going on?

Bugs and other animals are influenced by many of the same weather disasters we have been facing here in the US.  Over the past few months, flooding and wildfires have forced many bugs and animals out of their natural habitat, often into residential and suburban areas that are build above flood plains.  Drought in other areas pushes wildlife to travel great distances seeking water that is often found in parks, fountains, pools, well watered lawns and possibly your bathtub.  Severe heat creates desperate situations for insects and animals that must seek any shelter, and some smaller creatures may find your home a comfortable fit.

Getting in (or out of) Your Garage in a Disaster

Let's take a look at the safety of your garage not only from intruders, but also from a disaster safety point of view. 

• You need to be able to access your garage during a power outage.  If the garage is attached to your home or has manual doors, you're probably fine.  But if your doors are only power lift doors, be certain that you have another walk-in door or access that you can use when the power goes out.

• Also, be certain that all the drivers in the family know how to disengage the door lift motor and manually lift the door.  In a weather or earthquake related emergency, you may need to make a quick exit by car.

Getting ready...

What a busy summer we've begun, and it promises to get even crazier.  Last week, I attended a class in Jefferson City, Missouri, to learn to better run an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during a local disaster.  This week, I'm building a radio campaign to help promote and educate about basic emergency preparedness.  (You'll hear more about that later.)  I love talking to people about readiness because it's important and it's easy to do.

What is your readiness level?  How many of these boxes can you check?

• Family emergency plan is written and practiced for a variety of hazards.
• Family communications plan is written and understood.
• Out-of-State emergency contact is known (memorized) by all.
• Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and CO detectors are installed.  Fire plan and meeting place are practiced.
• Evacuation (go-bags) are packed and easily accessible.
• Home emergency kit contains 72 hours of food, flashlights and batteries, and other supplies.
• Shelter in place kit contains plastic sheeting, duct tape, and a bucket.
• Critical documents (legal documents, banking, insurance, and medical) have to-go copies assembled.
• Other emergency kits are in place: car, commuter, work, school, etc.
• A NOAA radio in your home, workplace, etc. is always on - someone is listening for alerts.
• Likely evacuation routes and destinations (hotel, friends, family, etc.) identified.
• Small business owners have a business disaster plan and expectations developed.
• Key employees (management, medical, government, etc.) have a plan for your family in a disaster.
• Alternative "utilities" identified for your home. (Heat, lights/power, cooking, etc.)
• Necessary medical needs have back-up and stock-up for a week or more during an emergency. (Power, medication, supplies, treatments, etc.)
• Safe room and wind mitigation prepared for high winds (straight line winds, tornado, hurricane, etc.).
• Earthquake mitigation begun (attach shelves, support water heater, reduce overhead storage, etc.)
• Get a little training, certification, and practice in your area of interest.  (First aid, search and rescue, Ham radio, alternative power, volunteer assistance, first response, home safety, public education, etc.)

What would you save?

In emergency management, there are three priorities for every incident. Listed in order, they are - life safety (victims and responders), incident stabilization (getting the problem under control), and property preservation (saving what can be saved.) As we delve into preparedness, these priorities hold true as well. But in this very moment, you have the benefit of time to spare. Until the first crisis hits, you can prioritize, plan, and organize to our heart's content. At Everyday Providence, we spend a lot of 'real estate' on life safety and incident stabilization.  Let's take a look at some steps we might take to save some important items during a disaster. 

What would you save, if you could? Old photographs? The family bible? Jewelry? Your kids 'art' collection? Your wedding dress (or Mama's)? A hope chest? Your Pez dispenser collection? Books? An antique? Power tools? Your computer? A bottle of wine? And what about information lost? How easily could you compile financial, medical, insurance and historical details? Although fire is the most common household disaster, don't forget the damage caused by flooding (flash floods can hit any area), storm and wind damage, backed up sewers, theft (looting and vandalism), or sudden evacuation.

Take a minute to consider what and how you might save important and precious items in a fire, earthquake, flood or evacuation. Keep copies of legal records in a fire safe, at a bank safety deposit box, in another location, or on a flash drive. Scan photos, albums, and scrapbooks and save them on online. Anchor large items to walls to prevent them overturning in an earthquake (or onto a mischievous child.) Prioritize antiques and irreplaceable items now, so that you aren't forced to think it through under the pressure of an evacuation. You may also consider home safety monitoring, home fire suppression (sprinklers), and a talk with your insurance agent about coverage needs.

Talk to your family (and neighbors?) about these needs and desires.  You may not be home when disaster strikes.  Your husband, children or babysitter may not value the same things you do.

Always keep safety first and never re-enter an unsafe building. Fire, earthquake, major structural damage, water, hazardous fumes and gas may all prevent you from safely entering your home.  I know a woman who, after assuring that her family was safe, returned inside her raging, burning home to rescue old photos and grandma's handmade quilt. Her house was a total loss, and these are basically all she has left. But what a terrible price she could have paid.

A Warning NOT To Ignore - A Carbon Monoxide Alarm

A spacefill model of a carbon monoxide molecule.

My father will cringe as I write this, but when a warning indicator lights up the dash of my van, I don't always make a bee-line to the shop to get it fixed.  Of course, it depends on which light and if it's blinking.  I've got things to do, places to be and kids to shuttle, and if the van sounds and drives fine, I figure I've got a few miles leeway, right?  However, there are warnings that you don't ignore.  On our way to Target this week, the van was difficult to start, but it was very cold... unusually cold.  It ran a little rough as well, and the heat in the cabin wasn't working well.  Then the indicator light for engine temperature came on and as I checked the gauge, I knew we had a problem.  This was an alarm that I wasn't going to ignore.  Straight to the garage!  Turns out we were quite low on coolant/antifreeze.   Had I ignored this warning, we would certainly have faced a large repair bill and, possibly, a long and cold walk.

This week, my friend Judy got a critical warning at home.  She didn't ignore the warning, but she didn't know exactly what to do about it either.  The carbon monoxide alarm at her home went off!  Having an alert system is not enough if you don't know how to respond.  Here's the low down and the links to get you the information you need about carbon monoxide and CO detectors.  (By the way, my friend's CO alarm was legitimate and she'll be getting a new furnace today!)

What to do when an alarm goes off:
Silence the alarm, but do not reset or unplug it.
Wake everyone up.  Check their health.  Get to a source of fresh air.
If you can, get out of the house.  (Do a head count, be certain.)
Open a few windows to air out the house.
Call 9-1-1, the fire department, or the gas company.
Do not return until the house has been completely checked.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is tricky:
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is a by-product of combustion (burning).  Your furnace, space heaters, oven and stove, water heater, fireplace, grills, and vehicles may all produce CO.  Homes are designed to vent this out, but things can go wrong and if it stays inside, you can be harmed. 

The primary symptoms of CO poisoning are flu-like symptoms - headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion and irritability.  As blood levels rise, it causes vomiting, loss of consciousness, brain damage and death.  CO poisoning is often misdiagnosed!  (You need a detector.)  CO poisoning occurs as the CO binds to the hemoglobin in your blood, creating COHb which is toxic.  You will not know that it's happening until you experience symptoms, including confusion.  Do you see the problem?

CO is certainly a concern at high levels for a short time, but also at low levels for a prolonged period of time.  Current UL Standard #2034 says your alarm must sound when low levels (30 ppm) have been detected for 30 days!  (This is why you don't reset your monitor, just silence it.)  These lower levels can cause slower, sneakier symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.  Your detector also looks for higher levels in much shorter time periods - like 400ppm for four minutes - that often cause a sudden onset of symptoms. 

Other thoughts about CO poisoning and detectors:

• Every year there are many cases of CO poisoning on boats, campers, and cabins.  You need detectors there as well.
• Average life-span of a CO detector is two years.  Plan to replace it that often, or as recommended on the package.  As technology pushed forward, the accuracy and reliability of safety devices generally increases.
• A documented relationship exists between alcohol consumption and CO poisoning deaths.  Drink responsibly.
• False alarms are deadly to ignore.  Take action every time your alarms go off.  If you are convinced they are false alarms, contact your local gas or fire authority to check the placement of your detectors and get new detectors.  If they continue to go off, you assuredly have a larger problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
• Power outages (or furnace problems) often slow normal ventilation, and may cause people to improvise heating, often exposing people to greater CO poisoning risk.
• Don't take the alarm for granted. Follow recommendations for gas and fuel appliances and make good choices that do not risk lives.
• Generators must be placed outdoors, away from openings to the building like doors, windows and vents. 
• Follow manufacturers instructions for location and installation on CO alarms or consult your local fire department or gas company.  Hard wired alarms need a battery backup.  Locations needs to ensure that the alarm will get adequate air flow to detect CO, it will be heard (especially at night), that it will not be damaged easily, and that it will not trigger false alarms.

For more information about carbon monoxide:
First Alert brand's website has detailed CO information.
About.com has this chemistry based article on how CO monitors work.
You can find information from the CDC and EPA, as well.
The Mayo clinic describes causes, symptoms, and treatment for CO poisoning.
OSHA's site reminds us the CO poisoning can occur at work, too.

Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself. - Desiderius Erasmus (1469-1536)

Over the holidays, I was out with family and reached in my purse for my camera.  I couldn’t locate it by rooting around, and had to set it down and look inside to find it.  How dependent we are on being able to see!  Some time later, my husband couldn’t find a flashlight, so seeing the complete package of 2 flashlights complete with batteries near the back steps, he tore into them, popping the batteries in both lights, thinking that maybe I just hadn’t got around to doing it.  Well, I hadn’t got around to doing it because they were there for an emergency.  I’ve already ordered a replacement for the stairs as well as one for the front door because in an emergency, being able to see is so critical for taking immediate action.  Here are some ideas for your flashlights.

Store the flashlight and the batteries together, but do not store batteries in the flashlight.  Over time, batteries will slowly drain and you might be out of luck when you need it most!  Make sure your flashlight is accessible and stored in a reasonable location.  Inside at room temperature is better than in a cold/hot garage.  Don’t make it too hard to get to.  If it’s in the basement when the sump pump fails, a flooded basement will make it difficult to access.  You may want to keep one in your car and desk at work, too.

Don’t just stop at one.  Have several flashlights on hand for different purposes.  A small one that can be tucked into a hat and used as a headlamp.  A large one with large capacity batteries for bright light needs.  Consider one that can be free-standing and serve as a room light.  Compare bulb brightness (LED vs. incandescent) and capacity (AAA batteries vs. C cells).  Consider diversifying your flashlights and batteries in case the ones you need are out of stock at the store.  Remember that rechargeable ones are great, but when the power is out, there’s no way to recharge.  Also, dispose of used batteries properly.

Don’t forget the trusty old candle as a light source, but beware the risk of fire!  Place and light candles where you normally would – a high, flat, wide, safe surface.  Don’t put them on the floor or on the edge of a counter.  Keep them away from flammable materials (drapes, upholstery, etc.) A candle might not provide light to perform a task, but it can provide orientation for knowing where you are.  Don’t carry around a candle to use as a flashlight.  Do not sleep or leave your house with a lit candle inside.  A jar candle or tea light in a votive holder may be safer than a taper.

Where do you keep your flashlight?

Functional Friday: Preparedness Project - Smoke Detectors & Fire Safety

September is Emergency Preparedness Month! Want an easy and simple step toward preparing for an emergency? Make sure your home is outfitted with proper smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The upcoming months may include turning on the heat, using the fireplace, decorating with candles and Christmas tree lights, holiday cooking – all potential fire hazards.

Week-end Preparedness Project Pick one (or pick them all)   Time: Cost: (depending on what you have already) Difficulty:  ☐  Inventory your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your house.  ☐  Make sure that you have enough and they’re in the correct locations.  ☐  Identify if any need replaced.  ☐  Write down the type and number of batteries each one takes.  ☐  This weekend, visit your hardware store and purchase replacement or new detectors.  ☐  Purchase enough replacement batteries for each device.  ☐  Visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website for guidance

Want to do more?

Plan and practice using various escape routes, even out the window. This is a great way to identify if you need an emergency ladder.

Buy a fire extinguisher. Rogue candles, cooking gone wrong, or an electrical fire could be contained long enough to escape with the help of proper fire extinguishers.

Think of how you can store some emergency supplies away from your home in the event of fire: extra bag in the detached garage, a drawer at work, something at a neighbor’s house.

Home Fire Escape Plan

I am passionate about home and office fire safety.  I'm a risk taker by nature, and I love to play with fire. But I am heart-broken when I hear of needless injuries related to preventable fires. I have to admit I've been burned a few times, but never seriously.  However, my friend's son was recently burned quite badly in a home fire that started in the garage with a legitimate car repair project.  Fortunately, no one lost their life, but the suffering that this family has endured in the past few months has been heavy on my heart.

If you didn't catch Monday's post, start reading there.  Fire safety always starts with prevention, and Monday's post contains lots of links and tips to keep you home (and office) safe from accidental fires.  This post is about what to do if you find yourself in the midst of a home or office fire.  I'm keeping it VERY simple.  There are so many possible twists and turns to a home fires that I get bogged down in the details at first.  However, many home fire injuries and fatalities could be avoided by following a few simple rules.

• Practice your fire plan.  Can everyone in your family tell you what to do and where to meet?  Know who may and may not use a fire extinguisher.  Know who will lead children under 5 years and others who may require assistance.  Everyone should practice two ways of escaping from every room in the house.  Call 9-1-1 immediately!

• Only use fire extinguishers if the fire is smaller than a small trash can. A home extinguisher only lasts 10-15 seconds.

• Get down!  Smoke and heat rise to the ceiling.  Fire victims are significantly more likely to perish from smoke inhalation that actual burns. 

• Check doors before you open them.  If the door or the handle are hot, don't open it.

• Get out and stay out! Everyone should get out of ANY HOUSE with a fire.  Don't wait.  Don't go to another room.  Don't see IF you need to leave.  Seconds count.  Get out now!

Here are a few other tips to keep in mind.

Know who will respond to your home's fire and how to contact them.  (Some areas do not have 9-1-1 yet.  Some areas don't have public protection and require that you pay and register in advance.)

Sprinklers save lives.  Home installation of a sprinkler system is becoming more affordable, especially during new construction.

Security bars on windows present special considerations for fire escape planning. 

Fire planning and drills are critical for the elderly, in offices, and multi-story or larger buildings.

Fires spread fast.  Seconds count.  You don't have time to make decisions.  You will do what you have practiced.  Watch this 5 minute video that brings it all home.

Home Fire Safety

As we approach a festive season full of delicious feasts, baked treats, warm fires, and fragrant candles, everyday Providence will be taking this week to look at home fire safety.   Simple precautions will greatly reduce your family's chances of suffering a fire this season.  Thanks to heightened safety and awareness, the numbers of house fires, injuries, and fatalities has declined significantly in the past 20-30 years.  Let's take a look at a few potential causes of house fires.

• Smoking in bed is NEVER a good idea.  Don't do it.  One in four fire deaths starts with a cigarette.
• Cooking fires account for the most house fires and usually begin when food is left on the stove or in the oven unattended.
• Many homes begin to turn on the furnace to break the chill of cool autumn nights. Most heating related fires occur in December, January and February.
• Electrical fires are often caused by faulty wiring, electrical appliances, and extension cords, and light fixtures starting fires.
• Candles cause 15,000 fires each year.  Burning candles must be attended at all times, away from flammable objects, and safely held in an appropriate candle holder away from children and pets.
• Other areas for concerns for household fire safety include generators, fire places and chimney fires, outdoor fires (fire pits and grills) and space heaters.

What’s on your home's Fire Safety Checklist? Here are some suggestions:

• Ensure that you have adequate smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Change the batteries ever 6 months. Test monthly.
• Locate home fire extinguishers near every exit door and in the room with each heating device (furnace, space heater, oven/stove, water heater, etc.)
• Schedule an inspection and cleaning for your furnace, fireplace, and fire extinguishers.
• Take a careful look at your home’s potential fire hazards – flammable liquids, combustible materials – ensure that they’re stored safely (never in glass) and away from ignition sources.
• Do not burn candles while they’re unattended.
• Do not overload circuits; electric heaters can be a huge fire hazard. Use only UL Listed electrical devices. Avoid permanent use of extension cords or hiding them beneath rugs.
• Review your evacuation plan and exit routes in case of a fire. Make sure that your exit doors and windows can be easily accessed and opened by everyone in the house.
• Teach everyone what to do if the smoke detectors or CO detectors alarm. Practice it.  And when the alarm goes off, follow your plan, even if the fire is small.
• Ensure that emergency response numbers and your contact information (including your address and directions to your home) are posted near the phone.
• Make copies of important documents and store them at a secure location other than your house.
• Purchase a fire-rated safe for other important items and documents.
• Consider keeping some emergency clothing and other items away from your home – work, a detached garage, etc.
• Go to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for much more safety information. 

Consider supporting your local fire department's efforts by providing fire safety equipment to local residents that may not be able to afford (or simply may not make the effort) to include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors or fire extinguishers in their home safety plans.  Most of these items cost less than $20 each.  They can make a life and death difference in homes in your community because nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occurred in homes with no (or non-working) smoke detectors.  Simply purchase an item and drop it off (in the original packaging) at your local fire house, or stop by and make a donation to provide equipment, batteries, or training and education for local families.

Fire safety and preparedness should involve more than just preventing fires; next post we'll consider what you should do if a fire does break out in your home or work.