Springtime Weather - Emergency Preparedness
Preparation should consist of reviewing family safety, gathering important documents, family information, and supplies. Family members should be reminded of the dangers. Go indoors at the first signs of severe weather. Preparing a disaster kit can be an important means of providing essential supplies after a storm. Minimum kit items should include several days of water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlight with fresh batteries, sanitation items, and blankets. A battery operated radio is essential as well. Care should be given to include medications or special items needed for infant, elderly, or disabled family members. These items can be stored in a sturdy backpack or waterproof tote. A comprehensive list of items can be found at local and state websites. The District can be contacted to assist with family severe weather preparedness.
Other topics to be addressed during the year-long campaign include home preparedness, workplace preparedness, earthquake preparedness, children and preparedness, weather-related preparedness, cyber security, preparedness for people with pets and livestock and preparedness for people with functional needs.
Fire Prevention
Smoke Alarms
During a recent survey in the District of 600 homeowners, it was discovered that 25% of the homes in the District did not have smoke alarms. Click on the link for some helpful information of the location and installation of smoke alarms.
National Fire Protection News Release 9-2009
Candles - the number one cause of residential fires
Avoid using 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 a candle unattended - ever. The consequences can be deadly and destructive.
Fire Safety - How to deal with a common kitchen fire: oil in a frying pan
At a fire fighting training school, it would be demonstrated what can occur with a deep fat fryer set on fire. An instructor would don a fire suit and use an 8 oz. cup at the end of a 10 foot pole and toss water onto a grease fire.
The results got the attention of the students. The water, being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom where it instantly becomes superheated. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out. On the open field, it became a thirty foot high fireball that resembled a nuclear blast.
Inside the confines of a kitchen, the fire ball hits the ceiling and fills the entire room, Also, do not throw sugar or flour on a grease fire. One cup of either creates the explosive force of two sticks of dynamite.
This is a powerful message - watch the video and don't forget what you see.